Which subwoofer?

Hoop

I was thinking about getting the Polk PSW12. However, I can't find a decent deal on one so I haven't purchased anything yet. I'm looking for mostly HT applications. I will be using Monitor 40s and a CS2 up front with RC65is in the rear. Room is about 14x15x8.

I have heard a lot of good things about Hsu and SVS.

Can anyone recommend a suitable model? Preferably in the same price range as the PSW12 ($350 + free shipping from Crutchfield). Finish other than black a plus (40s and CS2 will be cherry).

Thanks!

adam2434

The smallest Hsu (SFF-1) and Outlaw (LFM-2), which are almost identical subs, are in that range.

If you can swing it or save up, spend a little more and get the smallest SVS (PB10-ISD is the model, I think) or the Hsu STF-2.

Also, you may want to check out used from audiogon.com.

Hoop

How do the LFM-2 and STM-1 compare with the PSW12?

The PB10-ISD is a little more than I am looking to spend at this point.

adam2434

Sorry, I have no personal experience with any of them.

I have read some complaints about excessive port noise with the PSW12 when pushed.

At $350 max, I'd personally lean towards the Hsu or Outlaw because they were both designed by sub design guru, Dr. Hsu.

Here's another option at $350 - a well regarded kit from Parts Express:
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=300-760&ctab=4#Tabs

But man, you are soooo close to a pricepoint that would get you a PB10-ISD or STF-2.

Hoop

Any truth to what I hear about the Hsu being better for music than the SVS, and the SVS being better for HT than the Hsu? I am probably 50/50 HT/Xbox.

Given the choice, wouldn't the PB10-ISD be better than the STF-2 (for around $30 more)?

I'm a little concerned with the lack of a low filter on the PB10-ISD. Call me crazy, but I don't think my receiver (Sony STR-DE695) has filtered RCA outputs. All I have is a single RCA plug that is identified as Subwoofer Pre Out. Am I right that this pretty much prevents me from using the PB10-ISD?

aaharvel

only 1 post this time, good job guys. SVS guys are sittin' back eating Snickers bars. THEY LOVE US!



(oh i kid) :cool:

bms

I narrowed my decision to the pb-10 & the hsu vtf-2. I chose the pb-10 because of reviews & opinions here. I, too, thought that the pb-10 was a little more than I wanted to spend. I'm sure glad I did. It's a great sub that goes very low & plays very loud. And Ron & Eric at SVS are great to deal with.

I wouldn't worry about the lack of other connection options on the pb-10. Just run it from the LFE jack (sub out) on your receiver & let 'er rip.

adam2434

The PB10-ISD will work with any receiver that has bass management and a sub out jack - so you're fine there.

On your receiver, set your speakers to "small", sub to "on/yes", and play with crossover points in the 60-100 Hz range. This will send all bass below the crossover point to the sub. The rest of the speakers will play from the crossover point up. Then, calibrate all channels, including the sub, with a spl meter if possible.

Hoop

I went with the STF-2. Probably could have lived with the STF-1, but what the hell. (It was out of stock anyway.)

adam2434

Hoop wrote:

I went with the STF-2. Probably could have lived with the STF-1, but what the hell. (It was out of stock anyway.)

Cool, nice sub, I think you'll be very happy with it.