Bit confused with the specs and performance of the following subs

gfong

Background: I am trying to find a better sub for my system as I was using an entry level sub.
System:
Sony STR5400ES Reciever
Sony SCD CE595 SACD player
Rti A7's
CSi A6
FXi A4

Here are the three that I have tried. I have had the Polk and the Soundstage for a few years and just purchased the Martin Logan hoping it would make a big impact (upgrade) to my system.

Polk Audio PSW 10
Specs
50 watts max 100
10" driver
Frequency Response 35 - 200 Hz (40 - 160 Hz ±3dB)
crossover 80 - 200Hz

Martin Logan Dynamo 500
Specs
120 watts rms (360 watts peak)
10" driver
Frequency Response 29–200 Hz ±3dB
crossover 50–200 Hz

Soundstage 120
Specs
150 watts not sure of max
12" driver
Frequency Response 34-150Hz
crossover 50-150Hz Continuously variable

I have hooked all three up using the lfe input and running the Sony digital calibration on the reciever.

Results: Polk and Martin Logan sound identical, the ML may go a little lower in movies but not much.
Soundstage destroys both of them for movies and I am having trouble noticing a big difference when playing music.

Polk and ML are very close with music and sounds like they do a bit better job then the Soundstage.

My thoughts were that the ML was going to kill both of these subs in music and movies.

I crossed over my fronts and center at 60Hz and the rears at 80Hz. The Sony calibration sets all speakers to large, so set them to small.

When playing SACD's I use Multi direct setup so I think it bypasses what the reciever does. When I go into the settings on the reciever and switch from small speakers to large it does not change the sound at all. Wehn I am using the SACD player with a regular cd when I go in to the reciever settings I switch the speakers to large as it sounds a lot better then when they are on small setting.

Was I expecting too much from the Martin Logan or could it be I have a good sub with the Soundstage?

Is there something I am missing in the set up? I use to run a y cable to the subwoofers but purchased a single cable as the ML has a dedicated lfe setting.
Any thoughts would be appreciated. I am looking for the best sound I can get with the products that I have and am still searching for a sub.

gfong

To update my thread!
Returned the Martin Logan and will be looking at new SVS subs tomorrow. I listened to the ML in the store today and it sounded really nice and not at all like it did in my place. hmmmmmm... more questions of course but will leave this alone as this thread did not get any responses.
Thanks for looking!

TECHNOKID

The PSW10 is not much in the game with the other subs you have listed. In order to provide a Polk comaprative to the other 2 you would have to go with at least the PSW110 and at this price range you might as well go for the PSW505 since I think it is a better bang for the buck at 249$. Now, SVS you are talking more coins but you ll definiterly get what you pay for :cool:

gfong

TECHNOKID wrote: »

The PSW10 is not much in the game with the other subs you have listed. In order to provide a Polk comaprative to the other 2 you would have to go with at least the PSW110 and at this price range you might as well go for the PSW505 since I think it is a better bang for the buck at 249$. Now, SVS you are talking more coins but you ll definiterly get what you pay for :cool:

Thank you for the reply, I will be going to check out the SVS tomorrow.

The Martin Logan that I took back was listed at 650 CAD and was on sale for 499.00 CAD. I got it for $399 CAD and thought I was getting a really awesome sub.
I am sure it is a nice sub but it did not do any better then the Soundstage that I had and that is why I returned it.

Anyway, I learned a lesson that you can not just purchased a sub based on reviews and without demo. So that is why I am going to the SVS dealer to hear them. I will be in that area as I am going to see the Eagles concert in Toronto.

TECHNOKID

gfong wrote: »

Thank you for the reply, I will be going to check out the SVS tomorrow.

The Martin Logan that I took back was listed at 650 CAD and was on sale for 499.00 CAD. I got it for $399 CAD and thought I was getting a really awesome sub.
I am sure it is a nice sub but it did not do any better then the Soundstage that I had and that is why I returned it.

Anyway, I learned a lesson that you can not just purchased a sub based on reviews and without demo. So that is why I am going to the SVS dealer to hear them. I will be in that area as I am going to see the Eagles concert in Toronto.

You are definitely right, auditioning your speakers (su
b included) is your best approach furthermore, make sure you bring your favorite well known contents (DVDs and CDS). Make sure you are provided with a suitable room for auditioning purpose.

Now, when comparing subs, you should compare apples for apples. IE: you compared the PSW10 which is only 50 watts RMS with more powerfull subs. You also have to compare the average low end ratings of each subs and of course try to compare with approximate same value $$$ wise. I am by no mean saying Polk subs are the best but if you compare best bang for the buck, in most cases the Polk will win hands down.

By the way gfong, you might also want to put digitalhome.ca in your favorite when in need of help for your digital technologies help and discussions.

Cheers!
TK

dorokusai

The PSW10 fits most people's expectations in the reality of this hobby. If you're here, that means that you wish to get something better which is only natural to me. You have to realize one thing, the PSW10 is usually given away FREE or in a promotional capacity....which should lead you to concur, it may not be the most bad **** subwoofer in the lineup.

I encourage you to look into all manufacturers but in regards to Polk, you should START with the DSW Pro series.

gfong

Thanks for the information all! I have wanted to hear the DSW series but I have not found a place to listen to them.

I also frequent digitalhome.ca and was doing some searching on there as well!