Good sub for 2-channel

Mike Reeter
Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
edited August 2008 in Subwoofer Hookup & Bass Management
Sorry guys/gals,but another "Which Sub" thread.

I'm looking for a small,sealed,fast,sub to compliment our 2-channel rig.

Our space is approx. 12'X12'...I've looking for an 8" model or similar size sub.

The budget is around 600.-700.

I've been looking at these http://www.velodyne.com/products/product.aspx?ID=13&sid=157a975e

Chime in with any advice,and no,I'm not opposed to buying used.
Post edited by Mike Reeter on
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Comments

  • tcrossma
    tcrossma Posts: 1,301
    edited July 2008
    I'm quite happy with the performance of my Paradigm Ultracube 10. It's a 10", but it's small and sealed and very fast. It only has line-level inputs which might be a bit of a drawback depending on your setup. I don't use it for 2-channel because I like my LSi15's without anything added, but I've experimented and it does a very good job with music.

    Good luck.
    Speakers: Polk LSi15
    Pre: Adcom GFP-750 with HT Bypass
    Amp: Pass Labs X-150
    CD/DVD Player: Classe CDP-10
    Interconnects: MIT Shortgun S3 Pro XLR
    Speaker cables: MIT MH-750 bi-wire
    TT:Micro Seiki DD-35
    Cartridge:Denon DL-160
    Phono Pre:PS Audio GCPH
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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    edited July 2008
    Thanks,I'll look into the Ultracube.
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited July 2008
    The BAG END Infra 12 isn't the prettiest but for music it is very hard to beat. http://ultimateavmag.com/subwoofers/1104bagend/
    Also the ACI Titans might be worth looking into.http://www.audioc.com/speakers1/speakers.htm#subwoofers
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited July 2008
    Get more sub than you need. A single 8" woofer probably isn't gonna cut it. In your price range there are a zillion good options. Get a passive sub (or build one) and buy a separate amp (or power it from an unused channel on a multichannel amp).
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited July 2008
    Early B. wrote: »
    Get more sub than you need. A single 8" woofer probably isn't gonna cut it.
    +1


    OOPS sorry didn't read that all important line stating your budget:o
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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    edited July 2008
    GV#27 wrote: »
    +1


    OOPS sorry didn't read that all important line stating your budget:o

    I was assuming that with such a small room that an good 8" driver would work...I also like the small cabinets...I don't need Bass that will rattle windows,just enough to fill the lower end of music.

    But,I'm open to all suggestions...so keep em coming,Thanks
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited July 2008
    Mike Reeter wrote: »
    I was assuming that with such a small room that an good 8" driver would work...I also like the small cabinets...I don't need Bass that will rattle windows,just enough to fill the lower end of music.
    For accurate and low distortion bass a woofer must have long excursion capabilities and lots of volume displacement.In direct comparison to a good 12"a single 8"( even a good one) is not likely up to the task. The 12" assuming properly designed will sound cleaner and less stressed because it does not have to work as hard the smaller woofer would need to, even at reasonable levels.You don't want the woofer working its little arse off and adding lots of low frequency distortion.


    btw here is a good choice within your budget.http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-sb12plus.cfm
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  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited July 2008
    I was pretty impressed with the Von Schweikert VR S1, Very musical and about $500 now on the 'Gon.
    Sharp Elite 70
    Anthem D2V 3D
    Parasound 5250
    Parasound HCA 1000 A
    Parasound HCA 1000
    Oppo BDP 95
    Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
    Von Schweikert LCR 4 Center
    Totem Mask Surrounds X4
    Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
    Sony PS3
    Squeezebox Touch

    Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door.
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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    edited July 2008
    Thanks everyone,I guess I need to set my sights a little higher...I've been looking at the SVS PB-10...I will also research the VR S1
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  • tcrossma
    tcrossma Posts: 1,301
    edited July 2008
    I tried the SVS PB-10 before buying my UltraCube, and I couldn't be happier with my decision. For my area and tastes it wasn't even close - the SVS certainly went lower, but this 10" Ultracube does exactly what I want, even for HT. And you can't beat the size. But you do pay more for that small size.

    SVS makes some quality subs, but did I mention they are really BIG :)

    Good luck in your search. If you can, I'd recommend that you try out some nice small 10" or 12" sealed subs and see what you think. It works for me.
    Speakers: Polk LSi15
    Pre: Adcom GFP-750 with HT Bypass
    Amp: Pass Labs X-150
    CD/DVD Player: Classe CDP-10
    Interconnects: MIT Shortgun S3 Pro XLR
    Speaker cables: MIT MH-750 bi-wire
    TT:Micro Seiki DD-35
    Cartridge:Denon DL-160
    Phono Pre:PS Audio GCPH
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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    edited July 2008
    tcrossma wrote: »
    I tried the SVS PB-10 before buying my UltraCube, and I couldn't be happier with my decision. For my area and tastes it wasn't even close - the SVS certainly went lower, but this 10" Ultracube does exactly what I want, even for HT. And you can't beat the size. But you do pay more for that small size.

    SVS makes some quality subs, but did I mention they are really BIG :)

    Good luck in your search. If you can, I'd recommend that you try out some nice small 10" or 12" sealed subs and see what you think. It works for me.

    Thanks,We have an SVS PC-Ultra in our HT rig...not the most "musical" sub out there I'm sure...but,it will go DEEP with an LFE signal.

    That's why I was looking at the Velodynes and some others,smaller,tighter,cleaner.

    The Ultracube looks promising.
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  • JoeLR
    JoeLR Posts: 19
    edited July 2008
    Maybe look at the Martin Logan Dynamo?
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited July 2008
    Velodyne SPL series, hands down.

    You can find the 8 or 10" version on A-gon in your price range.
    "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
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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    edited July 2008
    Face wrote: »
    Velodyne SPL series, hands down.

    You can find the 8 or 10" version on A-gon in your price range.

    Those are exactly what I've been looking at...but not for sure yet.

    Stupid question:My preamp had extra outputs for bi-amping/subs.

    "If" I were to buy an SPL series,would I also need a external x-over?

    These subs and several others all seem to have the x-overs, phase controls and volume levels built in.
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited July 2008
    I'm running a Velo SPL-1200R & it gets the job done in spades. It rocks the room in HT & is extremely musical & blends in with my mains for two channel absolutely perfectly. No need to look any further...get the SPL & call it a day.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • vonnie123
    vonnie123 Posts: 326
    edited July 2008
    JoeLR wrote: »
    Maybe look at the Martin Logan Dynamo?


    I'll ditto the Martin Logan Dynamo being a good quality sub. It is versatile for use as either a downward or forward facing sub. My interest and use is mostly music, both stereo CD and multi channel SACD and DVD-A. It is nicely made, and will not boom you out of the room.
    [
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  • engtaz
    engtaz Posts: 7,663
    edited July 2008
    Check out Craigsub reviews.:
    http://www.tweakcityaudio.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11
    http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=768150

    engtaz
    engtaz

    I love how music can brighten up a bad day.
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  • ilikesound
    ilikesound Posts: 355
    edited July 2008
    I triple ditto the Martin Logan Dynamo. They're amazingly musical subs, enhanced to bring out the very best in music. For HT, they do decently, but they really shine when you put some tunes through them. I've never heard a sub sound so tight before my Dynamo's. If you can eat the ~$600 price tag, i'd spring for one (or two, like me!) of those.
    At Home:
    Panasonic 42'' TC-L42U12 LCD
    Pioneer VSX-80TXV
    Toshiba HD-XA2
    Sony PS3 - psn "metalguitars"
    Xbox 360 - gamertag "giggidygiggidy"
    Panamax 4300EX
    Polk RTi8's
    Polk CSi3's
    Polk FXi3's. (x2)
    Martin Logan Dynamo (x2)
    Audioquest interconnects and wires.

    Away From Home:
    JVC HDR-50
    stock system in new car for now:(
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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    edited July 2008
    Thanks for all the replies...I'm going to pull the trigger soon.
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  • Monster Jam
    Monster Jam Posts: 919
    edited July 2008
    pearsall001 wrote: »
    I'm running a Velo SPL-1200R & it gets the job done in spades. It rocks the room in HT & is extremely musical & blends in with my mains for two channel absolutely perfectly. No need to look any further...get the SPL & call it a day.

    +1

    I'm typing this because otherwise my response is too short to post.
    Do you hear that buzzing noise? :confused:
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  • stereojunkie
    stereojunkie Posts: 10
    edited August 2008
    Mike Reeter wrote: »
    Thanks for all the replies...I'm going to pull the trigger soon.

    have you narrowed your choices?
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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    edited August 2008
    stereojunkie wrote: »
    have you narrowed your choices?

    I am holding out for a Velodyne SPL series...I was torn between the Martin Logan and a Velo.

    After talking to a dealer who carries both,he recommended a Velo...and a lot of members are happy with them also,but of course it's more expensive.

    So,I'm saving for a while...I want to buy once,and not have to upgrade later on.
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited August 2008
    Mike Reeter wrote: »
    I am holding out for a Velodyne SPL series...I was torn between the Martin Logan and a Velo.

    After talking to a dealer who carries both,he recommended a Velo...and a lot of members are happy with them also,but of course it's more expensive.

    So,I'm saving for a while...I want to buy once,and not have to upgrade later on.

    Smart move. I couldn't be any happier with my SPL-1200R.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • JoeLR
    JoeLR Posts: 19
    edited August 2008
    Mike Reeter wrote: »
    I am holding out for a Velodyne SPL series...I was torn between the Martin Logan and a Velo.

    After talking to a dealer who carries both,he recommended a Velo...and a lot of members are happy with them also,but of course it's more expensive.

    So,I'm saving for a while...I want to buy once,and not have to upgrade later on.

    FWIW, I totally agree w/ the last part... Going "cheap" & then upgrading to what I actually want has cost me a boatload of money (reselling at severe loss) over the past few months. Lesson has been learned...
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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    edited August 2008
    JoeLR wrote: »
    FWIW, I totally agree w/ the last part... Going "cheap" & then upgrading to what I actually want has cost me a boatload of money (reselling at severe loss) over the past few months. Lesson has been learned...

    Been there,done that:D
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  • MKZ
    MKZ Posts: 1,068
    edited August 2008
    pearsall001 wrote: »
    Smart move. I couldn't be any happier with my SPL-1200R.

    +1 with 8". They are as loud as my other SVS 12" with better tonal quality for music.
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