Looking into Subwoofer options and opinions wanted

TNHNDYMAN
TNHNDYMAN Posts: 2,145
edited November 2013 in Speakers
Well this past weekend I went ahead and sold the VMPS 210 passive subwoofer I had been using. It was a great sub, but not the easiest to incorporate into my system.

I'm looking for a budget replacement for dual use in my 2ch and HT system. Looking for musical options along with best bang for my buck low HZ capabilities. I'm leaning towards the Polk 505 on sale at Newegg, but am also open to other options under $300 (I know it's not much) from Amazon or internet direct or used. In the future I'll be looking to upgrade to something such as a HSU VTF2 MK4 or SVS PC12 NSD but that is later not today.

For the following options I am looking for hands on experience or just opinion on positives or negatives compared to the Polk 505.

Local used option:

Klipsch KSW 12 $150

Amazon options w/ free 2nd day shipping:

BIC America F12 $182.27
JBL ES250 PBK $199.99
Dayton Audio Sub 1200 $129.00

Any thoughts besides I'm an idiot for selling the VMPS?
2-ch System: Parasound P/LD 2000 pre, Parasound HCA-1000 amp, Parasound T/DQ Tuner, Phase Technology PC-100 Tower speakers, Technics SL-1600 Turntable, Denon 2910 SACD/CD player, Peachtree DAC iT and X1asynchorus USB converter, HSU VTF-3 subwoofer.

Post edited by TNHNDYMAN on
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Comments

  • codyc1ark
    codyc1ark Posts: 2,532
    edited October 2013
    Check out the Boone area CL Travis, there was a sub on it for sale last week. I'm on the work computer so I can't view CL right now. Otherwise, I'd save up for a bit and try and snag a HSU STF-2, I'm sure they will go on sale soon as we have some holidays coming up. :smile: Good luck! If you ever want to hear my Outlaw I'm just down the mountain from ya'.
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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,596
    edited October 2013
    TNHNDYMAN wrote: »
    Amazon options w/ free 2nd day shipping:

    BIC America F12 $182.27
    JBL ES250 PBK $199.99
    Dayton Audio Sub 1200 $129.00

    No, No and No.

    If it was me and that was my budget and I didnt want to wait for that CL deal, go with this: DSWpro550wi

    Polks eBay site has them for 300 w/ free shipping. Best thing..... its wireless......... so your whole where do I put it in my setup just got a LOT easier. Oh and yeah, its got a warranty.....

    Link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/DSWpro550wi-10-BLACK-Powered-Subwoofer-Polk-Audio-EACH-/360710321083?pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item53fc02b3bb
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
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  • rooftop59
    rooftop59 Posts: 8,121
    edited October 2013
    I've got something you might like...pm coming.
    Living Room 2.2: Usher BE-718 "tiny dancers"; Dual DIY Dayton audio RSS210HF-4 Subs with Dayton SPA-250 amps; Arcam SA30; Musical Fidelity A308; Sony UBP-x1000es
    Game Room 5.1.4:     Denon AVR-X4200w; Sony UBP-x700; Definitive Technology Power Monitor 900 mains, CLR-3000 center, StudioMonitor 350 surrounds, ProMonitor 800 atmos x4; Sub - Monoprice Monolith 15in THX Ultra
    Bedroom 2.1     Harmon Kardon HK3490; Bluesounds Node N130; Polk RT25i; ACI Titan Subwoofer
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  • TNHNDYMAN
    TNHNDYMAN Posts: 2,145
    edited October 2013
    ^ got pm, now I'm researching and tempted....

    Dan- the Polk 550 is nice, but goes down to 30HZ at -3dB and the wireless kit is another 83.97 so getting past budget. Anyone use one of the Klipsch KSW series? I know they are overpriced new at bestbuy, but used on CL for around $125 might be ok for now.

    rooftop is tempting me greatly with a HSU VTF 3r priced at my upper range if I stretch a bit...decisions
    2-ch System: Parasound P/LD 2000 pre, Parasound HCA-1000 amp, Parasound T/DQ Tuner, Phase Technology PC-100 Tower speakers, Technics SL-1600 Turntable, Denon 2910 SACD/CD player, Peachtree DAC iT and X1asynchorus USB converter, HSU VTF-3 subwoofer.

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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,596
    edited October 2013
    TNHNDYMAN wrote: »
    ^ got pm, now I'm researching and tempted....

    Dan- the Polk 550 is nice, but goes down to 30HZ at -3dB and the wireless kit is another 83.97 so getting past budget. Anyone use one of the Klipsch KSW series? I know they are overpriced new at bestbuy, but used on CL for around $125 might be ok for now.

    rooftop is tempting me greatly with a HSU VTF 3r priced at my upper range if I stretch a bit...decisions

    If you can do the HSU, do it. Worth reaching a bit as its better than all the other subs we've suggested.

    I didnt realize the wireless kit was extra (DOH!) my bad, but its at least an option later on....
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
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  • Mystery
    Mystery Posts: 2,546
    edited October 2013
    What are you using as fronts?
    I've tried few subs with 2B's and big towers from other brands and the small ones didn't add much impact.

    Klipsch RB81, KG3.5, B&W DM602.5, Polk.
    Subwoofers: Klipsch RW10, Triad ProSub Bronze.
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  • TNHNDYMAN
    TNHNDYMAN Posts: 2,145
    edited October 2013
    ^
    2ch- Polk LsiM 703's

    HT- for now have Phase Technology PC-100's ( soft dome tweet, 2 6 1/2 drivers, tower enclosure), but I also throw the monitor 7's, KLH 23's, and some Paradigm 3se into the mix occasionally. None of them go much below 40HZ so a sub is necessary for full range sound - especially LFE soundtracks in movies.
    2-ch System: Parasound P/LD 2000 pre, Parasound HCA-1000 amp, Parasound T/DQ Tuner, Phase Technology PC-100 Tower speakers, Technics SL-1600 Turntable, Denon 2910 SACD/CD player, Peachtree DAC iT and X1asynchorus USB converter, HSU VTF-3 subwoofer.

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  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited October 2013
    Save your money and get a good subwoofer the first time.
    Jake
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  • zane77
    zane77 Posts: 1,696
    edited October 2013
    Just missed a sale at Newegg, they had the 505 for 149 over this past weekend
    Home Theater
    Onkyo PR-SC5508 Sharp LC-70LE847U
    Emotiva XPA-5 Emotiva XPA-2 Emotiva UPA-2
    Front RTi-A9 Wide RTi-A7 Center CSi-A6 Surround FXi-A6 Rear RTi-A3 Sub 2x PSW505
    Sony BDP-S790 Dishnetwork Hopper/Joey Logitech Harmony One Apple TV
    Two Channel
    Oppo 105D BAT VK-500 w/BatPack SDA SRS 2.3 Dreadnought Squeezebox Touch Apple TV
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  • Mystery
    Mystery Posts: 2,546
    edited October 2013
    TNHNDYMAN wrote: »
    ^
    2ch- Polk LsiM 703's

    HT- for now have Phase Technology PC-100's ( soft dome tweet, 2 6 1/2 drivers, tower enclosure), but I also throw the monitor 7's, KLH 23's, and some Paradigm 3se into the mix occasionally. None of them go much below 40HZ so a sub is necessary for full range sound - especially LFE soundtracks in movies.

    I never had the micro subwoofers so can't say how they work with big fronts but if getting regular ones, get at least 12" going down to around 23-25hz for movies.

    My Energy e:XL-S8 sounds great for small room and moderate levels but when cranked, it can't keep up with the fronts.
    That's when I bring the 500w Deftech 15" sub out. :smile:

    Also, don't get a sub that just works with your existing fronts.
    Get something that will work when you upgrade fronts, so get better one now.

    BTW, just saw this Velodyne 10" wireless subwoofer for a great price of $159 free shipping...
    http://velodyne.com/special-offers/wiconnect-10-wireless.html
    Coupon VSUB10.
    Not sure how low that goes but great price.

    Klipsch RB81, KG3.5, B&W DM602.5, Polk.
    Subwoofers: Klipsch RW10, Triad ProSub Bronze.
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  • rooftop59
    rooftop59 Posts: 8,121
    edited October 2013
    Mystery wrote: »
    BTW, just saw this Velodyne 10" wireless subwoofer for a great price of $159 free shipping...
    http://velodyne.com/special-offers/wiconnect-10-wireless.html
    Coupon VSUB10.
    Not sure how low that goes but great price.

    Specs say 33hz -3db, and the cheap velodynes are usually get what you pay for kind of subs. The high end ones are a different story...
    Living Room 2.2: Usher BE-718 "tiny dancers"; Dual DIY Dayton audio RSS210HF-4 Subs with Dayton SPA-250 amps; Arcam SA30; Musical Fidelity A308; Sony UBP-x1000es
    Game Room 5.1.4:     Denon AVR-X4200w; Sony UBP-x700; Definitive Technology Power Monitor 900 mains, CLR-3000 center, StudioMonitor 350 surrounds, ProMonitor 800 atmos x4; Sub - Monoprice Monolith 15in THX Ultra
    Bedroom 2.1     Harmon Kardon HK3490; Bluesounds Node N130; Polk RT25i; ACI Titan Subwoofer
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  • TNHNDYMAN
    TNHNDYMAN Posts: 2,145
    edited October 2013
    rooftop- Is yours black or rosenut finish? I'm leaning towards saying yes, working on finishing up another couple sales I have verbal commitments to and if they go thru another $300 so I should be able to convince the wife with the addition of a new Vera Bradley purse as well as a sub.....lol
    2-ch System: Parasound P/LD 2000 pre, Parasound HCA-1000 amp, Parasound T/DQ Tuner, Phase Technology PC-100 Tower speakers, Technics SL-1600 Turntable, Denon 2910 SACD/CD player, Peachtree DAC iT and X1asynchorus USB converter, HSU VTF-3 subwoofer.

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  • TNHNDYMAN
    TNHNDYMAN Posts: 2,145
    edited October 2013
    Rooftop- Doing some research on this sub, I found this thread you started on CP awhile back....

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?121586-HSU-VTF-3r-endcap-separation


    Did you ever try to seal the sub, or get a response from HSU? Not a deal killer, just looking for an update to how things have worked since that time.

    Thanks.
    2-ch System: Parasound P/LD 2000 pre, Parasound HCA-1000 amp, Parasound T/DQ Tuner, Phase Technology PC-100 Tower speakers, Technics SL-1600 Turntable, Denon 2910 SACD/CD player, Peachtree DAC iT and X1asynchorus USB converter, HSU VTF-3 subwoofer.

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  • rooftop59
    rooftop59 Posts: 8,121
    edited October 2013
    here is a link to a review: http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_11_1/hsu-vtf-3r-subwoofer-1-2004.html

    I will have to get back to you on shipping.
    Living Room 2.2: Usher BE-718 "tiny dancers"; Dual DIY Dayton audio RSS210HF-4 Subs with Dayton SPA-250 amps; Arcam SA30; Musical Fidelity A308; Sony UBP-x1000es
    Game Room 5.1.4:     Denon AVR-X4200w; Sony UBP-x700; Definitive Technology Power Monitor 900 mains, CLR-3000 center, StudioMonitor 350 surrounds, ProMonitor 800 atmos x4; Sub - Monoprice Monolith 15in THX Ultra
    Bedroom 2.1     Harmon Kardon HK3490; Bluesounds Node N130; Polk RT25i; ACI Titan Subwoofer
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  • TNHNDYMAN
    TNHNDYMAN Posts: 2,145
    edited October 2013
    Got your update Paul. Thanks for all the info and disclosures and great price as well. Guy's it looks like I might have a new sub if the new sub rooftop is waiting on arrives in proper condition.

    We'll like I always try to warn the new guys, you guys are great at spending every last dime of budget and then some of other people's money. Thanks! lol
    2-ch System: Parasound P/LD 2000 pre, Parasound HCA-1000 amp, Parasound T/DQ Tuner, Phase Technology PC-100 Tower speakers, Technics SL-1600 Turntable, Denon 2910 SACD/CD player, Peachtree DAC iT and X1asynchorus USB converter, HSU VTF-3 subwoofer.

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  • codyc1ark
    codyc1ark Posts: 2,532
    edited October 2013
    Hmmm... I wonder what he is moving to...
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  • WLDock
    WLDock Posts: 3,073
    edited October 2013
    TNHNDYMAN wrote: »
    Got your update Paul. Thanks for all the info and disclosures and great price as well. Guy's it looks like I might have a new sub if the new sub rooftop is waiting on arrives in proper condition.
    We'll like I always try to warn the new guys, you guys are great at spending every last dime of budget and then some of other people's money. Thanks! lol
    Good score....is this his sub? http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/ele/4113618262.html

    I was going to post to be patient and save up a little more given that you were starting with $300. There are SO many great used subs that pop up in the $300-$450 price range. Also, the DIY type could build an Dayton Audio RS sub w/ Dayton Passive Radiator, and a cheap Yung 200 watt amp for about $300 in parts plus the cost of wood to build the enclosure. Would probably sound better for ones 2 ch rig as well as HT that anything you can get for close to the price new.
    2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Mirage Omni S8 sub1 | Mirage Omni S8 Sub2
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  • rooftop59
    rooftop59 Posts: 8,121
    edited October 2013
    codyc1ark wrote: »
    Hmmm... I wonder what he is moving to...

    Its actually just a lateral move at best to an SVS PB10-ISD (the older version). My HT is all stealth except for the sub, which is now an end table that the wife does not particularly like (our colors tend to be warm and romantic not dark old world). So the SVS is all front firing and will fit in our wall to wall custom built ins, and should provide about the same kick for the once-every-three-months I actually watch a movie :frown:

    I hope it all works out!
    Living Room 2.2: Usher BE-718 "tiny dancers"; Dual DIY Dayton audio RSS210HF-4 Subs with Dayton SPA-250 amps; Arcam SA30; Musical Fidelity A308; Sony UBP-x1000es
    Game Room 5.1.4:     Denon AVR-X4200w; Sony UBP-x700; Definitive Technology Power Monitor 900 mains, CLR-3000 center, StudioMonitor 350 surrounds, ProMonitor 800 atmos x4; Sub - Monoprice Monolith 15in THX Ultra
    Bedroom 2.1     Harmon Kardon HK3490; Bluesounds Node N130; Polk RT25i; ACI Titan Subwoofer
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,002
    edited October 2013
    Get the HSU offered to you and don't look back. Nice dual purpose sub.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • TNHNDYMAN
    TNHNDYMAN Posts: 2,145
    edited October 2013
    We've worked it out already as long as the SVS arrives undamaged and working properly, I will be buying the HSU.
    2-ch System: Parasound P/LD 2000 pre, Parasound HCA-1000 amp, Parasound T/DQ Tuner, Phase Technology PC-100 Tower speakers, Technics SL-1600 Turntable, Denon 2910 SACD/CD player, Peachtree DAC iT and X1asynchorus USB converter, HSU VTF-3 subwoofer.

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  • TNHNDYMAN
    TNHNDYMAN Posts: 2,145
    edited October 2013
    WLDock wrote: »
    Good score....is this his sub? http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/ele/4113618262.html

    I was going to post to be patient and save up a little more given that you were starting with $300. There are SO many great used subs that pop up in the $300-$450 price range. Also, the DIY type could build an Dayton Audio RS sub w/ Dayton Passive Radiator, and a cheap Yung 200 watt amp for about $300 in parts plus the cost of wood to build the enclosure. Would probably sound better for ones 2 ch rig as well as HT that anything you can get for close to the price new.



    No that's not his sub. His is a Mk2 version with down firing driver and piano gloss top and bottoms.
    2-ch System: Parasound P/LD 2000 pre, Parasound HCA-1000 amp, Parasound T/DQ Tuner, Phase Technology PC-100 Tower speakers, Technics SL-1600 Turntable, Denon 2910 SACD/CD player, Peachtree DAC iT and X1asynchorus USB converter, HSU VTF-3 subwoofer.

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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited October 2013
    Given your budget, I think you'd do more harm than good to your lsim703's. Seriously. Friends don't let friends buy cheap subs. Cheap subs rarely reach lower (accurately) than a well designed monitor. TRUTH.

    FWIW I also have always run a 2-channel/HT, and I am extremely anal about my 2-channel accuracy. It's difficult enough trying to get a good sub to play well with others. Wait, SAVE, buy 1 sub, REPEAT.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • TNHNDYMAN
    TNHNDYMAN Posts: 2,145
    edited October 2013
    ^ if you would see the full thread, you would see I'm buying an HSU VTF-3r from rooftop 59 (pretty damn good sub best I can tell)
    2-ch System: Parasound P/LD 2000 pre, Parasound HCA-1000 amp, Parasound T/DQ Tuner, Phase Technology PC-100 Tower speakers, Technics SL-1600 Turntable, Denon 2910 SACD/CD player, Peachtree DAC iT and X1asynchorus USB converter, HSU VTF-3 subwoofer.

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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited October 2013
    TNHNDYMAN wrote: »
    ^ if you would see the full thread, you would see I'm buying an HSU VTF-3r from rooftop 59 (pretty damn good sub best I can tell)

    My bad, sorry about that. Good choice. You'll be glad you went that route.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • TNHNDYMAN
    TNHNDYMAN Posts: 2,145
    edited October 2013
    Thanks Steve- I'm really looking forward to it. Fingers crossed rooftop is happy with his new sub.
    2-ch System: Parasound P/LD 2000 pre, Parasound HCA-1000 amp, Parasound T/DQ Tuner, Phase Technology PC-100 Tower speakers, Technics SL-1600 Turntable, Denon 2910 SACD/CD player, Peachtree DAC iT and X1asynchorus USB converter, HSU VTF-3 subwoofer.

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  • aboroth00
    aboroth00 Posts: 1,106
    edited October 2013
    TNHNDYMAN wrote: »
    Thanks Steve- I'm really looking forward to it. Fingers crossed rooftop is happy with his new sub.

    It's a great sub and I bet you'll be happy! Now you can start looking into room correction ;).
    2Ch Tube Audio Convert
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  • Lietuvis91
    Lietuvis91 Posts: 908
    edited November 2013
    zingo wrote: »
    Save your money and get a good subwoofer the first time.

    Agree, do it once, do it right.
    Living Room 7.1 HT Rig:

    M70 | CS2 | M60 | Atrium5 - Surr. | SUB - Emotiva ULTRA12 + Tara Labs sub cable | Pioneer Elite VSX-52 | Parasound HCAs 1000A | Sony BDP-S790 | Belkin PureAV PF60 | MIT Exp2 Wires

    Bedroom 5.0 HT Rig (Music/Movies/Gaming) :

    LSi9 | LsiC | Lsi/fx | Marantz SR7002 | NAD T955 | Sony BDP-S360 | Belkin PureAV PF30 | AQ Blue Racer II ICs & AQ Type 4 wires | PS3
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