Subwoofer comparison

Chameleon2

Sub experts, for both music and HT combined, how should the following be ranked - and why (selling prices are for new subs from authorized dealers):

Velodyne DLS-5000R (ported, $750)

Velodyne SPL-1000R (sealed, $700)

SVS PB12-NSD (ported, $600)

HSU VTF-3 MK3 (ported, $700)

If there are other subs in the $6-700 range that should be considered, please include.

Elemental Designs, which I have not heard too much about, have a range of subs with good specs (as I understand them) in the A3-250 ($375), A3-300 ($475) and A5-350 ($650) (all ported). Curious about them with their prices being noticeably lower than most others (if it sounds too good to be true.....). Any first-hand knowledge appreciated here too.

thanks.

Chameleon2

Forgot to add; only the Elemental Designs are downward firing, all others are forward firing.

apphd

Chameleon2 wrote: »

Forgot to add; only the Elemental Designs are downward firing, all others are forward firing.

I can comment a little on eD subs, I have the A2-300 which as with most of the eD line a pretty bang for the buck sub more of a HT than musical sub but not too bad for music. One of the reasons for lower cost is finish, the eD subs are covered with a sprayed on textured finish, what many refer to as truck bed liner (and probably is). They have gone to a newer finish, which I think is the same, just a finer texture. They also in my opinion, run a little larger size (and I do mean little) than most equal class compeitors. So the big ugly box turns many off who prefer good subs with furniture grade finishes.
You might also want to look at Epik subs.
Maybe this will help:
http://www.tweakcityaudio.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11

thsmith

You should also look at the Outlaw subs.

Chameleon2

any other input?

Menasor

I've also been looking at subs. It looks like for bang for the buck performance, eD is a great choice (if not the best for the $400-700 range). The problem is the finish. However, they've since added a matte finish to all subs for a slight increase in price ($25-35 extra), which makes them look a lot better.

I've read great things about Epik and SVS subs as well.


Also, please note that for eD subs, they get built to order -- so it'll be around 5 weeks before you get your sub.

gonzalr

check Epik subwoofers. There are 3 choices on your price range (Valor, Knight and Caliber). There's a bunch of good information you can read from the owner of Epiks sub in another forum (AVS****.com)

Menasor

gonzalr wrote: »

check Epik subwoofers. There are 3 choices on your price range (Valor, Knight and Caliber). There's a bunch of good information you can read from the owner of Epiks sub in another forum (AVS****.com)

That Valor looks quite nice and a 15" driver for $549...

Menasor

Menasor wrote: »

That Valor looks quite nice and a 15" driver for $549...

Also, let's take a look at this ratings list (compiled over at the avs forums):

Elemental Designs A7-900 ($2200 ID/SI): 116 points (63-53)
Epik Conquest ($1599 ID): 112 points (60-52)
SVS PB13-Ultra ($1499 ID): 109 points (57-52)
Epik Castle ($999 ID): 109 points (59-50)
AV123 MFW-15 Duals: 109 points (56-53) (note, duals were tested as duals are offered as a package)
Creative Sounds Dual SDX-15 driver + Behringer EP-2500 Amp + Behringer DEQ2496 ($1630 ID): 105 points (57-48)
JL Audio Fathom 113 ($3500 BM): 103 points (53-50)
AV123 MFW-15 ($599 ID): 103 points (53-50)
Def Tech Trinity ($3000 BM): 102 points (54-48)
Velodyne DD-18 ($5000 BM): 100 points (50-50)
ACI Maestro ($2400 ID): 97 points (47-50)
eD A5-350 ($715 ID/SI): 96 points (50-46)
JL Audio Fathom 112 ($2600 BM): 95 points (45-50)
Hsu VTF-3 HO + Turbo ($999 ID): 94 points (47-47)
Hsu VTF-3 HO w/o Turbo ($899 ID): 92 points (45-47)
Hsu VTF-3 Mark III + Turbo ($799 ID): 92 points (45-47)
VMPS VSS ($1650 BM and ID): 92 points (45-47)
Epik Valor ($549 ID): 91 points (44-47)
Hsu VTF-3 Mark III w/o Turbo ($699 ID): 91 points (45-46)
SVS PB12-Ultra: 90 points (47-43)
Axiom EP-500 ($1230 ID/SI): 90 points (43-47)
Hsu VTF-2 Mark III + Turbo ($599 ID): 88 points (42-46)
SVS PB12-Plus/2 ($1299 ID): 87 points (47-40)
SVS PB12-NSD ($599 ID): 86 points (43-43)
Hsu VTF-2 Mark III w/o Turbo ($499 ID): 86 points (40-46)
Rocket UFW-12 ($999 ID): 85 points (provisional) (35-50)
Elemental Designs A2-300 ($350 ID/SI): 83 points (44-39)
SVS PB10-NSD ($429 ID): 83 points (43-40)
Dana Audio 600 ($869 ID): 83 points (36-47)
Rocket X-Sub ($199 ID): 78 points (34-44)
BIC H-100 ($229 eBay): 78 points (40-38)



Look at the rating for the AV123 MFW-15 at 103 points. Nothing else even comes close to it for the price!!! Haha... look at my BIC H-100 rounding out the list at the bottom *tear*