Subwoofer comparison

RBethel

A friend (who's building a new home) is letting me babysit his subwoofer, it's a Klipsch RSW12. I'm very impressed, (especially some films like Jurrasic Park II) I don't want to spend $900-$1200 for a subwoofer. I have a Polk CSI30 center channel and I'm very impressed with the value! Can anyone tell me if any of the Polk subs. compare? Or is it truly a case of "you get what you pay for"

Dr. Spec

The RSW series has fabulous sound quality - articulate, clean and detailed with great slam and power. Very nice subs. I demo'ed them extensively at the local Klipsch dealer (Rowe Photo) one afternoon.

However, every sub in this series, including the RSW-15, takes a HUGE nosedive in output below 30 Hz. They have virtually no usable output at 20 Hz. Of course, neither does any Polk sub (except the now OOP PSW1200).

To answer your question, there is no subwoofer Polk currently makes that can even come close to standing up against a Klipsch RSW series sub in terms of sound quality, low THD, or output. In terms of FR, they are about the same, with the RSW probably having a slight edge in extension.

The forthcoming PSW808 will probably give an RSW-10 more than it can handle in SPL, but it won't run with the RSW-12 or the RSW-15.

Yes, you really do get what you pay for.

Here is a link to a review of the RSW-15, along with some other subs.

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_8_4/subwoofers-12-2001.html

RBethel

Thanks for the very useful information! It'll be difficult to give up the sub in a few months and start shopping for a less expensive alternative. Perhaps I can find a "scratched & dent sale" at Magnolias Hi-Fi

abmarsh

The Hsu VTF-2 has quite a reputation for bang for the buck performance. I like mine, so far, and it isn't anywhere near broken in.

Check out the owner reviews at www.audioreview.com

RBethel

Originally posted by RBethel
Thanks for the very useful information! It'll be difficult to give up the sub in a few months and start shopping for a less expensive alternative. Perhaps I can find a "scratched & dent sale" at Magnolias Hi-Fi

Bad news! The RSW 12 amp. died last Friday! I tried to call Klipsch to no avail. I'll have to try Mon. I hope they have good customer service, as my neighbor bought the speaker online from a discount house back east. :mad:

Dr. Spec

Originally posted by RBethel
Bad news! The RSW 12 amp. died last Friday!

Could this have anything to do with repeated JPII and JPIII playback?

RBethel

Actually it "died" during the night while in idle mode. I guess like anything electronic it's subject to failure. But I think it may have influenced my future buying decision as to brand etc. It sounded decent while it worked, and I'll have to admit I'm missing it bigtime. I'll see how the service pans out. So far it's looking like I'll have to mail it back to Arkansas. :supermad:

Dr. Spec

No - just email Klipsch and mail the amp to them. They will mail you a new amp in no time. They are decent about warranty stuff. I wouldn't ship the whole sub - **** - than thing's huge.

gacole2000

Dr. Spec-

what Sub would you suggest in the $200-300 range? I am considering the PSW-350 and wondered if, in your opinion, there was something out there with more "bang for the buck." Thanks in advance for your assistance.

Greg

Dr. Spec

That price range is a tough call.

I would step up a bit and look at:

The Adire Audio Rava for $400.

The Adire Audio Dharman for $600.

You can also look at enclosure kits by Acoustic-Visions using Adire Shiva or Tempest drivers here:

http://www.acoustic-visions.com/Enclosurekit.htm

The HSU-VTF-2 for $450.

The SVS 25-31PCi for $550

The SVS PB1-ISD for $600

gacole2000

Thank you for your advice. I have been very impressed with your comments at Club Polk. What is your opinion on the PSW-350? Money is very tight right now. Thanks again! Greg

danger boy

gacole2000

i have the 350 sub. it's okay. does not go that low or really that loud.. what are the other speakers in your system? the 350 can be had for about $200. it will get you by... but yeah in your price range... it may be the best way to go. stay away from the $99 KLH subs you see everywhere.. and go with polk if that is your spending limit. good luck

gacole2000

Yamaha 5590 100Wx6

CS400 Center
BA A-100 Mains (Bostons)
BA A-70 Rears
CS175 Rear Center
SW-10 Cheap Vidsonix sub

Thanks- Greg

danger boy

Greg, yeah i think the 350 will be an improvement and will work well with your other speaks. if possible put the sub in a corner along the longest wall. that will also give you a little more punch out of the sub.

gacole2000

Thanks, I appreciate your help. I may have a lead on a Velodyne CHT-100. Any thoughts?

Dr. Spec

Originally posted by gacole2000
[BWhat is your opinion on the PSW-350? Money is very tight right now. Thanks again! Greg [/B]

I owned twin PSW350's stacked in one corner. I think it is a decent sounding sub, and two of them really pounded out the SPL - very impressive. This sub can dig to about 35 Hz strong and then it rolls right off. It has virtually no usable output in the bottom octave and will not do complete justice to the bass intensive DVDs out there today - but you could do worse.

MxStYlEpOlKmAn

The Velo CHT15 is for 600 at CC

gacole2000

Thanks, but way out of my budget. Doc which would you suggest, the 350 or CHT 100?

Thanks again- Greg

Dr. Spec

Gonzo has a HT-12 for sale for $250. Buy it if he still wants to sell it.

stevew14

Just curious, anyone had any experience with the deftech subs?

setzer808

DefTech and Velodyne make great subs, but if you are simply trying to get some good low-end reinforcement on a tight budget, shop around for a good deal on a PSW-350. I got mine for $199, great sound, true...its not a SunFire or a Servo-15, but hey, I live in an apartment and I STILL can't crank my 350 over half-way....ugh, the joy of neighbors.

PSW-350...its a great sub that will serve you well....besides....who says that if you step up to a bigger sub one-day, you can't use the 350 in another room, or in another corner of your main room?