Is Subwoofer Nececcary?

mmenik

I am trying to determine whether of not I need to purchase an additional Subwoofer for my system. I was thinking that the powered subwoofers that are part of the LSi25s would have been sufficient.
I would greatly appreciate any thoughts on my situation. Thank you in advance for your reply.

Dennis Gardner

Only you can answer the need for more bass response. For music, many find the 25s provide enough for their needs.

Home theater is another animal entirely with its explosions and mechanical reproductions of all types of sounds. Your sheer room size may be the culprit to the bass not being able to pressurize and deliver the impact you desire.

Integrating another powered sub with the subs in your 25s can become a nightmare and some find themselves not using the lowend of the towers due to the phase and cancellation issues caused by multiple subs.

I might suggest that you look into some of the larger subs from SVS and talk to the great folks there about your setup. They can help you determine what fits your needs and how to add to your system.SVS Subwoofers

Good luck,

Dennis

mmenik

Dennis,
Your insight is very helpful and, yes, the music is fine but the home theater does not give me the punch that I should have. I will contact SVS. Thank you for your feedback.

Dennis Gardner

I suggest SVS simply due to their tremendous following on many forums on the net and the sad fact the Polk Audio hasn't really come up with a great powered sub to compete with the current offerings from SVS or HSU. Both of these companies offer a similar bang for the buck that Polk has always been known for in its speakers.

Oh and by the way, WELCOME TO THE FORUM!!!

Search around here for any issues you may come across and ask for help since throughout the years, someone contributing here has probably solved it before.

DG

mmenik

Great, Thank you.

hejiraent

MM,

In my humble opinion, if you are even asking, you need more bass. I started my HT with Lsi15's and one SVS sub. It was perfect for music, but I thought I needed more bass for HT. I got an identical SVS sub. The extra sub made music and movies sound awesome. To para phrase SVS; one sub will drop your jaw, two subs will keep it on the floor."

Take the plunge!!

mmenik

I am working on re-configuring the position of the speakers, but I jsut may bite the bullet and add a subwoofer. I will know in a few few days. Thank you for your input.

Frank Z

Get the LsiW and keep it all in the family. Actually the brand of the sub you choose is unimportant. Audition as many as you can and buy what sounds best to you, in your home if possible.

dorokusai

Is a subwoofer neccesary? Definetly.

mmenik

I plan to spend some time figuring out a way to demo the PSW505 in my home and also the SVS. I would like to thank everyone for your response to me. Your input has been very helpful.

This is the reply that I received from Polk:
<<Hello,
Thanks for contacting us. The LSi25 certainly produce a great deal of bass response and for many people it is sufficient. However, for wide dynamic program material, such as action/adventure movies and contemporary music at fairly high playing volumes, as separate sub-woofer would be a good idea. And the PSW505 would be an excellent choice.
Regards, Ken,
Polk Audio>>

dorokusai

I think member PolkThug still has a PSW505 for sale in the flea market. Drop him a PM.

Polkapops

If not, I've got one that I'll part with for $400.....

mmenik

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind...but it seems like some of you who are selling your Polk Subs are doing so because you replaced them with SVS. I plan to listen to the SVS and then I will decide.

Once again, I appreciate everyone's input.

hejiraent

mm,

I learned about SVS from this board. I probably would not have heard of them otherwise. I have a large room to pressurize, so I ended up with two. But let me tell you. When I only had one I did all my demo's for friends and neighbors. The one SVS was the star of my HT. I would lsee reactions ranging from people literally jumping up in suprise to looking around with a "what the Fuc* was that?" look on their face. My favorite reaction was from my dad who literally stopped looking at the screen and simply stared at the SVS.

I think you should audition an SVS before you buy anything else. When you factor in the Lsi25's subs I don't think you will be disappointed.

mmenik

Wow! What a powerful endorsement for the SVS. This really hit home for me. I will demo the SVS as soon as possible. Several of you who have large rooms like I do are recommending to me that I obtain two SVS subs. I will definately look into this. Thank you very much for your feedback. You are greatly appreciated.

dorokusai

It doesn't exactly mean you need TWO SVS subwoofers, it's a recommendation for A SVS subwoofer.

I wouldn't disagree on that one.

fireshoes

His room is 8,750 ft³. I'd do two subs in a heartbeat.

Dennis Gardner

B12 Plus 4

Polkapops

Hey hejiraent

What kind of SVS subs do you own? Particularly when you had just the single?

hejiraent

I had a 16-46 PC+ I reccommend that you read reviews of each size of the PC line. The one I have delivers the deepest bass, but sacrifices a few db's of higher bass frequencies. The choice was still a no-brainer for me.

Polkapops

That's what I originally ordered, but then from advice on this forum I gave SVS a call. They said the 16/46 would probably do the trick but since we also listen to a lot of music they suggested the 20/39 - So I went with that - I ordered this past Monday but then talked to them on Tuesday and it was originally supposed to go out Weds (got an e-mail w/the tracking number) but something happened and they emailed again saying it didn't go out - So it was supposed to go out today but I haven't heard anything from them yet Was hoping for it by this weekend but I guess I'll have to wait to rattle my brains next week....:D
I can hardly F***in' wait!!!!!!

mmenik

Next week, I plan to search for a local retailer (if there is one, I live in Las Vegas) that will let me demo an SVS. Everyone's intense passion and knowledge has greatly inspired me.

hejiraent

I ordered my first SVS last December before Christmas, I didn't get it until mid January. They were up front about being back ordered, but the wait was still murder.

I got the second one about a month ago. I got it within ten days of ordering it.

If memory serves, I think SVS is strictly an online operation. So, I am not sure you can find a retailer to do an audition. Someone with more knowledge could probably clarify this though.

mmenik

I plan to contact them sometime next week, to discuss my potential purchase. I can find out then if their is a local SVS retailer. They may even have a policy to let me demo one in my home.

gatemplin

Nope, there are no SVS retailers. You can only order them online. If you go to www.audioenvy.com someone may let you demo one.

mmenik

I tried audioenvy and plugged in a range of 150 miles for my zipcode. There were none. But thank you for the effort. It was worth a try.

I am very interested in purchasing the SVS, but I do not like paying full rack rate. There must be another way??? In any event, I would still like to listen to them. I plan on contacting SVS nest week and will see if they can accomodate me in some way.

This board is great. I would have never even thought of SVS untill you all recommended them. My first thought was to simply pick up a matching Polk Sub.

gatemplin

By full rack rate do you mean MSRP? If you like it, and can afford it, just get it. You wont regret it, and if for some reason you do they will give you your money back. If you cant afford it, try www.audiogon.com .

mmenik

Yes, I can afford it and I just want to make sure that I can get the most bang for my buck. I do not even know what they sound like, but if SVS will let me return them if I am not satisfied then this may just be my ticket to entry. I looked at the sight that you mentioned and nothing looked good to me. I prefer brand new. Thank you for your input.

gatemplin

Yep, you have 45 days to decide if you want to keep the SVS. We have different philosophies on purchasing, but the only place to get a new SVS is direct.

Frank Z

Sunfire TrueSub EQ

HBombToo

Originally posted by mmenik
I do not even know what they sound like, but if SVS will let me return them if I am not satisfied then this may just be my ticket to entry.

You can't go wrong with SVS. I purchased dual 20-39 CS+ and all I can say is WOW. They are great with music and movies imho.

Try it, you'll like it.

HBomb