Subwoofer suggestion for 5jr+?

Vic Doucette

I've has a wonderful pair of 5jr+ speakers for about 15 years now, used strictly in a 2-channel setup. I bought a 100 wpc Kenwood home theater reciever last year and want to eventually create a 5.1 or better system, using all Polk speakers.
I think the smartest thing to do would be to get a powered subwoofer to start, thern add the cernter and surrounds, finally replacing the "juniors" up front.
So what does a fella do when it comes to a subwoofer?
I'm not interested in being powerful enough to take over a small European country; I don't care if the neighbors can't hear the system, I simnply want a good-sounding system that performs well on both music and movies. My music taste is quite eclectic and covers a wide variety of stuff, electric and acoustic, hard and soft.
The current room is about 10X14 feet with an 8-foot ceiling. It opens into a similar-sized room through a big arch. It's all wall-to-wall carpet; the windows have thin draperies.
Before I go out and start listening, any suggestions or advice you folks can offer would be sincerely appreciated.
Happy Holidays!

Vic in Detroit

gatemplin

Welcome to Club Polk Vic,
I used to be like you, about five subs ago. It is hard to go and listen to subs because every one is in a different position and often in a very large room and almost none are calibrated. If you can, I suggest trying it out in your room. If you give us a budget we can suggest some subs in that price range and suitable for that size room (1100 cubic feet). Being in Detroit you might be able to get a Paradigm sub cheaper in Windsor or London if that interests you.

Vic Doucette

Well, I was thinking somewhere between $250-$400 American, and for the sake of timbre matching, staying with Polk. Again. I've not listened yet, but I was thinking it might be the 303 or the 650, with the 202 being another possibility. I am an ex-stereo salesperson (worked at the long-defunct Stereoland in the Detroit area 25 or so years ago), but have been out of the loop for a long time, so appreciate knowledgeable help!

gatemplin

Timbre matching does not apply to subs. Also Polk subs are not the greatest value (I have a 202). For about 400 smackers you could get a Adire Audio Rava, or I think a HSU VTF-2 (450).

PolkThug

If you go with a Polk sub, I recommend the PSW505. Also another good option is the Velodyne CHT15, which Circuit City has marked down to 499. I've been torturing the Velo with Bass CD's and it has proven bulletproof so far.

Regards,
PolkThug

Loud & Clear

Vic, I'm about 35-40 miles to the west of you. I have a Velodyne CT-120 that I would sell, and deliver to you, for $250.00. It's about two years old and in excellent condition, the amp never having been run over half gain. MSRP was $599.00, and was purchased new at Circuit City for $499.00.

Reason for selling? I'm looking to purchase an SVS for just under $1000.00 and I'd like to make room for it.

I think you'll be hard pressed to find a polk for $250.00 that will match it. Just an idea, and perhaps other members can comment and put such a deal in perspective.

I'll post my email address if I find that you're interested. Please pardon my audacity on this, it just struck me as a potential problem solver for both of us.

Vic Doucette

Thanks for the offer on the Velo. I know that stuff is awesome, but there are size/WAF problems here. 12X12X18 I can probably live with, but getting much bigger than that would cause a problem.
Are there still dealers that will let you bring in your own speakers and hook them up, or has that level of service gone away? I'd bring in my set if someone would allow me to.

Loud & Clear

Here's an ebay auction for a Polk PSW404. The starting bid is $280.00 and there are two days remaining for it. Getting that for $300.00 or under wouldn't be bad. Good luck with your search.

gatemplin

Dont bring in your own gear. You will be able to blend the sub with the juniors. The problem is the room shape size etc will make the sub sound differently from in the store.

wrxmy02

Hi Vic and welcome Club Polk.

Give some thought on the center and surrounds.

Having surround sound will change your listing
experience Immensely.

I would consider purchasing the center and surrounds
first. After you have relished in a few DVD’S with DTS and THX you will get a better feel a of what you like to have a sub
do for you.

When you go to an audio store ask for a demo.

Dr. Spec

Get the Velo from L&C for $250. You cannot beat that - hand delivered from L&C and it's more sub than anything from Polk except the PSW505. Your standard answer to the wife when buying any audio gear should be "you'll get over it".

Loud & Clear

Well, it sounds like he decided to go in another direction. I respectfully withdraw the offer at this point and hope that he finds what he's looking for.