Subwoofer Suggestions?

Kamzu
Kamzu Posts: 21
edited February 2009 in Subwoofer Hookup & Bass Management
Hey guys,

I'm trying to get more information on subs since I've never been able to try any of the subs I've heard people mention on this forum.

I'm looking to spend about 1.5K to 2K on a sub.

So far I've been drooling over the SVS Ultra Box sub and Polk MicroPro 4000.

Probably going to use this for HT applications with music every now and then.

Which would be better for my setup? I'm putting this in a room that's approximately 14 X 14 with the setup in my sig.

Thanks in advance for any input! =D
Samsung 52" LCD LN52A850
Onkyo TX-SR805
Emotiva XPA-1 (2)
Emotiva XPA-3
Sony PS3
HTPC
Polk Audio RTi A9
Polk Audio CSi A6
Polk Audio FXi A6
SVS PB13-Ultra
Post edited by Kamzu on
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Comments

  • MikeC78
    MikeC78 Posts: 2,315
    edited February 2009
    If I was going to choose, I'd get the SVS Ultra for HT. There is a big difference in the size between the Polk and SVS, If you have the room for the SVS, I'd grab it.
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  • TNRabbit
    TNRabbit Posts: 2,168
    edited February 2009
    SVS makes great subs for the money. A couple other brands to consider are Elemental Design and Epik.
    TNRabbit
    NO Polk Audio Equipment :eek:
    Sunfire TG-IV
    Ashly 1001 Active Crossover
    Rane PEQ-15 Parametric Equalizers x 2
    Sunfire Cinema Grand Signature Seven
    Carver AL-III Speakers
    Klipsch RT-12d Subwoofer
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited February 2009
    Assuming your ceiling is 8' your room is 1568cf, at $1500 to $2K budget the sky is the limit for you.

    I have expereince with the SVS Ultra13 (currently own), the big outlaw a friend of mine has and personally owned HSU VTF3-MK3.

    The SVS U13 will leave you with tons of headroom and not ever needing butt kickers. It kills for movies and is excellent for music.

    The HSU 3 3 and big outlaw will do fine and leave lots of money in your pocket, you could even go with 2 each and have money left over but personally I prefer 1 sub over 2.

    The 3 companies I menytioned above have outstanding customer service.

    I could not get Epik to returm my calls or email when I was trying to buy a conquest last fall, glad they suck because I love the SVS sub I have.

    Don't know anything about eD.
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • doug lang
    doug lang Posts: 261
    edited February 2009
    Having the svs 20-39+ I am well satisfied. There service and sales are friendly and eager to answer any questions. These factors along with their price made my decision easy. Best of luck.
    Oppo bdp 93 Blue Ray
    Integra DTR-80-2
    Polk LSi9s (mains)
    Polk LSiC (center)
    Polk LSiFXs (surrounds)
    Sub SVS 20-39+
    Samsung 60" Led 3-d
    Blue Jean Cables
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited February 2009
    that SVS sub is more than capable for such a small room! It can handle a lot more than 14 x 14! You can't go wrong with that!

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited February 2009
    I highly recommend the Hsu Uls-15 Dual Drive. I have the Quad Drive and it is sweet. Tight, low,accurate and musical with plenty of HT slam when you start in multiples.

    ULS-15 Dual Drive
    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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  • TNRabbit
    TNRabbit Posts: 2,168
    edited February 2009
    I'd seen the Hsu subs before; very impressive stats. Has anyone heard/used one yet?
    TNRabbit
    NO Polk Audio Equipment :eek:
    Sunfire TG-IV
    Ashly 1001 Active Crossover
    Rane PEQ-15 Parametric Equalizers x 2
    Sunfire Cinema Grand Signature Seven
    Carver AL-III Speakers
    Klipsch RT-12d Subwoofer
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited February 2009
    I had a HSU 3 3 and 2 MBMs. Great customer service and product. My room is 4200CF with a 1800CF room to the right and rear, great for music and great for movies but I could on occasion bottom out the driver due to room size for movies, ended up with a SVS PB13U.

    Would have been cheaper from me to add a second 3 3 but hate dealing and EQing more than 1 sub.
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • Kamzu
    Kamzu Posts: 21
    edited February 2009
    Thanks for all the replies!

    I was wondering if the electronic calibration on some subwoofers are worth it?

    I really like how the SVS looks, even though I've never heard one before. ^^;;
    Samsung 52" LCD LN52A850
    Onkyo TX-SR805
    Emotiva XPA-1 (2)
    Emotiva XPA-3
    Sony PS3
    HTPC
    Polk Audio RTi A9
    Polk Audio CSi A6
    Polk Audio FXi A6
    SVS PB13-Ultra
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited February 2009
    Depends on your room. There is a free program over at hometheatershack.com call Room EQ Wizard (REW) that is exteremely valuable helping to determine the peaks and dips in your room.

    I used a BFD 1124 when I had mu HSU true sub and MBMs that made a huge difference. Since getting the SVS I was able to get rid of the BFD and using the 1 filter the SVS has.

    When I run Audsessy on my AVR the sub level matches the mains perfectly.
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • megasat16
    megasat16 Posts: 3,521
    edited February 2009
    My vote for the SVS PB13 (own a couple) but both Polk DSW Micro Pro 4000 and HSU ULS15 are good choices. I also have good results with a couple of ED A7s-450 (sealed 18" with 1300W plate amp) subs but they needs to be pre-ordered.

    If room size and WAF plays an important factor, I would look for the DSW Micro Pro 4000 or the ULS 15. Also, there are plenty of good ID subs from Rythmik Audio (also Ascend Acoustics), AV123, and Seaton Sounds. Other Key players worth to take a look and listen are Velodyne, JL Audio, and Danley Sounds Labs.

    Good Luck With your sub purchase. Plenty of Good Ones Out There....
    Trying out Different Audio Cables is a Religious Affair. You don't discuss it with anyone. :redface::biggrin:
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  • donedroolin
    donedroolin Posts: 225
    edited February 2009
    Hey Kamzu, I have a VELODYNE sub. I love it and would highly reccomend one. In that price range check out a SPL 12 or 15 even possibly the DD10 or12. AWSOME subs you WILL NOT be disappointed. Just check them out.
    TV- 52 inch LCD SONY BRAVIA XBR6
    TV- 42 inch PLASMA HITACHI ULTRA VISION
    AMP- PARASOUND HALO A-51
    CONTROLLER- PARASOUND HALO C-2
    FRONT SPEAKERS- LSi15's and LSiC
    REAR SPEAKERS- LSi7's
    SUBWOOFER- VELODYNE DD15
    BLU RAY- LG SUPER BLU BH200
    BLU RAY- SONY BDPS350
    GAME SYSTEM- NINTENDO Wii
    MONSTER POWER CONDITIONER
    WIRES- AUDIO QUEST and MONSTER
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  • polkatese
    polkatese Posts: 6,767
    edited February 2009
    Kamzu wrote: »
    Thanks for all the replies!

    I was wondering if the electronic calibration on some subwoofers are worth it?

    Unequivocally Yes!

    Those nasty frequency peaks and valleys need to be tamed. I have a Velodyne DD-15, which has a built in software to calibrate the frequencies based on your listening room.

    Btw, Welcome.
    I am sorry, I have no opinion on the matter. I am sure you do. So, don't mind me, I just want to talk audio and pie.
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  • TNRabbit
    TNRabbit Posts: 2,168
    edited February 2009
    Kamzu wrote: »
    I was wondering if the electronic calibration on some subwoofers are worth it?



    The digital calibration makes a HUGE difference in helping to tailor the sub to your room/placement. There is a separate system called the SMS-1 that does the same thing with ANY sub....kinda pricey, though ($400-500 used).
    TNRabbit
    NO Polk Audio Equipment :eek:
    Sunfire TG-IV
    Ashly 1001 Active Crossover
    Rane PEQ-15 Parametric Equalizers x 2
    Sunfire Cinema Grand Signature Seven
    Carver AL-III Speakers
    Klipsch RT-12d Subwoofer
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited February 2009
    TNRabbit wrote: »


    The digital calibration makes a HUGE difference in helping to tailor the sub to your room/placement. There is a separate system called the SMS-1 that does the same thing with ANY sub....kinda pricey, though ($400-500 used).

    yep but REW is free and BFD is $99. More work but worth it.
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • Kamzu
    Kamzu Posts: 21
    edited February 2009
    Forgive me if this sounds retarded... But the HSU Dual Drive... is that 2 seperate subwoofers? ^^;;
    Samsung 52" LCD LN52A850
    Onkyo TX-SR805
    Emotiva XPA-1 (2)
    Emotiva XPA-3
    Sony PS3
    HTPC
    Polk Audio RTi A9
    Polk Audio CSi A6
    Polk Audio FXi A6
    SVS PB13-Ultra
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited February 2009
    yes, 2 ULS 15s
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited February 2009
    I'm running dual Velo SPL-1200R's & couldn't be happier. Splended performance for both HT & 2 channel.

    Just a heads up...Outlaw has the Velo SMS-1 on sale for $399. I think till 2/23.
    "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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  • TNRabbit
    TNRabbit Posts: 2,168
    edited February 2009
    Here's a good sub: http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=78715
    TNRabbit
    NO Polk Audio Equipment :eek:
    Sunfire TG-IV
    Ashly 1001 Active Crossover
    Rane PEQ-15 Parametric Equalizers x 2
    Sunfire Cinema Grand Signature Seven
    Carver AL-III Speakers
    Klipsch RT-12d Subwoofer
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited February 2009
    Agree it is a nice sub but being 3-4 years old and at $950 it is over priced IMO. $500-$600 is closer to the right price.
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • SlowcarIX
    SlowcarIX Posts: 887
    edited February 2009
    you will like 2 hsu uls15 in your 14x14 room. with 2 subs, you can move them around till you get the flattest response. being a sealed sub, you wont have to deal with all sorts of port noises. the wireless feature is great too.

    i got 4 of them in a leaky 20x20 room and the bass will punch me into mash :D
    my 7.(1x4) HT setup
    TV - Mitsubishi WD-65734
    AVP / Amp - Onkyo PR-SC885P / D-Sonic 2500-7
    Front - Emerald Physics CS2
    Center - JTR Triple 12LF
    Surround L/R / Back - Polk RTi4 / Polk FXi A4
    Sub - 4 X Hsu ULS15 playing nearfield
    DVD / CDP - Sony PS3/40GB / Sony SCD-XA9000ES
    Belkin PURE AV PF60 / UPS
    Buttkicker

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=60612
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  • Kamzu
    Kamzu Posts: 21
    edited February 2009
    I'm seriously considering this PB12-Plus/2. What do you guys think of this sub? He's in my area too.
    Samsung 52" LCD LN52A850
    Onkyo TX-SR805
    Emotiva XPA-1 (2)
    Emotiva XPA-3
    Sony PS3
    HTPC
    Polk Audio RTi A9
    Polk Audio CSi A6
    Polk Audio FXi A6
    SVS PB13-Ultra
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  • SlowcarIX
    SlowcarIX Posts: 887
    edited February 2009
    get yourself 2 of the epik dragons....18" sealed for 2k

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=79056
    my 7.(1x4) HT setup
    TV - Mitsubishi WD-65734
    AVP / Amp - Onkyo PR-SC885P / D-Sonic 2500-7
    Front - Emerald Physics CS2
    Center - JTR Triple 12LF
    Surround L/R / Back - Polk RTi4 / Polk FXi A4
    Sub - 4 X Hsu ULS15 playing nearfield
    DVD / CDP - Sony PS3/40GB / Sony SCD-XA9000ES
    Belkin PURE AV PF60 / UPS
    Buttkicker

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=60612
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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited February 2009
    SlowcarIX wrote: »
    get yourself 2 of the epik dragons....18" sealed for 2k

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=79056


    Or 4 :D
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  • MrNightly
    MrNightly Posts: 3,370
    edited February 2009
    Kamzu wrote: »
    I'm seriously considering this PB12-Plus/2. What do you guys think of this sub? He's in my area too.

    That is a great sub man! You won't be disappointed with it.

    It digs really low, and you can block one of the ports for even deeper bass. I have really enjoyed my version!
    Honoured to be, an original SOPA founding member
    Stuff...

    RTi12's - front
    CSi5 - center
    FXi3's - surrounds
    RTi4's - surrounds
    SVS PB12-NSD/2 - sub :D:D:D
    Denon 3805
    Rotel RB-985 5-Channel Amplifier

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