Choosing a Sub, need help!

stasbel

Hello everyone.
I am new to the Polk club and to this forum, and I already need help!
I recently built a system, with RTi A7 in front, CSi A6 center and surrounds. I use Onkyo 805 receiver. I cannot make my mind on the sub. I have a relatively small living room, but possibly will be moving in a half a year to a bigger one. When I watch a movie, or listen to music, I get a very beautiful and low bass from my fronts! So I am debating:

First of all, do I need a sub at all? Would it give me a better bass, or will it prolong the life of my fronts (granted that I will cut them at 80Hz).

Second, if I will deside to get one, I am debating between PSW111 vs DSW pro 400, or PSW125 vs DSW pro 500. In this particular debate, the price is not an issue, I just want a good quality. All my friends recommend me not to go with the digital series, and stick to PSW series. And I was greatly recommended PSW111 by a store associate and a Polk Audio phone help. However, I have a feeling that I will be more happy with DSW pro 500.

Please tell me what was your experience, and what would be your suggestion.
Thank you in advance for your time!
Best regards. Stas.

McLoki

Welcome to club polk.

Yes, you want a sub. It will play deep bass much better than your fronts. Your fronts will sound a little better as well not having to move the speakers in and out as far. (i.e. midbass will improve in quality since the sub will take over the deep bass) I don't think it will actually prolong the life of your front speakers (they should last 20 years or more with no problem) but they may stand up to abuse a little better if it comes to that.

If price is no object (within reason I assume) I would step above the Polk line of subs. The current line of polk subs are supposed to be pretty good, but the older lines were crap for home theater (imo). I would look at subs from SVS, Epik, eD, HSU, or Outlaw (HSU designed). All are great bang for the buck and excellent subs for home theater. I currently have SVS and were I to purhase now, would get SVS Ultra's or Epik Castle's. (The Epik Conquest I would love to have, but it would require a dedicated room imo - zero on the WAF scale)

curved

The other suggestions are very good choices. Don't forget about Velodyne's or Martin Logan.

The other sub I heard and I liked a lot was this:
Klipsch - http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8766016&type=product&id=1203815459521

IMO, I would get a 10 inch sub. They tend to be a little more accurate, tighter bass and respond faster than anything bigger (esp considering your room size).