Which Sub

VXR8

G'day all,

Quick question, which series of sub is the better - HTS or DSW Pro? Looking at both the 12 inch variants and via the specs the HTS goes deeper.

Thanks in advance.

TopperDude

Go with the HTS

VXR8

Thank you 😊

mrloren

unless you're getting a deal neither. for a few $$$ more get an HSU or SVS

rooftop59

mrloren wrote: »

unless you're getting a deal neither. for a few $$$ more get an HSU or SVS

Yep I agree love polk speakers but not the subs. No reason to match brands with the sub. Save a little longer get a MUCH better sub from HSU or SVS or rythmik if you want a really musical sub. Unless they are more than 50% off, skip the polks

tonyb

rooftop59 wrote: »

mrloren wrote: »

unless you're getting a deal neither. for a few $$$ more get an HSU or SVS

Yep I agree love polk speakers but not the subs. No reason to match brands with the sub. Save a little longer get a MUCH better sub from HSU or SVS or rythmik if you want a really musical sub. Unless they are more than 50% off, skip the polks

Second this advice

F1nut

Is this for HT or 2 channel music?

ZLTFUL

Asking the same question as @F1nut
Because even though I enjoy my SVS SB12-NSDs for music, there are better options out there like Rythmik and REL.
While HT favors those SVS and Hsu Research products.

mrloren

VXR8 wrote: »

Thank you all for your input - in relation to F1's question (and ZLTFUL), it is for both 2 channel and HT, so looking for a good compromise for both.

All depends on how much you want to spend.

if you're replacing the 505 in your sig then a HSU VTF2 would be a big step up. If budget permits then a SVS SB3000 or VFT3 would be awesome. If you have room and budget 2 subs is better than one.

Thing I like the HSU over the others is being able to plug a port on the fly. I normally keep it 1 port open with the EQ @ 2. I keep it this way 80% of the time. when I really want to listen to an SACD I plug the 4" port, takes 30 seconds or less. When I watch an action movie with nobody home I pull the other plug for 2 ports open and way too much bass.

For the most part 1 port open (4") EQ @ 2 is great for both movies and music.

rooftop59

VXR8 wrote: »

Thanks mrloren - yes to upgrading the 505 but HSU not available in Oz. SVS is, up to the PB2000 for $1575 AUD on special (approximately $955 USD), so not sure price wise if that is reasonable or not, as I can get 2 HTS Polks (12 inch) new for $1363 AUD for both ($827 USD).

Thanks in advance and very much appreciate the input.

The SVS will dig deeper and have more output than both polks combined. A second sub only adds about 3 decibels more output and doesn’t change extension (how low it goes). Get the SVS if uyou can afford it and don’t look back!

ZLTFUL

rooftop59 wrote: »

VXR8 wrote: »

Thanks mrloren - yes to upgrading the 505 but HSU not available in Oz. SVS is, up to the PB2000 for $1575 AUD on special (approximately $955 USD), so not sure price wise if that is reasonable or not, as I can get 2 HTS Polks (12 inch) new for $1363 AUD for both ($827 USD).

Thanks in advance and very much appreciate the input.

The SVS will dig deeper and have more output than both polks combined. A second sub only adds about 3 decibels more output and doesn’t change extension (how low it goes). Get the SVS if uyou can afford it and don’t look back!

While I agree on the output side of things, I will disagree from the perspective that 2 subs will make it *much* easier to reduce room modes and nulls.

ZLTFUL

2 subs are better at covering the inherent peaks and valleys that exist in every room in the bass section of the frequency range.

For example, a 40hz tone has a wavelength of around 28ft.
Most average rooms are smaller than that so the wave will reflect off the first truly solid surface it encounters. Depending on the length/width/height of the room in question, that reflected wave could reach the primary listening position as either a peak (resulting in an overly aggressive or “bloated” bass note) or a null (the lack of bass off you will).

When you use more than one sub, located in disparate locations within the room, you are effectively reducing the chance of a peak or null at the primary listening position.

Room correction will only carry you so far. It can’t change the wavelength of a given bass or sub-bass frequency. It can only add/reduce delay and boost or lower the gain at a given frequency to try and compensate for some of that particular room’s flaws.

In a perfect world, all rooms are perfect 2:1 ratio rectangles and have subwoofers at the mid-point of each of the 4 walls.

Sorry for the Mr. Wizard science lesson but the reproduction of sound is a whole lot of physics.

rooftop59

VXR8 wrote: »

Thank you, very happy with the Mr Wizard science lesson and the detailed explanation 🤓.

Just in relation to pricing, is the SVS PB2000 priced well at $955 USD (what price do you pay each for them there)? It would cost me over $3000 AUD for 2 of those, so just trying to make sure pricing after exchange rates are similar.

Well the pb2000 is normally $799 usd and can be had from the outlet store for $699 often. I have a feeling you are paying shipping and import costs?

As for the two polks vs one SVS. On the one hand it’s apples to oranges comparison. The SVS will be louder and deeper and tighter, but the two polks might be smoother and more even within their capabilities. IMHO I find it difficult to purchase two inferior products over one superior product, but it’s impossible to know for sure which is better without trying both in your room, which unfortunately you can’t do.

Just read this thread and I think your decision will be easier: https://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/159046/the-first-time-you-heard-a-real-subwoofer-after-owning-an-entry-level-sub

mrloren

One good sub is better than two lessor subs

Two good subs is better than one good sub

Before I had a real sub I had this Sony 12" (equal to the 505) and a Costco $99usd 10". Thought it was great. I went to an audio show it was all over. I purchased a small 10" HSU STF 2, put it in my system and was given a big WOW now that is what a sub should be. I still have that nice little sub in the bedroom system. When someone tells me their budget sub is great I take my little STF2 over and see. I have yet to hear one of these budget subs come close at all.

I've only heard the HTS 12" at a store, not bad but not great. A lot better than a 505. The store (Fry's) had SVS subs at the time, PB2000 is a lot better but also cost a lot more. I did ask if I could bring in my STF2 for a side by side but the manager said no.

mrloren

jumpindick wrote: »

ZLTFUL wrote: »

Asking the same question as @F1nut
Because even though I enjoy my SVS SB12-NSDs for music, there are better options out there like Rythmik and REL.
While HT favors those SVS and Hsu Research products.

So can I mix and match brands for the subwoofer?

15% of the time yes you can, it will take a lot of manual calibration work.

85% of the time no, I mean it can be as bad as the sounds coming from the restroom of a Tijuana taco shop

Best to stick to the same model of sub when going dual. I had the thought of adding my STF2 to my main system... It went back to the bedroom HT quick.

F1nut

VXR8 wrote: »

Sorry, quick question re the SVS - ported PB2000 or sealed SB2000 better? The ported goes deeper but just wondering which one is better of the 2 - thanks

Sealed

mrloren

The SVS 4000 is 2X the cost of a HSU VTF3, so it better sound good sealed or ported.

I agree it's a bummer the OP can't get a HSU down under. Darn good subs for the price.

Thing I like about HSU subs is setup. 4" port open EQ @ 1 Q/C @ .07 run Audyssey. After that run it in any port, EQ and Q seting the user wants,

I think the OP will be real happy with a PB2000, darn good subs that can hit hard and low.

VXR8

Thank you all for your input - in relation to F1's question (and ZLTFUL), it is for both 2 channel and HT, so looking for a good compromise for both.

VXR8

Thanks mrloren - yes to upgrading the 505 but HSU not available in Oz. SVS is, up to the PB2000 for $1575 AUD on special (approximately $955 USD), so not sure price wise if that is reasonable or not, as I can get 2 HTS Polks (12 inch) new for $1363 AUD for both ($827 USD).

Thanks in advance and very much appreciate the input.

VXR8

While I agree on the output side of things, I will disagree from the perspective that 2 subs will make it *much* easier to reduce room modes and nulls.

Sorry, not quite getting the gist of that - are you saying 2 subs are better for room correction or 1?

VXR8

Thank you, very happy with the Mr Wizard science lesson and the detailed explanation 🤓.

Just in relation to pricing, is the SVS PB2000 priced well at $955 USD (what price do you pay each for them there)? It would cost me over $3000 AUD for 2 of those, so just trying to make sure pricing after exchange rates are similar.

jumpindick

ZLTFUL wrote: »

Asking the same question as @F1nut
Because even though I enjoy my SVS SB12-NSDs for music, there are better options out there like Rythmik and REL.
While HT favors those SVS and Hsu Research products.

So can I mix and match brands for the subwoofer?

F1nut

jumpindick wrote: »

ZLTFUL wrote: »

Asking the same question as @F1nut
Because even though I enjoy my SVS SB12-NSDs for music, there are better options out there like Rythmik and REL.
While HT favors those SVS and Hsu Research products.

So can I mix and match brands for the subwoofer?

No

VXR8

Thanks everyone for all of your input and links to other questions in the forum - looks like I’ll go with 1 SVS PB2000 (to start with) which should be a night and day difference from what I’m reading here.

Interesting concept initially on the Polk site when the PSW505 was new re hook up. It advised to use the speaker terminal inputs, tell the AVR no sub and mains to large. I did this back in the day and the sub never sounded better! I’ve never had that sub sounding as good or as ‘blended’ via the LFE input. I’ve also always found reverse phase to give greater depth as well. But I suppose that’s another story for another day 🤓

jumpindick

mrloren wrote: »

jumpindick wrote: »

ZLTFUL wrote: »

Asking the same question as @F1nut
Because even though I enjoy my SVS SB12-NSDs for music, there are better options out there like Rythmik and REL.
While HT favors those SVS and Hsu Research products.

So can I mix and match brands for the subwoofer?

15% of the time yes you can, it will take a lot of manual calibration work.

85% of the time no, I mean it can be as bad as the sounds coming from the restroom of a Tijuana taco shop

Best to stick to the same model of sub when going dual. I had the thought of adding my STF2 to my main system... It went back to the bedroom HT quick.

Got it. Thank you. I was hoping that it might be possible. I have two SVS subs (PB2000) in the front of the room and have been wondering if I were to add two more on the back of the room, what difference it would make. Locally, there were a couple of HSU subs up for sale a while back. So thought to ask....

VXR8

Sorry, quick question re the SVS - ported PB2000 or sealed SB2000 better? The ported goes deeper but just wondering which one is better of the 2 - thanks

ken brydson

VXR8 wrote: »

Sorry, quick question re the SVS - ported PB2000 or sealed SB2000 better? The ported goes deeper but just wondering which one is better of the 2 - thanks

Call them. Their CS is top notch.

rooftop59

VXR8 wrote: »

Sorry, quick question re the SVS - ported PB2000 or sealed SB2000 better? The ported goes deeper but just wondering which one is better of the 2 - thanks

I would definitely go with ported if you are want the best HT experience. If you want the best music experience, go with sealed. You have to decide which is more important to you.

I wish you could get an HSU VTF-2 mk5 down under, because that gives you a taste of both worlds...

txcoastal1

SVS PB with port plugs...??
https://www.svsound.com.au/blogs/the-low-down/what-do-port-plugs-do-on-my-pb-or-pc-subwoofer

Mikey081057

I am using 2 SVS SB4000's for my ht rig... I had (and still have) a PB13 Ultra that I used in the H/T rig. The 2 sealed subs way out perform the single ported which was no surprise and I do not feel that they lack in the lower frequencies... maybe they do, but I seem to feel more and tighter lfe than I did previously. The big ported subs are hard to move around too as they are much bigger than their sealed comparables.

rooftop59

Mikey081057 wrote: »

I am using 2 SVS SB4000's for my ht rig... I had (and still have) a PB13 Ultra that I used in the H/T rig. The 2 sealed subs way out perform the single ported which was no surprise and I do not feel that they lack in the lower frequencies... maybe they do, but I seem to feel more and tighter lfe than I did previously. The big ported subs are hard to move around too as they are much bigger than their sealed comparables.

I am a little surprised THB but that’s good info to know. It is perhaps not that useful to the OP if he can only get one sub... but perhaps if he plans to save for a second then it might make sense to get the sealed.

F1nut

I use the SVS SB4000 in my HT rig. It's more than enough for movies/TV, IMO. When called upon it moves a lot of air, which can be felt, causing stuff on the walls to vibrate, but it doesn't have that boomy overhang a lot of ported subs do. While I don't use that rig for 2 channel music the sub works very well with the occasional concert video.