500ish for a sub, which one?

Rivrrat

I'm going to buying a sub. I'd like a 12", mostly for HT, but it'll be hooked up to the only system I have right now, so it'll also be handling music too.

I don't want to do this twice, so I'm looking at what I think are some of the best in the price range.

SVS 25-31 pci
HSU VTF2 Mk3
Velodyne DLS 4000R

What say you all?

BTW, it'll be backing up the bass on M10's, in a 3k cf room (12.5x25x10')

Face

eD A3-300
http://www.edesignaudio.com/edv2/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=102
Best bang for the buck. I use one of their older 12" subs and it has no problem filling my listening area with clean bass.

dkg999

I would look at some of the new Polk subs. The new ones aren't your father's Polk subs.

Willow

From all the talk you can't go wrong with SVS or HSU

mojo_13

Face wrote: »

eD A3-300
http://www.edesignaudio.com/edv2/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=102
Best bang for the buck. I use one of their older 12" subs and it has no problem filling my listening area with clean bass.

I 2nd this opinion. Nothing but good things have come from this subwoofer. Look around at some of the other forums and you will hear the same thing.

jakelm

Try the DSW500 or if you can swing it get the DSW600. Try the new Polk out.

Sherardp

Add a little more to the budget and go for an Epik

Serendipity

How about a DIY sub?

Rivrrat

Thanks all for the input. I'm still not sure, but the money is still a month away (the old waf thing) so I have time.

Thanks for the tips on ED and Epik, the both sound promising.

mhartman29

I haven't heard about Epik before. Anyone have any experience with them?

zingo

I'd say go for the DIY sub. For less than $500 you could have a pair of these! (Minus the B&Ws) I used this subwoofer in a sealed box internally braced and stuffed, then finished them in a timeless look (very Vandersteen), that just happens to match my SDAs. They are very musical, sound great, but can still hit 22Hz.

Music Joe

:rolleyes:
I've been reading the various forums about all these new, high value internet only powered subs like the Epik, Ellemental Designs,which really does tempt and now the newest of the crop the MFW-15 is generating some buzz so you may want to add that to a research list.
MFW-15

W WALDECKER

I bought my Epik Valor subwoofer for $550 + shipping.Its a 15"sealed design with a 350wpc amplifier.

hockeyboy

This is an incredible sub for $375.00 in the B-Stock of SVS. This is a PASSIVE sub though so you will need a solid amp channel to drive it (since it doesn't plug into the wall). I run dual passive subs and they are the highlight of my system IMO.

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

If you don't have an amp channel I would go with a PB-12 NSD that is also SVS. You can email those guys and they will hook you up.

bopicasso

I own the svs 25-31pci. I love it! It is very clean floor shaking bass!
LOVE IT!

mantis

No man go Martin Logan Grotto. It's killer and it's 599.99. Money well spent and better then all listed subs here.

Dan

MikeC78

mantis wrote: »

No man go Martin Logan Grotto. It's killer and it's 599.99. Money well spent and better then all listed subs here.

Dan

You have listened to all the subs listed here? How is the Grotto better, interesting claim with nothing to back...

mantis

MikeC78 wrote: »

You have listened to all the subs listed here? How is the Grotto better, interesting claim with nothing to back...

Go listen to it and tell me.

Early B.

Rivrrat -- for the size of your room, I'd strongly suggest a 15" woofer.

A $500 sub with a 12" driver, no matter who manufactures it, is not gonna move enough air to pressurize your room sufficiently for HT and sound good. You would have to turn the volume up high and the driver and/or amp will be straining to handle the load, so you'll hear lots of distortion.

Go for an Epik or MFW-15; they look very promising. A used VMPS sub would work well, too. In fact, you'll eventually want two subs for your room, so start working on the WAF.

MikeC78

mantis wrote: »

Go listen to it and tell me.

I don't have to. I can tell you for extension and HT use that the 15" Epik will stomp all over the Grotto.

Early B.

MikeC78 wrote: »

I don't have to. I can tell you for extension and HT use that the 15" Epik will stomp all over the Grotto.

The Epik would probably be better for music in rivrrat's room, as well, especially when cranked up and rockin' out.

hockeyboy

I have heard that Grotto and even almost bought one because it is a nice looking and sounding sub. I ended up going SVS which, after owning for some time now IMO would stomp that Grotto.

Get an SVS cylinder. They are huge but so worth it.

mhartman29

It seems like there's a lot of praise for HSU, SVS, Epik and Ev on here. I'm inclined to go with one of these when the time comes for me to get a good SW, but how can one make a decision about which one to buy without being able to demo them anywhere as they are all direct online dealers?

Early B.

mhartman29 wrote: »

It seems like there's a lot of praise for HSU, SVS, Epik and Ev on here. I'm inclined to go with one of these when the time comes for me to get a good SW, but how can one make a decision about which one to buy without being able to demo them anywhere as they are all direct online dealers?

Just pick one based on your budget and personal preferences. You can't go wrong.

crd2002

I have the velodyne dls4000 with RTI12 and man this thing sound good have to turn it down or it will make the whole house shake

dbaldus

mhartman29 wrote: »

It seems like there's a lot of praise for HSU, SVS, Epik and Ev on here. I'm inclined to go with one of these when the time comes for me to get a good SW, but how can one make a decision about which one to buy without being able to demo them anywhere as they are all direct online dealers?

Actually, if I remember right, I believe that SVS is willing to let you try it for 45 days for free - they will even REFUND THE SHIPPING. I'm not sure if it is for all models, but I definitely remember seeing that at some of the ones I was looking at. Can't beat a free demo!

Also, the other day I sent back a 76 lb package, insured for $449, through DHL and it only cost me $28! So shipping something (if you go through DHL) might be cheaper than you think!

irishaz

So many choices, now I'm more confused then ever. I'm in the market for a new sub to replace an old Cerwin Vega that's developed a hum and is losing some steam. Not trying to derail the thread, but I'm pretty much in the same boat as Rivrrat. I'm looking to spend in the $500-700 range and have been researching it for a while. I'm mostly an HT guy and don't use a sub for two-channel (2 ch is in the garage for WAF reasons). I'm looking for a sub that I can feel. Lately, I've been bouncing back and forth between ED(long lead times and questionable business practices (described on AVS), Epik, SVS and HSU. My room is a finished basement (25 X 15 X 8.5) and it opens up to a playroom about 10 X 20 X 8.5. I read Early's comments and decided to opt for the Epik 15", but I can't make up my mind. Since these are internet only companies, I'm looking for some advice. Given my budget (500-700), space and listening preference (powerful knock your socks off HT), what would you choose? I'd look at the Grotto like Mantis suggested, but I can't even find them for under $800, and others say the Epik's and SVS would blow doors on it anyway.

Help!!!! I'd like to order it soon, as my Cerwin Vega is getting worse every day and I want to upgrade. What's a guy to do?

Rivrrat

Wow, I thought this thread had dropped off the page.

It's a lot to think about, and have a bit of time. The WAF says I have to wait till late Feb. when I get some extra cash.

kolyan2k

what about Martin Logan Dynamo ?

Early B.

irishaz wrote: »

So many choices, now I'm more confused then ever. I'm in the market for a new sub to replace an old Cerwin Vega that's developed a hum and is losing some steam. Not trying to derail the thread, but I'm pretty much in the same boat as Rivrrat. I'm looking to spend in the $500-700 range and have been researching it for a while. I'm mostly an HT guy and don't use a sub for two-channel (2 ch is in the garage for WAF reasons). I'm looking for a sub that I can feel. Lately, I've been bouncing back and forth between ED(long lead times and questionable business practices (described on AVS), Epik, SVS and HSU. My room is a finished basement (25 X 15 X 8.5) and it opens up to a playroom about 10 X 20 X 8.5. I read Early's comments and decided to opt for the Epik 15", but I can't make up my mind. Since these are internet only companies, I'm looking for some advice. Given my budget (500-700), space and listening preference (powerful knock your socks off HT), what would you choose? I'd look at the Grotto like Mantis suggested, but I can't even find them for under $800, and others say the Epik's and SVS would blow doors on it anyway.

Help!!!! I'd like to order it soon, as my Cerwin Vega is getting worse every day and I want to upgrade. What's a guy to do?

For your room size, you definitely need the biggest sub you can buy, preferably one with a 15" driver. So that simplifies your decision. For your budget, consider narrowing your choices down to Epik or VMPS. You can't go wrong with either choice.

Serendipity

I've heard the SVS a few times before, and I like it for HT.

But that is just my opinion, I'm sure there are other subs that also sound great!