What are best subwoofers under $500 for 2ch music-only?

rob69

Hi all,
I'm new to this so will try to keep it brief.

I want to add a single sub to my 2ch music-only system to supplement my pair of large tower speakers.
Finished basement room is about 32ft x 16ft x 8ftH. I'd like to get smallest good sub that can give me a bit
more quality bass mostly for moderately loud (but not too loud) rock music.

I saw they had new polk PSW505 on amazon for sale at $199, but I'm not sure if that model is good for music or if it's more
for HT. Is the psw505 a good choice for music and for this price? I thought the size of the psw505 might be overkill for my
needs? I'd rather have good sound quality and smaller size.

I was also wondering if I spend up to $500 what more quality might I get for the extra money?
What other brands are worth looking into if I can go up to about $500 ?
From reading I assume wired & sealed subs are best for music??

Thanks, any advice would be appreciated,
Rob

deronb1

I think you can still get svs sealed subs on closeout for around 500.00. Check their website

bluecomet

I like the Micro Pro series from Polk. Check out the Polk site on ebay. They always have some good deals.

WLDock

If you can put things together you can build a high quality musical sub for cheaper. The Dayton Audio RS series is a better driver than one will find in most moderate priced prefinished sub systems.

Sub and enclosure
http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-12-reference-series-ho-subwoofer-and-cabinet-package--300-7092

Amp
http://www.parts-express.com/bash-300s-digital-subwoofer-plate-amplifier-300w-rms--300-750
Or if you need bass boost:
http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-spa250-250-watt-subwoofer-plate-amplifier--300-803

About $325 for the main equipment. Add, wire, terminals, binding post, polyfill stuffing, paint or what ever finish material...Should be able to finish it off for about $350-$400 depending on how inexpensive a finish you use.

ken brydson

deronb1 wrote: »

I think you can still get svs sealed subs on closeout for around 500.00. Check their website

Outlet special SB1000 for $475...

http://www.svsound.com/specials/outlet-specials/sb-1000-outlet-ba#.U6Ll-_ldUXw

shadowlight

I would also look into GR-Research's Servo sub (slight higher than your budget though) if you have skills to build the sub box. I own one and the bass is tight and fast.

Plans
Servo Subwoofer
Servo Amp

rob69

Thank you all for the info. I will look into all of these good ideas.

Few comments:
1) Can refurbished items like svs or polk be trusted? I never tried buying refurbished items before? Sounds like it would help with my budget. I would worry that 1st owner may have abused them and then sent them back in, so may break again or not last as long?
A refurbed sb1000 or Micro Pro look like good possibilities - I will take a look at their websites and ebay.

2) Building my own sounds interesting but my know-how and tools are limited, so not sure it may be more than I can handle??

3) Someone mentioned they had good experience with HSU brand many years ago. Anyone have recent experience with them?

4) Someone metioned that REL, NHT,and Martin Logan subs were good, but the person who told me only used for HT, not music.
I have not had time to look at them yet. Does anyone have experience with these?

Hermitism

I know SVS has a good reputation, but I know nothing about their refurb products. As far as Polk, I have read many posts on here regarding refurb purchases from Polk's eBay store. Everything I have read was positive. In fact, I remember a couple people said that they swear what they bought was brand new even though it was listed as a refurb. You also get a warranty from Polk's eBay store. Also Polk is known for having excellent customer service, in case you do have a problem. I've dealt with them myself in regards to a sub I own and they were very helpful.

WLDock

rob69 wrote: »

4) Someone metioned that REL, NHT,and Martin Logan subs were good, but the person who told me only used for HT, not music.
I have not had time to look at them yet. Does anyone have experience with these?

Those brands overall are SQ Music oriented more so than HT and all offer sealed subs. REL is one of the handfull that some 2 Ch diehards would even consider. There are a couple in the for sale section but I guss you have can't see them....low post count. If you can't build then finding a sale on the likes of the posted sealed box SVS or going used is your best bet to get the most for your money.

Have you seen this great site , used gear from 99 sources: http://www.hifishark.com/

pyrocyborg

REL subs are great for music, but as many "quality" offering, they tend to cost a lot if you need to cover a moderately sized or bigger room. As for Martin Logan, the Dynamo range (wireless) suffers from some noise and it seems, at least according to some people, that the wireless receiver is always on (which may be the cause of the said noise).

Also, what are your speakers and electronics? I mean, a brand new $500 subwoofer won't do a $2500 pair of floorstanding speakers any justice, especially if you're looking at sound quality and not SPL. I think we need to know as many things as we can to give you an honest answer. Used or refurbished, I think you'll be able to get more for your money.

ken brydson

You will not be able to tell the difference between new and B stock with SVS....

DaveHo

Where are you located? A fellow Polkie has this sub for sale:

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?160506-SVS-PB2-Plus-Subwoofer

I have one. Serves double duty for music & HT. It's not going anywhere any time soon. You have a large room. This sub will fill it.

EndersShadow

Dave, he cant see the listing w/o 100 posts.

To Rob, here is what the listing says:

Gaara wrote: »

SVS PB2-Plus Subwoofer - Price: $500 local pickup

This sub is an oldie but a goodie, and was known as a top performer when it first came out for $1250. I am the second owner of this sub and it has been working flawlessly in my system since June 2007. This thing is a beast at 18” wide x 28" deep x 25” tall and ~105lbs. This sub features dual 12" downward firing drivers, 3 tunable ports, and a ~900watt BASH amp. It was known for it's prodigious bass and does not disappoint. The only reason for the sale is I upgraded to dual HSU ULS-15s to help with WAF and to try out dual subs.

Condition:

I am the second owner of this subwoofer and would rate it 8/10 on the Agon scale. It has a matte black textured finish so it is resistant to dings and dents, and the only cosmetic issues I noticed are a few very light scuffs which don't show up in pics (or from more then a couple feet away). Pics can be seen here.

Terms:

Accepting Paypal gift, USPS money order, or cash. I have the two port plugs, a reprint of the manual, and will throw in a free Auralex Gramma. This is for pickup only in Bristol CT, which is south of Hartford. I have feedback on Head-Fi and on Audiogon. For sale in the US only.

James

Pics:

rooftop59

i would also suggest this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/201099680682?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

I owned the "i" version of this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/171360221947?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649. It is a FANTASTIC sub for music, tight and fast, and the bi-polar configuration really does make the sound less localizable than many single driver subs.

I also owned a version of this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/261507939145?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649. its another very musical sub for the money.

All three of these are tight, fast, and musical, and will dig into the 20s. However, none will pressurize your large room. But if music is primarily what you are after, those are all great options.

DaveHo

Whoops, didn't notice his post count. Thanks.

gumbay13

For a room that SIZE, a good quality SMALL sub you probably want to look at the offerings of the Internet Direct companies.
For music and size, sealed subs are going to be your best bet. And they tend to be expensive.
Ported subs tend to be comparatively larger though no less efficient.

For your price range you might want to take a look at Reaction Audio Subs, a new player in the market.
I know i have seen this sub below $500.00. Give them a call to see if they have any in stock.
http://reaction-audio.myshopify.com/collections/frontpage/products/bps-212-turbo-powered-subwoofer

If you are flexible with used and size , then give the used market a look
Rythmik lv12r ( Excellent for both music and home theater)
http://www.avsforum.com/forum/209-audio-gear/1570194-rythmik-lv12r-sale.html

Some more budget offerings on this link
http://www.avsforum.com/forum/113-subwoofers-bass-transducers/1364182-list-budget-subwoofers-300-less.html

DAVID SCHOTT

MOST SUBS ARE OK FOR 500 DOLLARS IT REALLY DEPENDS WHERE YOU SET YOUR CROSSOVERS ON YOUR SUB AND RECEIVER IF YOU SET YOUR FREQUNCY AT 60hz IT WILL WORK GOOD MODERN MOVIE SOUNDTRACKS BUT MUSIC WON'T REACH THAT DEEP IF YOU SET AT 100 OR 120hz SHOULD GIVE GOOD WARM BASS GOOD LUCK.

ken brydson

DAVID SCHOTT wrote: »

MOST SUBS ARE OK FOR 500 DOLLARS IT REALLY DEPENDS WHERE YOU SET YOUR CROSSOVERS ON YOUR SUB AND RECEIVER IF YOU SET YOUR FREQUNCY AT 60hz IT WILL WORK GOOD MODERN MOVIE SOUNDTRACKS BUT MUSIC WON'T REACH THAT DEEP IF YOU SET AT 100 OR 120hz SHOULD GIVE GOOD WARM BASS GOOD LUCK.

Why are you yelling?

pyrocyborg

Because everyone understands you way better if you write in caps and use no period (or no punctuation).

As for whether the subs under $500 are okay or not, I guess it depends on your taste, your speakers, main objective, room size, etc. Someone with a 450 sq ft room won't use the same subwoofer than someone with a 200 sq ft room. Just saying.

KLapinas

I have owned Polk, Velodyne, HSU, NHT, REL and the REL subs were/are the most musical subs.

Where are you located?