Sub recommendation

hhh

Greetings,

I have a Sony STR-DE597 surround receiver (Okay it's not that great but it's what I can afford) and have found that the volume at any given output level is several decibels less than the old one it replaced (also a Sony) even tho they have "identical" specs.

One area where the new one is really short is in the lower frequencies. I'm using RT-7s and was wondering if anyone had any suggestion for a sub. Or should I just sell the Sony, go to therapy, break open the piggy bank and force myself while under hypnosis to spend more than a nickle?:eek: Thanks.

Hugh

gregure

Originally posted by hhh
Or should I just sell the Sony, go to therapy, break open the piggy bank and force myself while under hypnosis to spend more than a nickle?

Yes, you should. If you can still return the Sony, do it. A comparably priced unit from Denon would be way better than that P.O.S. If you can see yourself spending about $600 or $700, go for a Denon 2105. At 90 wpc, it's a pretty good receiver for something under $1000. It's also the first of the Denon line to use a nicer, stronger chassis.

As far as sub recommendations go, I would recommend the SVS PB 10 ISD. It's $470 shipped to your door from their facility, and is simply the best sub under $500 you can possibly get, end of story.

I honestly can't recommend anything below that price that would be near decent. Anything around $400 or less doesn't go very low, and bottoms out relatively easily. The Sony SAWX700 for $300 goes low, but not w/ near the power, accuracy or thrillingness of the SVS.

At higher price range, I think the Grotto from Martin Logan is a steal at just under $1000. It's a small, compact, easily placeable unit that goes to 22 Hz strong w/ ease. Don't let the looks or size fool you, this thing rocks. The PB 10 goes a bit lower, but is not as tight or musical as the Grotto.

Hope that helps, a decent starting point for you anyway.
If you have the credit for it, financing is a wonderful thing my friend. Pay it off over a year or 18 months w/ no interest, you can't beat that with a stick.
SVS PB 10 Link
Marin Logan Grotto Link

hhh

Thanks for the reply and links. As soon as I turned it on I new it just didn't cut it. However, it would probably work for something in the bedroom. I'll just have to force myself to spend some actual money and get something that works. in the living room.

Hugh

okiepolkie

If you don't mind going refurbished, you can get good deals on Denon receivers from places like www.ecost.com, www.pcmall.com, and www.ubid.com.

I would go with the SVS for quality and price as well.

hhh

Thanks for the info and links. What about a Denon AVR1705? Anyone know about these? Has to be better that what I have now.:)

billbillw

Originally posted by okiepolkie
If you don't mind going refurbished, you can get good deals on Denon receivers from places like www.ecost.com, www.pcmall.com, and www.ubid.com.

I would go with the SVS for quality and price as well.

www.dakmart.com also has refurb Denon. They are a little more money, but have a better warranty.

I have to give another recommendation to SVS. The lower priced HSU subs are also good performers for the price, especially if you can find a slightly used one.

okiepolkie

The 1705 is okay, but for a little bit more money I would at least get the 1905. It is a 7.1 channel receiver and also has component video upconversion(which is a handy feature). Besides all that, it has more power.

billbillw

Originally posted by hhh
Thanks for the info and links. What about a Denon AVR1705? Anyone know about these? Has to be better that what I have now.:)

I would recommend you go with at least the 280x series. There is quite an improvement in features and power for the money.

hhh

I'm thinking refurb is the way to go. I looked at the 2805 and that's way more than I want to spend. I saw an AVR1705 for $200 which is down in my price range.

billbillw

Originally posted by hhh
I'm thinking refurb is the way to go. I looked at the 2805 and that's way more than I want to spend. I saw an AVR1705 for $200 which is down in my price range.

It might be better, but I wouldn't expect great sound from anything in that price range. You haven't mentioned if you are using the surround channels or not. If you aren't using them, you will find much better sound in a 2 channel receiver for the price.

hhh

No, I'm not using the surround channels. Just the front. But, all I can find around here are surround ones. I could go maybe $250 for a refurbished unit but that's about it. I'm open to advice/suggestions.

billbillw

Originally posted by hhh
No, I'm not using the surround channels. Just the front. But, all I can find around here are surround ones. I could go maybe $250 for a refurbished unit but that's about it. I'm open to advice/suggestions.

Yamaha, Denon, and Onkyo all make 2 channel receivers that would sound better for the money. They are harder to find, especially in stores, but worth the effort.

hhh

Maybe I'll just have to save my pennies until I can afford to spend a bit more. Thanks for all the advice.

gregure

Keep in mind most 2 channel receivers do not come w/ a sub preout, and some that do don't have bass management. So if you go w/ a 2 channel receiver, make sure you get a sub w/ speaker wire inputs.

hhh

I noticed that. I was looking at, I believe an HK 3380, that has a sub out. That is one thing I made sure of as the RT-7s really need the help down low. They might reach 40 but it doesn't sound good. Well, if you listen to rap it might.

slaperre

Gregure, what's the size of your room? Mine is a family room with an adjoining kitchen & breakfast nook. 575 sq. ft. (300 for the family room) with 11 ft. ceiling. I like the price in the PB10-ISD, but am afraid it's not big enough. Ron at SVS said it would be okay, but recommended the PB12-ISD or 25-31PCi.

TV: JVC AV-32260
DVD Player: Sony DVP-NC615
Receiver: Denon AVR-1804
Center: Polk CSi3 (1x)
Mains: Polk RTi8 (2x)
Surround Back L/R: Polk RTi8 (2x)

gregure

My room is 20' long X 11'wide.
The ceiling is 8' high and the left side of the room (facing the TV) opens up to the hallway near the front door, w/ another doorway at the back of the room going to the kitchen.

I have my sub in the corner in the front of the room to the right of the TV/components, directly across from the large opening. It does just fine, shaking the whole house if loud enough.

My opinion: your room isn't that large, and the PB 10 would be perfectly sufficient, especially if you're on a budget. Give it a tidy corner if possible, and enjoy. Of course, I'm sure the 12" driver would give you more, but I really think the PB 10 is a great sub, better than anything you could find at Circuit City, Good Guys, Best Buy, etc. Only higher end stuff can really begin to compete, like larger Paradigms, REL, Martin Logan, etc.