Subwoofer Recommendations?

PrazVT

Hi Guys. Looking for sub recommendations for my cousin's new HT.

Right now he's decided on the following setup:

Fronts - LSi9s
Center - LSiC
Surrounds - Either RTi A3s or I was thinking Blackstone TL3s (he wants the surrounds to be a little less space consuming).
Pre - Onkyo 708
Amp - NAD T955

Already has:
Samsung 63" Plasma
LG BD670 blu-ray player

The next issue is the sub(s). The system will probably be 50/50 music / movies. And music wise, it's mostly classic rock and pop (ugh..Hindi film songs lol).

I don't have that much experience with subs. I have a PSW110 (gave to my sis) and a PSW-505. My parents have dual PSW-505s as well. I like them, and they hit pretty hard for the $$. But wanted to see what other options are out there.

What would your recommendations be for a $350 - $500 sub? And would 2 smaller ones be as effective as one big sub? They would be positioned in the rear corners, one on each side of the main couch.

How are the DSW PROs?

Thanks.

Praz

slk55amg

I have two subs, a Velodyne DSQ10, its very nice, but the polk Micropro 4000 rocks!! The piano black finish will be a nice match for his LSIC and the LSI,9s, wait for polk direct to have them, other wise its an expensive sub.

cnh

You can get an Epik Legend for 499 (currently). You can get TWO for 899. One of the better subs in your range!

http://www.epiksubwoofers.com/legend.html

You could pick up a 12" SVS for 599 new...could look for a used one, also.

Both subs are 'better' my current sub which was also in that 499 MSRP range NEW!

cnh

newrival

If he could stretch to $550, he could get find a KILLER sub in the Hsu Research VTF-2 mk3

Here: http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-2-mk3.html

Check out some reviews. For the money, It's tough to beat. And to your question, it would likely trounce any of the DSW Pros handily.

Geoff4rfc

cnh wrote: »

You can get an Epik Legend for 499 (currently). You can get TWO for 899. One of the better subs in your range!

cnh

Totally agree with the Epik

Florida_Gator

I was thinking HSU also -- what would be the model right below the VTF-2 mk3 (to be in his budget)? That would probably do well also.

I recently bought a new sub (BIC F12 because I wanted decent but inexpensive for HT, not music), but if it was more for music, I'd have gone with an HSU STF-1 or -2 ($250-$300).

newrival

ok scratch what I said. With that sale on the Epik, it's a no brainer.

The Hsu VTF-2 is a killer sub but the Epik is more on par with the more expensive VTF-3 model. The one thing that the Hsu has that might still make it a contender is the variable tuning.

PrazVT

Thanks guys!

Would a single Epik Legend or HSU do the trick? Again, my only point of reference is the PSW-505 which I think does struggle a little in a larger room.

slk55amg

The Epik is a great sub, I am not sure what type of cabinet it has. The polk micropro 2000, 3000, and 4000, is in piano black. If looks matter at all, I can tell you it matches my LSI,s and my Sony tv stand, all have the piano black finish. Besides the fact the 4000 can rock the house, it looks outstanding

PrazVT

Nah, looks don't really matter. Function over form in this case I suspect.

mystik610

PrazVT wrote: »

Thanks guys!

Would a single Epik Legend or HSU do the trick? Again, my only point of reference is the PSW-505 which I think does struggle a little in a larger room.

I'd go for the Epik in a large room.

dnoyeB

PrazVT wrote: »

Thanks guys!

Would a single Epik Legend or HSU do the trick? Again, my only point of reference is the PSW-505 which I think does struggle a little in a larger room.

YOu didn't tell us how large the room is. The HSU room size recommendations I find to be accurate. I have a VTF-2 MK3 which is more than enough for my ~3500sqft room.

See size recommendations
http://www.hsuresearch.com/faq.html

PrazVT

I'd say the family room is <400sqft, but it's a perfect rectangle. closed on the left side (back door). open on the right side (kitchen counter). wood floors all over.

So sounds like one of either one of those subs should be enough?

rooftop59

FWIW I would suggest that he look at used subs. You get even more bang for the buck and your options open up considerably. Keep a close eye on audiogon at under 500 offerings (and OBOs that are a little over) and you might be able to snag something pretty incredible...
Peace,
Paul

mystik610

PrazVT wrote: »

I'd say the family room is <400sqft, but it's a perfect rectangle. closed on the left side (back door). open on the right side (kitchen counter). wood floors all over.

So sounds like one of either one of those subs should be enough?

How many cubic feet?

PrazVT

Let me find out the exact dimensions from him.

PrazVT

16 x 18 with 10ft ceiling, so about 2880 cu. ft +/-

cnh

One sub can handle that space, but many will still use two. My advice, get one for now. You can always buy a second. Unless you want to get the discount from Epik on two and be done with 'guessing' whether or not a second sub would be better than 'just one'.

cnh

PrazVT

Good call cnh - I didn't see the dual legends pricing.

Thanks for all the input guys - will pass it along!

slk55amg

Mr " great room" where my home theater is, is of similar size, with 12foot celings. As you can see from my sig I run 2 subs, I like it better than just one.

Ron Temple

PrazVT wrote: »

Good call cnh - I didn't see the dual legends pricing.

Thanks for all the input guys - will pass it along!

I think with the discount, that 2 Legends are slightly cheaper than a single Empire. Shipping is cheaper. That said, the Empire has slightly more output than 2 Legends.

PrazVT

Interesting - well I gave him all the feedback, so let me see what he decides.

PrazVT

As an update - the Legend came in last week. Great build quality and looks really nice. The HT remodel is almost done, so we should be inaugurating his new system this weekend hopefully. We have yet to hook everything up, but I'm looking forward to hearing this sub.

Bernal

OPTIMUN

http://www.velodyne.com/vproducts/docs/Optimum%20datasheet_web.pdf

Slaine777

I'd like to hear what he thinks of the Legend. I just ordered an Empire for my system (around 5000 cubic feet)

PrazVT

Yeah same here - without hearing it, it's tough to gauge whether you need 1 Legend, 2 Legends, 1 Empire ... so we'll find out in a few days. Will report back w/ impressions.

Sherardp

PrazVT wrote: »

Yeah same here - without hearing it, it's tough to gauge whether you need 1 Legend, 2 Legends, 1 Empire ... so we'll find out in a few days. Will report back w/ impressions.

When it comes to subwoofers, do it in pairs bro. Especially for a HT rig. Insane bass is key to the immersion. Heck some even do it in quads.

PrazVT

Word - when I added a 2nd PSW-505 to my dad's HT, it definitely improved things.

My cousin (in-law) literally bought the whole system in a matter of a week - speakers, sub, amp, receiver, speaker wire, ICs, TV - plus the in progress remodel. He's probably willing to buy a 2nd sub - but I think for now that's all he can get away with before my cousin kills him

over50

Question for those with more knowledge on sub's. I have a Polk DSW MicroPro 2000. I was thinking of buying a Polk DSW Micropro 1000 on sale from Newegg $350. or should i buy they Epik Legend. My room is about 12x20. So would you more expirenced recommend dual polks or single Epik Legend?