any good sub recomendations?

tkdsmith

I've been trying now for a while to find a good sub to go with my system. Thought I found one in the velodyne V-810-B I picked up but the woofer was dead and it was a sealed cabinet . As this avenue did not work out well I was wondering if anyone here could recommend a decent sub for my system.

Right now I am running RT12s as my mains, R 30s for rear and am trying to pick up a CS245 for my center. I'm driving these with a H/K 330 so there is some power behind these but the system is far from being really pushed. I think these will end up getting used about 60% music 30% games and 10% movies.

I'm in college right now and probably for the next 2-6 years :cool: so I don't need anything really powerful as I'm in an apartment and don't need to my roommates and myself evicted :rolleyes: , just something with clean bass that can go fairly low.

I'm hoping to only spend no more than $150-200, (I know I'm asking a hell of a lot for this price range but I'm already way over budget) if anyone knows of a good sub that would fit into my system, or has one to sell (especially if you’re willing to part with it for less ) I would really appreciate the help

gregure

Realistically you'll get nothing but **** for that price. There are literally absolutely no quality subs at that price that would be what I would consider to be adequeate for a system that is primarily used for music.
You may want to search used online, either ebay or audiogon, to see if your money could go a little further, but still you're not going to get anything low and accurate in that price range.
Given your living situation, I would recommend looking at a better two-channel amp for your Rti 12's. Those have a good deal of bass, which would really make you forget about a sub for music use if they were run well. An entry level HK surround receiver isn't giving them anywhere near the juice that would open up the sound and extend the bass a good amp would do.
For movies, it really is a different experience with a sub, but for $200 bucks it's really not even worth it.
Everyone here will argue SVS because they're cheap, but the build quality is shoddy and they're all ported, which is really not the greatest type of sound for music. Not as accurate or precise. I'm a big fan of Martin Logan subs, very clean, very low, but also quite small and compact. The Dynamo starts at $600 and they go up from there, but even the Dynamo goes to the mid 20's Hz range, and with authority for something so small. Give them a listen at any ML dealer, most accessibly Magnolia Audio/Video or Magnolia Home Theater inside of Best Buy stores.

tkdsmith

thanks for the info gregure. I would like to mention that I have the old RT12s not the new RTi's. I wish I could afford them but one speaker is about what I set aside for my entire system. I know my little H/K doesn't have the guts to drive these properly and is a big part of the reason I start to lose response around the 40-45hz range but as I said money has become a major issue and even getting a moderate seperates set up is pretty much out of the question for at least the next 5 years or so. Thank you for the martin logan suggestion I've been dreaming of getting one or even just getting myself into an area I can demo one. (The nearest audio store I have around is a rex, and there just flat out idiots and still an hour and a half away). Again thanks for the help, I hope with my next upgrade I can actaully start getting in to some top quality gear.

lomic

See if you can find a used HSU STF-2. One just sold in flea market for $175, see them go on Audiogon in the ~$250 range usually, so keep an eye out. I doubt you'll find cleaner bass anywhere below $500.

Sherardp

youre 200 bucks away from a good 10 inch sub from SVS, 400 bucks from the 12 inch, Mow a few lawns man, bag a few extra groceries at the market, I know I say SVS all the time but damn those things are worth it.

bms

If you could somehow squeeze the extra $200, you would be thrilled with the svs-pb10. I have a moderately large room with older Polk bookshelf speakers, and I had to stretch to afford it, but you will be thrilled that you waited. I bought mine without hearing - totally on research & reviews. Also, keep checking svs b-stock website - great deals to be had.

https://svsound.com/store/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_ID=12

bms

tommyboy

Hey smith,

don't listen to these guys about spending 500 bucks on a sub, look at this absolute beauty for only $94.99!!!

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Sony-8-Subwoofer-SA-WM250-/sem/rpsm/oid/92231/catOid/-12950/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do


Not only do you have a great sub, you have the great sony name!!!:D

Customers seem to like it too, 4.3/5, damn what a good sub

ronnie

check e-bay for polks psw-303...i have one and decent bass output for the price....really cheap on e-bay.....wont go low, but hits pretty hard for an 8in sub, perfect for a smaller room

ruffjustice

i'am using a bic america v1220 i bought new from a seller on ebay it's acually very good i paid 175.00 delivered 200 watt rms 375 peak, has bash amp well made has detachable a.c. line thats like 6 feet long .. it's has butyl surrounding on 12" down firing sub specs. is like 23 hz -180 go check it out on their site .

univera

With all due respect, some of you aren't listening to what the guy is saying. He doesn't need top class. The idea that you can't buy a decent sub under $500.00is hogwash. I bought a good Velodyne sub from Circuit City a few years ago. It was a floor model, and $250.00, but it wasn't $500.00 new and it goes "fairly low." I never felt lacking, especially in a small room.

He wants something that goes "FAIRLY LOW." Not earthquake or sonic boom low. He may not be able to find top name for $150.00-200.00, but there are certainly decent, used subs for under $500.00. I have seen used, VD subs that are Circuit City quality selling for about $200.00 or so. The guy is in college and isn't looking to blow his budget or the walls out.

danger boy

buy the most subwoofer you can afford used.. stay away from Bose subwoofers.

ebay, audigon and craigslist are your best bets for used subs. I got one for $275 some guy selling because he didn't want to move it. I found mine on Craigslist.. so there you go.

I tell anyone in this hobby to do your OWN homework. What subwoofer I like may be crap to everyone else.. and vice versa. I read up on the Adire Audio subwoofer i was about to purchase.. it all checked out. then i went and listened to it.. and i knew I had to have it.

But first i did my OWN homework.. i didn't take recommendations on what was the best subwoofer for me.. that's silly. You know your system... find a subwoofer in your price range and demo it.. if it checks out.. buy it.

Used is the only way to go if you are on a tight budget. Stay away from the CC's and BB's. they offer crap in your price range.

danger boy

tdk where do you live? there may be someone in here that is close to you and may have a subwoofer they would be willing to sell.

tkdsmith

thanks for all the responses, I would have like to responed a bit more but life got in the way. I would really like to be able to get an SVS but like I said I have a fairly stiff butget, mainly because working part time with rent, food and utilities, I just cant justify spending anymore on a sub I won't be able to use to potential for 2-3 years.
Dangerboy, I've been doing homework but I came here in hopes of hearing some suggestions for some lesser known brands, that may not be top quality but would be a nice fill for a smaller room, I know that a lot of people here have a great deal more experience in the feild than I do, and for the most part a better opprotunity to demo products. In answer to your other question, I'm currently living in the chelan area but will be moving to pullman at the end of the week for school. Thanks again for the help, though I may wait now to meet my neighbors before investing in a sub.

tkdsmith

just read through my opening post again, I forgot to post that my main purpose of the sub is HT, my mains have been doing an admerable job handling music but its in movies and gaimes where I notice the low end being a bit weak.

doggie750

If you ask me, I was in your shoes b4.......so I did my homework........I got me a SVS.........:) ........Now if you like DIY project will do you good.....spend maybe a $200-400 for a decent sub, SOME brothers in here converted a car sub to HT sub, this is w/o the amp. For the amp you could get a 150-$$$$. SVS amp are around $150. The point of getting a good sub is having the capability of handling a low freq...the lower the better........Average good sub is around 20Hz. Craigslist, pennysaverusa.com, ebay......used items will do......REMEMBER having a sub is cool when HT purposes only....5.1 and beyond.....but for 2.0, 2 channel.....your monitors will do just fine, get a decent amp for it.

NOW if your budget is really crashed..........get the sony one......Circuit city has it, reviews are fair. $69...if you aint satisfy......return it.........

FOOLISH IDEA, get a decent velodyne from CC then return it after a week.........so it becomes an open item. BARGAIN the open item price with the MANAGER......'till it's low enough to purchase it. I haven't done this but a brother did............it works............!!!!!!!!!

tecmo04

FOOLISH IDEA, get a decent velodyne from CC then return it after a week.........so it becomes an open item. BARGAIN the open item price with the MANAGER......'till it's low enough to purchase it. I haven't done this but a brother did............it works............!!!!!!!!!

SHADY... but sweet if that works

sucks2beme

Newer style SVS subs are great. I got a PCI 25-31 for $200 on Craigslist.
It was an old style. With the new style driver upgrade, I've got a little over $300 in it before selling the old driver. There are deals are out there. Just watch and be ready to move on it. There are other good subs out there
even in that price range for HT. A sub for music AND HT is a harder nut to crack.

wingnut4772

SVS!

mantis

Honestly the cheapest sub I think is any good is the Martin Logan Grotto. It's under a Grand and it sounds fantastic. Why limit yourself to a cheap sub when if you save alittle you can have a great sub. Even under a grand this sub is just fantastic. I think it's around 600.00 of so.Worth waiting for.


Dan

DollarDave

I have seen this sub recommended on this forum a few times and alomst bought one until I ran across an HSU MK-2. Good reviews, 200 bucks.

http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=subwoofers&product=12.1

RuSsMaN

I'd recommend the Onix also. Check out accessories4less.com - they've got a great selection, right at your price point.

mrbigbluelight

Remember, Tdksmith mentioned he's going to be in college for the next six years or so, and is on a tight budget.

If he was wanting to get a good beater car for $500, recommending a used 2004 BMW ain't going to cut the mustard.

If you can find SVS,etc used off of Craigslist/Ebay/Audiogon, than go for it, that is certainly your best deal.

For $149 delivered to your front door, you can get an Athena As-P4000
sub that'll hold down the fort until you get done with school and get rich.


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009WRUZ2/sr=8-1/qid=1156044555/ref=pd_bbs_1/102-8318521-2085761?ie=UTF8

It's going for $299 right now, but wait a bit and they'll have their $149 delivered deal soon enough.

It's the equivalent of a darn good beater that doesn't smoke, gets you there, and doesn't cost much.

dipiazza

I am also in college, and had teh Polk PSW for a while, for the price its really not to bad and i was pretty happy with it.

Obviously its no SVS but heck you can pick up a used on for like $150-200. And it will surely get the job done. Good luck.

I'd recommend the Onix also. Check out accessories4less.com - they've got a great selection, right at your price point.

I also have the Onix. Its solid and $200. Either or.
Good luck, where are you in school? Go MARYLAND!

-Jake

Ron Temple

A budget sub is the Bic Acoustech H-100. Starts around $200 from reputable ebay re-sellers. Designed by Dr. Hsu, I've heard it and compare it to retail subs selling for $4-500. Better for HT than the Onix x-sub though I've heard great things about this one as well. Lots of threads about this one on AVS. Do a search...

biffbyun

I second the isd10. SVS make some really good products.