What subwoofer for my setup?

Misiek

Hi,

I'm new to this forum and Polk Audio speakers. I'm building a entry level HTR system.

So far I've got:

Amp: Marantz SR4001
DVD: Denon DVD-2910
Front speakers: Polk Audio Monitor 50
Center speaker: Polk Audio CS1
Surround speakers: Polk Audio Monitor 50
Back surround speakers: Polk Audio Monitor 50

I would like to add two subwoofers to my setup, something up to 300$ each.

For example:

Polk Audio - PSW10
Polk Audio - PSW110
Yamaha YST-SW315

I'm not sure about mixing Polk Audio speakers with Yamaha subwoofer.

Any thoughts?

I greatly appreciate your help.

Best regards,

M

apphd

Misiek welcome to CP. First off mixing sub brands with other speakers is not much of a problem as long as the sub is average quality that enables it to blend well with a system. Setting up two matching subs can be a problem at times, and the price range you are talking about I think you would be much better off taking the $600 and buying one GOOD sub. 3 makes that consistently get great reviews are SVS, HSU and Epik and will have something in that price range. I'm sure others will add to this.

wutadumsn23

I would have to agree with apphd, one good $600 sub may be a better option. Only because you won't have to deal with upgrading two subs in the near future. That is the only part of my HT that I wish I had looked into a little more. I don't regret buying my Polk sub, esp. for the price I paid for it, and it does very well in my setup, just one thing I wish I had upgraded a little.

Motzart

1st off WELCOME!

Sorry but I haven't been impressed with Polk Subs.
Yamaha is definitely out of the question....don't insult your current equipment!

Personally I'd go with a nice Velodyne my DPS-10 does a great job.
Got it new in box off ebay for about $225-$250 shipped.

Velodyne makes others that might more to your liking in you price range.

SVS makes a nice one too that many here recommend.

Misiek

Thank you for your replays. I think I will ditch the idea of having two low end subwoofers and invest into something better. I've read some reviews, so the Polk and Yamaha are out from my list. But I will go to nearest Circuit City to listen to some Polk just to see what they can or can't do. Anyways, I've heard of SVS but I don't have any listening experience. I've never heard of HSU and Epik so I need to perform some research. I do like Velodyne subwoofers, I've had few encounters in the past and they sounded good. But that was long time ago and those models are probably discontinued.

Did anyone heard of Velodyne MiniVee 8? I remember listening to something similar from Velodyne and I was surprised but I can't remember if that was the same subwoofer.

Motzart

Misiek wrote: »

Thank you for your replays. I think I will ditch the idea of having two low end subwoofers and invest into something better. I've read some reviews, so the Polk and Yamaha are out from my list. But I will go to nearest Circuit City to listen to some Polk just to see what they can or can't do. Anyways, I've heard of SVS but I don't have any listening experience. I've never heard of HSU and Epik so I need to perform some research. I do like Velodyne subwoofers, I've had few encounters in the past and they sounded good. But that was long time ago and those models are probably discontinued.

Did anyone heard of Velodyne MiniVee 8? I remember listening to something similar from Velodyne and I was surprised but I can't remember if that was the same subwoofer.

Don't be shy Velodyne is as good as it ever was.
Maybe even a lil better?
Yes they are up to a Minivee 10 now. LOL
1000watts RMS 2000watts dynamic.......holy thumpage!!! :eek:

Here it is and you can check out what else they have to offer while your there.
http://velodyne.com/products/product.aspx?ID=25&sid=729d865b

Slash621

I just purchased the PSW10 and have a similar setup on the way. Will I be dissapointed? I cant say I'm a real audiophile though..

Pepi28

Take a look on audiogon.com for some great deals on a used sub from SVS, Epik, HSU, Outlaw Audio, Martin Logan. These speaker manufacturers are all very very good when it comes to house shaking bass. Not expensive either.

Menasor

I posted this in the other subwoofer thread:

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)


Looks like in the $600 pricerange, you'll find that the AV123 MFW-15, Epik Valor, or SVS PB12-NSD are good choices (in that order)

danlarson

fwiw, I really love my Polk dsw500 pro, better than the velodyne in that price range. I got it from an Amazon merchant for 400.

Chameleon2

danlarson wrote: »

fwiw, I really love my Polk dsw500 pro, better than the velodyne in that price range. I got it from an Amazon merchant for 400.

which Velodyne?

I have a DSWPro 500 as well and it's limitations (no low end) are just too obvious to ignore. Waste of money - for me

I'm hoping to get something better, but hard to pick when all you have have are internet sites and no where to listen to them (in my case).

danlarson

I listened to a $900 Velodyne in the store, and I wasn't impressed-- but I do like the DSW. I might not know what I'm talking about, but I wasn't impressed with the Velodyne. My reference material was Monkey Mafia "Make Jah Music", a very cool bigbeat techno track from the 90s (my wife's favorite), which has HUGE bass. The DSW does well with it.

thuffman03

A good bang for the buck would be the Definitive Technology Pro Sub line. They are 300 watts with the PS1000 will go down to 20hz.

I have an older model Prosub 100TL which is a 250 watt and I like it very much. I got mine on eBay years ago for $199.

apphd

Menasor wrote: »

I posted this in the other subwoofer thread:...........Looks like in the $600 pricerange, you'll find that the AV123 MFW-15, Epik Valor, or SVS PB12-NSD are good choices (in that order)

Most of those prices are over 1 year old and many have gone up a little, but it is still a pretty good tool for some reference.

danlarson

The DSW 500 goes down to 23hz-- how much difference is there between 23 and 20hz? (The DSW 600 does go down to 20...)

BTW, I got the DSW new from the "Turn up the Volume" Amazon storefront for 387.00: http://www.amazon.com/shops/A3J6GAX3CBHDTI -- although I just checked and he's not stocking Polk right now.

Chameleon2

danlarson wrote: »

The DSW 500 goes down to 23hz-- how much difference is there between 23 and 20hz? (The DSW 600 does go down to 20...)

As I have learned from this site, you have to compare the "-3db" frequency values to get the best "on paper" comparison.

The 500 is 30hz @ -3db and the 600 is 25hz @ -3db; meaning frequencies below these values lose power quickly.

So, the comparison is between 30 and 25 hertzes (sic); the 5hz difference being 17% lower which is pretty significant.

Misiek

I've narrowed the choice to two subwoofers:

1. BIC VK-12 - about 320$

2. Premier Acoustics PA-120 - about 230$

After listening to my setup I come to a conclusion that it's not worth spending more than 300$-400$ for a subwoofer. Plus living in the townhouse and having neighbors on the other side of the wall complicates the whole concept.

danlarson

Misiek wrote: »

After listening to my setup I come to a conclusion that it's not worth spending more than 300$-400$ for a subwoofer.

For *now* (since I don't have an extra 1k to kill either) I agree.. I'm quite happy with my dsw500 that I paid $350 for. I've been listening (while watching) to the Star Wars pod race from Episode 1 as a good subwoofer test -- that and some old school rap-- and I've been quite content.

It is good to be content with what you have!

Menasor

Misiek, if you're going to pay $320 for the VK-12, why not pay $30 more and get the eD a2-300?

Misiek

Thank you for help guys! I greatly appreciate all advices.

After reading post from Menasor, I did some research on eD a2-300. To be exact on AVSforum and blu-ray forum. Then I've looked at eD website, the specs, build quality and looks are very impressive over the internet.

Well I will see and hear on my own if it's really wroth the money. I will place an order for a2-300 shortly! :eek:

Once again thank you guys!

Best regards,

M

Menasor

Misiek wrote: »

Thank you for help guys! I greatly appreciate all advices.

After reading post from Menasor, I did some research on eD a2-300. To be exact on AVSforum and blu-ray forum. Then I've looked at eD website, the specs, build quality and looks are very impressive over the internet.

Well I will see and hear on my own if it's really wroth the money. I will place an order for a2-300 shortly! :eek:

Once again thank you guys!

Best regards,

M

Nice! Did you get the matte or textured finish?

GregoryOrme

Chameleon2 wrote: »

which Velodyne?

I have a DSWPro 500 as well and it's limitations (no low end) are just too obvious to ignore. Waste of money - for me

I'm hoping to get something better, but hard to pick when all you have have are internet sites and no where to listen to them (in my case).

No low end is a pretty serious limitation for a sub! I agree that it's hard to shop for audio online. On the other hand, things in your family room aren't likely to sound exactly like they did in a listening room, either.

apphd

Misiek wrote: »

Thank you for help guys! I greatly appreciate all advices.

After reading post from Menasor, I did some research on eD a2-300. To be exact on AVSforum and blu-ray forum. Then I've looked at eD website, the specs, build quality and looks are very impressive over the internet.

Well I will see and hear on my own if it's really wroth the money. I will place an order for a2-300 shortly! :eek:

Once again thank you guys!

Best regards,

M

Menasor, congrats. I own a A2-300 best $315 I ever spent. I think the only complaints you'll have will be from the neighbors:D

reggiefl

I like this thread, very informative. I'm new to HT components and this is my 1st post. I'm currenlty putting together a new system and I was told that the sub makes or breaks a system. I will definitely look at Elemental Designs, more specifically at the A3-300, my budget is $400-$500.