Whats better between these 2 options...

Shicks18
Shicks18 Posts: 397
Now that I got my LSi9s I need to upgrade my Sub from my smaller polk sub.

My current budget can't really be over $350 including shipping so my question is.... what would be better down the road....

2 x Bic Acoustech H-100 ($250 x 2)
or
1 x HSU VTF-2 MK3 ($500)
or
2 x HSU STF-1 ($300 x 2 or $250 x 2 if i chose silver haha)

I could do 1 Bic now and save up enough money to get another later, or I could save up more money and buy the HSU in a few months. (Just a college kid counting his pennies..)

Or option 3: Yall (Yes I am Texan) recommend good options not exceeding $350 shipped.

Thanks, you guys are the best... I am sure I have annoyed the crap outta you guys with my growing list of meaningless posts.
TV: LG 55LW5600
Pre: Marantz SR6001
Front Amp: Parasound HCA-1000A
Center Amp: Marantz MA500
Mains: Polk LSi9
Center: Polk LSiC
Sub: HSU VTF-3 MK-2
Games: Xbox360 and PS3
Post edited by Shicks18 on

Comments

  • rcody
    rcody Posts: 10
    edited June 2008
    I am new at this and don't know how to go about this without pissing people off. I have a Earthquake MKIV/12 that I am going to put on ebay in a week or two. It's the price you mentioned plus shipping. It's six months old and I never regestered it. You can go to the web sight and check out the specks at www.earthquakesound.com Thanks Robert
  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,963
    edited June 2008
    You need to put this is the for sale section,but you need 25 posts befor being able to do so.Also,it is pretty much taboo to offer your stuff on e-bay and here at the same time.The rules are clearly stated in the For sale area.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
  • Shicks18
    Shicks18 Posts: 397
    edited June 2008
    Do what?? Im not selling anything... Thats what I am considering buying and I wanted yalls opinions!
    TV: LG 55LW5600
    Pre: Marantz SR6001
    Front Amp: Parasound HCA-1000A
    Center Amp: Marantz MA500
    Mains: Polk LSi9
    Center: Polk LSiC
    Sub: HSU VTF-3 MK-2
    Games: Xbox360 and PS3
  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited June 2008
    He did not mean you... Also - check out the outlaw subs. They are pretty nice and when on sale, can fit into your price range.
    Mains.............Polk LSi15 (Cherry)
    Center............Polk LSiC (Crossover upgraded)
    Surrounds.......Polk LSi7 (Gloss Black - wood sides removed and crossovers upgraded)
    Subwoofers.....SVS 25-31 CS+ and PC+ (both 20hz tune)
    Pre\Pro...........NAD T163 (Modded with LM4562 opamps)
    Amplifier.........Cinepro 3k6 (6-channel, 500wpc@4ohms)
  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited June 2008
    I have a Mirage Omni S-12. Not sure where you can find them anymore, but I run one with my LSi HT setup and have loved it for years.

    Originally $800, but Tweeter had them marked down to $400 when they started to go under. If you can find one, grab it :)

    I have an SVS in my bedroom, and it's very solid as well. It's the lower end basic 10" version.
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
  • Ern Dog
    Ern Dog Posts: 2,237
    edited June 2008
    Between the three option you listed, I'd choose option #2 because it is important not to skimp on a sub, even if it means waiting a little longer until you have the coin.
  • Shicks18
    Shicks18 Posts: 397
    edited June 2008
    Theres no doubt that is the best sub of all.. but getting that I wouldn't get a 2nd sub. I just don't know what would be better, 2 lesser subs (both good) or 1 monster sub. I know stacking 2 subs together in 1 area has a 3db increase, or spreading them out creates a smoother more balanced sound. From yalls experiences which have yall liked more... 1 monster sub or 2 above average subs.
    TV: LG 55LW5600
    Pre: Marantz SR6001
    Front Amp: Parasound HCA-1000A
    Center Amp: Marantz MA500
    Mains: Polk LSi9
    Center: Polk LSiC
    Sub: HSU VTF-3 MK-2
    Games: Xbox360 and PS3
  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited June 2008
    Shicks18 wrote: »
    Theres no doubt that is the best sub of all.. but getting that I wouldn't get a 2nd sub. I just don't know what would be better, 2 lesser subs (both good) or 1 monster sub. I know stacking 2 subs together in 1 area has a 3db increase, or spreading them out creates a smoother more balanced sound. From yalls experiences which have yall liked more... 1 monster sub or 2 above average subs.

    Actaully spreading them out does create a more balanced sound, but also provides a 3db increase.

    Colocating (stacking) provides a 6db increase.

    The big difference as I see it between 2 lesser or one greater sub is where is there lower -3db point at? If the greater sub plays down to 18hz and the lesser one down to 30hz, that +6db is not going to equalize things. (this is a random example, not stating for the subs you are directly looking at)

    I really like having dual subs, but either way, I would make sure their -3db point is at least 25hz or I would pass.

    Michael
    Mains.............Polk LSi15 (Cherry)
    Center............Polk LSiC (Crossover upgraded)
    Surrounds.......Polk LSi7 (Gloss Black - wood sides removed and crossovers upgraded)
    Subwoofers.....SVS 25-31 CS+ and PC+ (both 20hz tune)
    Pre\Pro...........NAD T163 (Modded with LM4562 opamps)
    Amplifier.........Cinepro 3k6 (6-channel, 500wpc@4ohms)
  • Shicks18
    Shicks18 Posts: 397
    edited June 2008
    BIC Acoustech H-100 Subwoofer
    Woofer - Long-throw 12".
    Power - 500 watts dynamic peak output (150 watts RMS continuous).
    Max Acoustic Output --- 115 dB SPL
    Frequency Response --- 24 Hz - 200 Hz (+/- 3 dB)
    Enclosure - vented
    Dimensions - 17" H x 15 W x 18 1/4" D
    Crossover Frequency Range --- 40 Hz - 150 Hz


    HSU VTF2 MK3
    Amp Power (RMS) 250
    Frequency Response (maxiumum extension mode) --- 18 Hz
    Frequency Response (maxiumum output mode) --- 25 Hz
    Woofer Size --- 12 Inches
    Crossover -- Bypassable 24 dB/Oct, continuously variable 30 - 90 Hz low pass filter

    HSU STF 1
    Amplifier power -- 150 Watts
    Bass extension +/- 2 dB --- 32 Hz
    Woofer size --- 8 Inches
    Crossover -- Continuously variable 30-90 Hz, defeatable, 24 dB/Oct


    Not sure what all of that means, but I am sure you can tell me McLoki... you have been a big help on all my threads sir! :D

    Edit:: Will be using more for HT than Music (75/25)

    Per Craigsub's Rankings : Price/Points (HT-Music) --

    Hsu VTF-2 Mark III w/o Turbo ($499 ID): 86 points (40-46)
    Elemental Designs A2-300 ($350 ID/SI): 83 points (44-39)
    SVS PB10-NSD ($429 ID): 83 points (43-40)
    Rocket X-Sub ($199 ID): 78 points (34-44)
    BIC H-100 ($229 eBay): 78 points (40-38)
    TV: LG 55LW5600
    Pre: Marantz SR6001
    Front Amp: Parasound HCA-1000A
    Center Amp: Marantz MA500
    Mains: Polk LSi9
    Center: Polk LSiC
    Sub: HSU VTF-3 MK-2
    Games: Xbox360 and PS3
  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited June 2008
    Based on what you have listed above I would go with option one or two based on below....

    If you room is not that great for bass (With a sub in a single location, some bass sounds boomy and other bass notes just seem to dissapear) I would go with the dual h-100. (Also if you are not sure, dual subs would be the safer bet).

    If you room is ok for bass (you can get decent bass without alot of nulls/peaks with the sub in one location) I would get the vtf-2. It does dig a little deeper and If one was just not enough, you could pick up another used if it came along. I think this would be the better sub with the best sound, but your room could change that to favoring the dual subs listed above.

    I would not consider the STF-1. (IMO - 32hz is to high of a tuning point for good home theater, it may be great for music, but that is not what most of its use will be)

    Michael
    Mains.............Polk LSi15 (Cherry)
    Center............Polk LSiC (Crossover upgraded)
    Surrounds.......Polk LSi7 (Gloss Black - wood sides removed and crossovers upgraded)
    Subwoofers.....SVS 25-31 CS+ and PC+ (both 20hz tune)
    Pre\Pro...........NAD T163 (Modded with LM4562 opamps)
    Amplifier.........Cinepro 3k6 (6-channel, 500wpc@4ohms)
  • rcody
    rcody Posts: 10
    edited June 2008
    thank you, I would look at the reviews on the Earthquake subs. They are an outstanding subwoofer. Thanks again for correcting my errors.
  • Shicks18
    Shicks18 Posts: 397
    edited June 2008
    Thanks Michael you have helped me such much these past few days.

    What do you think of eD A2-300
    http://www.edesignaudio.com/product_info.php?t=2&products_id=407
    TV: LG 55LW5600
    Pre: Marantz SR6001
    Front Amp: Parasound HCA-1000A
    Center Amp: Marantz MA500
    Mains: Polk LSi9
    Center: Polk LSiC
    Sub: HSU VTF-3 MK-2
    Games: Xbox360 and PS3
  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited June 2008
    Shicks18 wrote: »
    Thanks Michael you have helped me such much these past few days.

    What do you think of eD A2-300
    http://www.edesignaudio.com/product_info.php?t=2&products_id=407

    I have not personally heard one, but they are supposed to sound very nice. They are also (as reported) moderately ugly - if that is important to you.

    Added to the choices you have listed above - 2 of these would be my top choice.

    1 now and 1 later, would replace my choice of the HSU above.

    If you only plan to purchase one sub, I would put it as a toss up between the HSU and this one. Performance I would expect to be pretty equal, price goes to eD, looks goes to the HSU.
    Mains.............Polk LSi15 (Cherry)
    Center............Polk LSiC (Crossover upgraded)
    Surrounds.......Polk LSi7 (Gloss Black - wood sides removed and crossovers upgraded)
    Subwoofers.....SVS 25-31 CS+ and PC+ (both 20hz tune)
    Pre\Pro...........NAD T163 (Modded with LM4562 opamps)
    Amplifier.........Cinepro 3k6 (6-channel, 500wpc@4ohms)
  • Shicks18
    Shicks18 Posts: 397
    edited June 2008
    I like the idea of 2 subs truthfully, and having the luxory to purchase 1 immediately makes it more appealing.
    TV: LG 55LW5600
    Pre: Marantz SR6001
    Front Amp: Parasound HCA-1000A
    Center Amp: Marantz MA500
    Mains: Polk LSi9
    Center: Polk LSiC
    Sub: HSU VTF-3 MK-2
    Games: Xbox360 and PS3
  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited June 2008
    What size is your room?

    Slab, basement, etc...?

    I have the larger A5-300(replaced by the A-350). It's a great home theater sub.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
  • PSOVLSK
    PSOVLSK Posts: 5,202
    edited June 2008
    Check out the "Famous Maker" sub designed by Dr. Hsu. If I were a college kid counting my pennies (or if I needed a sub now), I'd seriously consider this as an option. The downside for you is that you'd like to add a 2nd one later and this obviously won't be available then.

    http://www.partsexpress.com/webpage.cfm?FILTER=hsu&FTR=hsu&search_type=main&WebPage_ID=3&x=17&y=8
    Things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out.-John Wooden
  • Shicks18
    Shicks18 Posts: 397
    edited June 2008
    which sub? the link directs me to all of the subs
    TV: LG 55LW5600
    Pre: Marantz SR6001
    Front Amp: Parasound HCA-1000A
    Center Amp: Marantz MA500
    Mains: Polk LSi9
    Center: Polk LSiC
    Sub: HSU VTF-3 MK-2
    Games: Xbox360 and PS3
  • PSOVLSK
    PSOVLSK Posts: 5,202
    edited June 2008
    The last one. $288.87
    Things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out.-John Wooden
  • rcody
    rcody Posts: 10
    edited June 2008
    polk psw1000 ebay#150262859140 offer $150 buy daton amp
  • erm93ct
    erm93ct Posts: 14
    edited July 2008
    psw303 is your best optioon
  • Shicks18
    Shicks18 Posts: 397
    edited July 2008
    I went with 1 HSU STF-2 now and will get a 2nd later. I am currently in a 12x15 room.
    TV: LG 55LW5600
    Pre: Marantz SR6001
    Front Amp: Parasound HCA-1000A
    Center Amp: Marantz MA500
    Mains: Polk LSi9
    Center: Polk LSiC
    Sub: HSU VTF-3 MK-2
    Games: Xbox360 and PS3
  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited July 2008
    And we are still waiting on the review...
    Mains.............Polk LSi15 (Cherry)
    Center............Polk LSiC (Crossover upgraded)
    Surrounds.......Polk LSi7 (Gloss Black - wood sides removed and crossovers upgraded)
    Subwoofers.....SVS 25-31 CS+ and PC+ (both 20hz tune)
    Pre\Pro...........NAD T163 (Modded with LM4562 opamps)
    Amplifier.........Cinepro 3k6 (6-channel, 500wpc@4ohms)
  • Shicks18
    Shicks18 Posts: 397
    edited July 2008
    hah, don't worry Michael it is definitely coming in about 4 weeks when I move back up to Columbia and it is all set up. Everything minus my tv/xbox360 is new, so I will review my HSU, LSi9s, Parasound, and HK.
    TV: LG 55LW5600
    Pre: Marantz SR6001
    Front Amp: Parasound HCA-1000A
    Center Amp: Marantz MA500
    Mains: Polk LSi9
    Center: Polk LSiC
    Sub: HSU VTF-3 MK-2
    Games: Xbox360 and PS3
  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    edited July 2008
    Shicks18 wrote: »
    hah, don't worry Michael it is definitely coming in about 4 weeks when I move back up to Columbia and it is all set up. Everything minus my tv/xbox360 is new, so I will review my HSU, LSi9s, Parasound, and HK.

    You are building a very nice rig...I can only wish I had such a set-up at your age.

    N'joy your new toys:D
  • Shicks18
    Shicks18 Posts: 397
    edited July 2008
    Thanks, its from working countless hours of overtime at my summer job.
    TV: LG 55LW5600
    Pre: Marantz SR6001
    Front Amp: Parasound HCA-1000A
    Center Amp: Marantz MA500
    Mains: Polk LSi9
    Center: Polk LSiC
    Sub: HSU VTF-3 MK-2
    Games: Xbox360 and PS3