Subwoofer comparison?

Richd82

Im looking to add a nice sub to my Rti a setup. Im currently looking at the following 2 but open to any suggestions:

1st. Definitive Tech Supercube 2000:
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_735SC2000/Definitive-Technology-SuperCube-2000.html?tp=187&avf=N

2nd. Polk DSW Pro 660i:
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_107DSWP660/Polk-Audio-DSW-PRO-660wi.html?tp=187&avf=N

My question is would i get cleaner, tighter bass out of smaller woofers with dual low bass radiators or would i get better bass out of a single larger woofer? Also another ? is the amp size. Supercube has a 650 watt and gets as low as 20hz. The DSW Pro 660i is rated at 250 w/up to 600 dynamic and reachs as low as 25hz.

Which out of the 2 would blend well with my system and give me a nice tight bass. As i said im also open to other suggestions in or around this price range.

Regards Rich

Syndil

The DefTech Supercube shows a lower limit of 20Hz, but it does not specify a -3db limit, so there is no telling how much loudness is lost at 20Hz. I can't find accurate specs on the Internet either. I am 99.9% certain that the -3db limit on the DefTech is not 20Hz, and given that it uses a 7 1/2" driver opposed to the Polk's 12" driver, I'd be surprised if the DefTech's -3db limit was lower than the Polk's. Just going off of its construction, I'd bet that it's closer to 30 or 32Hz. There's a common saying in the automotive world that I believe applies in the audio world as well: There's no replacement for displacement.

Of course this only speaks to the lower limit of the subs, not how cleanly they reproduce bass. I built a HT system for a friend using the 660 and it is definitely up to the task for HT, but I can't speak to how musical it is. Haven't bothered listening to music on his system yet.

codyc1ark

What are you using them for? Either way, in that price range -

http://hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-2-mk4.html

rooftop59

If you want clean accurate bass, HSU ftw every time. I have never owned a def tech, but every bench test that I have ever seen on those supercubes shows that they lie through their teeth on the specs. the -3db is usually 10-20 hz HIGHER than the limit they specify. My guess is that they one you are looking at based on prior models in down 3db at around 35 hz, which isn't very good. On the other hand, the HSU will likely measure at least as good as its specs in your room. I love my old HSU vtf-3r, which is basically a much older version (with less options) or the one Cody pointed you to. Check it out!
Good luck,
Paul

rickrick37

SVS with best C/P value at that price range.

jbooker82

Syndil wrote: »

The DefTech Supercube shows a lower limit of 20Hz, but it does not specify a -3db limit, so there is no telling how much loudness is lost at 20Hz. I can't find accurate specs on the Internet either. I am 99.9% certain that the -3db limit on the DefTech is not 20Hz, and given that it uses a 7 1/2" driver opposed to the Polk's 12" driver, I'd be surprised if the DefTech's -3db limit was lower than the Polk's. Just going off of its construction, I'd bet that it's closer to 30 or 32Hz. There's a common saying in the automotive world that I believe applies in the audio world as well: There's no replacement for displacement.

Of course this only speaks to the lower limit of the subs, not how cleanly they reproduce bass. I built a HT system for a friend using the 660 and it is definitely up to the task for HT, but I can't speak to how musical it is. Haven't bothered listening to music on his system yet.

It also doesnt say weather the amplifier rating is constant (RMS) or Dynamic / Peak. If it is rated like the frequency responce it is probably peak wattage as well, not constant.

I dont see how a sub that uses passive radiators could be considered accurate. Boomy and explosive sounding yes but accurate no. The two passive radiators do the opposite of what the driver does. The driver extends out causing neg pressure wich draws the passive radiators in. Then when the driver bounces in the passive radiators extend out.

jbooker82

Richd82 wrote: »

As i said im also open to other suggestions in or around this price range.

Regards Rich

The DSW Pro 660 WI sells for $329 and free shipping when New Egg has them on the weekend sale. They didnt have them on sale last weekend so they might be on sale this weekend.

It is a super good sub for $329 but if your looking to get the baddest sub for $600 then you should look at other models as well.

Richd82

Good tip on the 660i. Im gonna pass on the smaller DefTech. I just dont see a smaller speaker providing better bass. I was also looking at the Bic America VK-12 12-Inch 1000-Watt Kevlar Series. I want a sub thats not just boomy. I would like it to also be tight and accurate for music. Also how does the Polk PSW505 stack up against the 660i.

http://www.amazon.com/America-VK-12-1000-Watt-Front-Firing-Subwoofer/dp/B0016J3H18/ref=pd_sxp_grid_pt_2_2

http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-12-Inch-Powered-Subwoofer/dp/B000092TT0/ref=pd_sim_e_10

tommyt21

codyc1ark wrote: »

What are you using them for? Either way, in that price range -

http://hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-2-mk4.html

+1 on this I own one and its more than enough for me. Will most likley blow your other choices out of the water.

tonyb

Look also at Epik, HSU, SVS, the Bic seems good I know some here use it. Also for Polk subs with more bang, the MicroPro series might be up your alley.

Richd82

tommyt21 wrote: »

+1 on this I own one and its more than enough for me. Will most likley blow your other choices out of the water.

i actually ran into 2 people at a local Magnolia HT inside my local BB who also said to check out the HSU series. Heading to the site now to see what the buzz is about...

Hows the Velodyne subs?

Thanks again guys for helping me sort through the insane amount of choices i have to make and weeding out the not so good stuff.

tommyt21

Richd82 wrote: »

i actually ran into 2 people at a local Magnolia HT inside my local BB who also said to check out the HSU series. Heading to the site now to see what the buzz is about...

Hows the Velodyne subs?

Thanks again guys for helping me sort through the insane amount of choices i have to make and weeding out the not so good stuff.

My advice dont skimp on the sub, The HSU will cost around $600 but its worth every fraking penny. You will spend more like I did by going from cheap sub to cheap sub because your not happy. Go for the good stuff the first time and be done with it.. PS another Comparable sub to the HSU's are the Outlaw subs, they were designed by the same guy.

Google HSU vs Velodyne you will find about 50 threads. Here is a sample of what some one else said

"The higher end Velodynes are nice, especially the ones with remote gain control. But I'd be very very surprised if they could keep up with the Hsu or SVS subs on a dollar to performance basis.

When you buy a Velo sub you're paying for both their profit margin and the dealer's profit margin. With an Internet-direct manufacturer that middleman's out of the way"

Richd82

Im looking at the HSu vtf2 mk4 seems like a pretty stout sub for the price. It will be going in a 16x14. Their are double open archways at the rear of the room. Would this sub be sufficient?

tommyt21

Richd82 wrote: »

Im looking at the HSu vtf2 mk4 seems like a pretty stout sub for the price. It will be going in a 16x14. Their are double open archways at the rear of the room. Would this sub be sufficient?

My area is similar size but with a greater open area to the side. It pressurizes just fine. Its a beast it weighs in near 80lbs. I have mine on a Gramma with the Q@5 Volume@noon and 1 port plugged Max exstension. Movies are amazing... Music even better. This thing does not rumpble or one note bass with over hang. It hits fast, clean with authority. It also Images bass notes great.Example their is a scene in Battle field LA that has mortars exploding around the chopper and this sub literaly makes you think there are explosions going on AROUND the listening position. (fair warning this sub takes time to break in, meaning it keeps getting better and better as the driver loosens.)

donaldfagen

I also suggest the HSU sub recommended above. I have a similar, HSU-designed Outlaw Audio LFM-1 EX in a room roughly the same size as yours and couldn't be more pleased with it. Blows away my other subs, a 10" Paradigm PS-1000 and a Definitive Technology ProSub 60. Very tight, very deep, very powerful yet very musical,.

The Outlaw Audio LFM-1 Plus is another option you might want to explore. Also designed by Dr. Hsu, it's a lot like the VTF-2 MK4 but with a more powerful amp. Good customer service, too.