Looking for a sub.

RedBull

I've recently purchased a stereo (Harman Kardon HK-3490) and am looking for a subwoofer to pair it with. I'm currently using a pair of bookshelf speakers, but will be upgrading to some Polk TSI 400's in the next couple of weeks. My problem is, I don't really know what to look for in a sub. I'll be using it for video games, movies, and the occasional house party. Right now the microPRO lineup from polk has me interested. I've found the DSW microPRO 1000 and 2000 on Polk's ebay page for a good price. Are these decent subs? And what is the difference between the two, because I'm having a hard time discerning this.

Thanks in advance for any help.

comfortablycurt

First off, welcome to Club Polk.:)

The Micropro 1000 and 2000 are the same sub, but the 1000 is a little cheaper due to not having the same aesthetic enhancements of the 2000. The 2000 has a piano black finish, and the 1000 has a matte black finish. I believe there are a couple other small cosmetic differences as well.

As far as the specs and the performance go, the 1000 and the 2000 are exactly the same though. It's up to you whether or not the better aesthetics are worth the extra money.

What kind of budget do you have in mind for the sub?

How large of a room will it be going in?

obieone

The OTHER difference, IIRC, between the 1K vs. the 2,3, & 4k is that the upper models come with a remote, and a calibration mic. Couldn't confirm this, because, the page won't load completely?

apphd

obieone wrote: »

The OTHER difference, IIRC, between the 1K vs. the 2,3, & 4k is that the upper models come with a remote, and a calibration mic. Couldn't confirm this, because, the page won't load completely?

You're on the right page obieone. The 1000 does have a remote, but it lacks the calibration mic., 12v trigger and the better finish.

thuffman03

I usually say get a Sunfire but that might be more sub than you need/want.

Trying to think of another good sub...Thinking....Thinking....Thinking....O' heck with it.

Get a Sunfire. 2700 watts of ground pounding base.

ViperZ

thuffman03 wrote: »

I usually say get a Sunfire but that might be more sub than you need/want.

Trying to think of another good sub...Thinking....Thinking....Thinking....O' heck with it.

Get a Sunfire. 2700 watts of ground pounding base.

Sunfire is way more expensive than DSW series Polk subs. And all it's good for is HT duty (my opinion), but I guess, that's all he will be using his sub for.

RedBull

Ok, so what I'm gathering is that the 1000 and 2000 are basically the same. What is a 12 volt trigger by the way?

The room the sub is going into is a 8x10 bedroom, and occasionally a 20x20 living room. The budget is sub $500. The microPRO 1000 and 2000 can be had for under $400.

thuffman03

RedBull wrote: »

What is a 12 volt trigger by the way?

It allows you to run a cable from your preamp or AVR to the sub or amp to turn it on when the pre or AVR is turned on. It carries a 12 volt current to the sub/amp and lets it know to turn on so that is why they call it a 12 volt trigger.

thuffman03

ViperZ wrote: »

Sunfire is way more expensive than DSW series Polk subs. And all it's good for is HT duty (my opinion), but I guess, that's all he will be using his sub for.

I know that most don't need a Sunfire. Way too powerful and too much $$$ for most to spend. I was just in a funny type of mood when I wrote that.

I do currently have my Sunfire on my 2 channel rig. I had to play with the slope and x over for a while till I got it to sound pretty good. It takes some work but it can be a good music sub. I think most people who have one don't take the time to set it up and it will sound really boomy. It is a great sub for HT. It most likely end up in my HT but I am having fun with it they way it is now.

cnh

Actually,

Unless you're getting a GREAT discount on that sub, like 50%, you might be better off with a good price on the DSW Pro 600...It would hit lower for HT (not as much wattage...but according to Polk specs this plays LOUDER than the 2000). Maybe a bit sloppier though?

Thuffman, I love you but those are some pricey suggestions for a guy that's running an M-level series?

Sunfire's are definitely nice subs though!

cnh

RedBull

Well, I'd be getting the dsw microPRO sub at like 65% off of sticker price of $1099. I see the DSW Pro 600 has a dramatically cheaper sticker price, though from what I can see it is a much lower wattage sub than the microPRO. Is the PRO 600 that much better?

cnh

That's a great discount for a micro-pro...and it's probably better for music as well? A sealed sub with a radiator design. And it's got more power for sure....but there are trade-offs for HT, at least in the specs. I'm not saying the 600 is a better sub...just that it probably bangs more low end out than the Micropro....if I'm reading Polk correctly.

At 65 percent off I'd bite! How big is your room?

cnh

RedBull

The room is extremely small at 8'x10'. Their is enough room for a bed, a desk and my tv and stereo. But, the stereo will be moving to the main room for parties maybe once or twice a month. That room is like 20x20.

cnh

Not sure an entry level microPro is going to do the job in a 20 X 20...I'd probably move up that line...if you can find a good buy. Or go with an SVS. In a small room you're fine...you won't get huge SPLs in a 400 sq foot room though!

cnh

RedBull

Ahh, now I have a tough decision to make. But I think I want to go with the microPRO 2000. Could it suffice for a 20x20 room for music?

jimmydep

I just got a Great deal on the DSW PRO 600 at the best price I've found anywhere $340 shipped from:

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Polk-Audio-DSW-Pro-600-12-Black-Powered-Subwoofer_W0QQitemZ120440373828QQcmdZViewItemQQptZSpeakers_Subwoofers?hash=item1c0ace4244&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1205%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

It's more musical than I thought it would be and man when you turn it up it can shake the house......It's a little larger than I thought and I'm not a fan of the volume control where you have to count the blinking lights, but I'm getting used to it and the remote control is a nice touch.

I think this sub is a very good choice for the budget minded audiophile and it's equally good for music and HT duties.


Jimmy


Welcome to Club Polk

RedBull

Wow you guys make this decision hard haha. Well, I think I am now going to go with the PRO 600. From what you guys say it hits lower, is lower and can be had for a cheaper price. This is my first sub, and may be looking to expanding to a second in the future if one does not suffice. I'm sure I'll be more than satisfied with my decision though.

Thanks for all the help.

cnh

jimmydep wrote: »

I just got a Great deal on the DSW PRO 600 at the best price I've found anywhere $340 shipped from:

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Polk-Audio-DSW-Pro-600-12-Black-Powered-Subwoofer_W0QQitemZ120440373828QQcmdZViewItemQQptZSpeakers_Subwoofers?hash=item1c0ace4244&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1205%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

It's more musical than I thought it would be and man when you turn it up it can shake the house......It's a little larger than I thought and I'm not a fan of the volume control where you have to count the blinking lights, but I'm getting used to it and the remote control is a nice touch.

I think this sub is a very good choice for the budget minded audiophile and it's equally good for music and HT duties.


Jimmy


Welcome to Club Polk

That's a GREAT price! But I'm not sure even the 600 can handle his space? Perhaps 2 of those subs!

cnh

jimmydep

cnh wrote: »

That's a GREAT price! But I'm not sure even the 600 can handle his space? Perhaps 2 of those subs!

cnh

My system is in a 20x35' room with an adjoining 14x20' space and has all hardwood floors , the 600 does a good job, I have to admit in HT I'm not looking to rattle the house off it's foundation and this sub won't do that, but in this size room for my taste it has a nice effect.

The one thing that surprised me with the 600 was the ability to accurately reproduce music....I know it's not even close to the SQ of some of the subs recommended but it does a damn nice job.

For less than $350 shipped I think this sub is a very good deal.


Jimmy

cnh

I agree Jimmy,

I've heard from Doro, a long time ago, that when Polk did the R&D on this series and the Micro...they were aiming at companies whose bread and butter were subs. So that HT and music were co-equal. And, to be honest...Polk subs have always been fairly musical...where they were weaker was in HT raw power and (not producing distortion and booming at high levels/volumes).

And they've done a Wonderful job on the these two new series! But for real bone crushing HT you really need two subs in that space. I run one 300 watt/450 peak 12" in a 11.5 x 25 x 8.5 (viewing space 16.5' of that length) and that just about does it in that space for now! Even I've toyed with bringing down my second sub a BASH 12" 200 watter to add to the boom!

cnh

jimmydep

cnh wrote: »

I agree Jimmy,

I've heard from Doro, a long time ago, that when Polk did the R&D on this series and the Micro...they were aiming at companies whose bread and butter were subs. So that HT and music were co-equal. And, to be honest...Polk subs have always been fairly musical...where they were weaker was in HT raw power and (not producing distortion and booming at high levels/volumes).

And they've done a Wonderful job on the these two new series! But for real bone crushing HT you really need two subs in that space. I run one 300 watt/450 peak 12" in a 11.5 x 25 x 8.5 (viewing space 16.5' of that length) and that just about does it in that space for now! Even I've toyed with bringing down my second sub a BASH 12" 200 watter to add to the boom!

cnh

cnh,

I agree with you 100%, if you want to rattle the windows and have the neighbors beating your door down, in a large room this sub won't do it, I'm not sure even 2 of these will do it.

But as you so eloquently stated these are well suited for both music and "NORMAL" HT duty. Good job Polk Audio.......


Jimmy

RedBull

I went ahead and bought the PRO 600. Got it for 375 shipped. I'm looking forward to seeing what this thing can do. I really have no idea, I've never had a sub.

cnh

Tell us how it does in that larger space. In your smaller room it will BLOW you out of the door!

Enjoy....

cnh

DanAckerman

I have a DSW Pro 600 as well and love it. It took awhile to get it zoned in with my Denon, but now that it's there it's great. For HT it really can deliver much more than I want and it really does a great job on music. And as someone else said expect it to be larger than you thought.

RedBull

So, this sub came in last night. I must say it is quite large! I got it all hooked up, and am running it at about 90 Hz on the crossover on the sub (My receiver doesn't have any sort of bass management, hk 3490). Don't really know the low threshold of my current speakers, but they are just place keepers till I can get the funds for some towers.

Anyways, this thing sounds amazing. I first put on some hip-hop knowing that they generally have pretty demanding bass lines. I was blown away when this thing started to hit. My room is shaking. It's shaking so much that I need to turn the sub down till I can figure out what is rattling lol.

Today I tried out a movie with it. I popped in Transformers. Wow is all I can say. I have the bass on the receiver set to half, and the sub set to 20 out of 40. This sub really adds another dimensions to movies that I've never experienced before. I'll never be able to watch movies the same way again.

Thanks for the help everyone. I'll be back when it comes time to buy speakers

cnh

Congrats...RedBull...

That's a nice piece! We'll be here when the next upgrade strikes you. For now Enjoy!

cnh

thuffman03

Congrats on your buy. I still think you should have gotten a Sunfire but I am bias.

Have fun with your new toy.

jimmydep

Enjoy RedBull, Very glad we could help....BTW I like mine too.

Jimmy

RedBull

Here's a pic of everything right now.



I know I know! It's ghetto in comparison to how I've seen all the others, but I move in in about a month and a half and don't have the space allocated right now to fit everything as it should be.

genroxbro

Two of my buddies have Paradigm subs one has the PDR-10 and the other has a DSP-3400.

Both sound fantastic, though are quite different animals. The PDR-10 was punchy and musical reminded me on an Energy sub, actually, while the 3400 made my molars rattle and jellified my intestines during a movie. This was in a room with hardwood floors, approx 15 x 20, and my buddy said he had the sub turned down pretty far.

Ive heard great things about the SVS stuff, but have never heard a unit so I cant compare. This being said, I cant picture how anyone could be unhappy with a 3400. It is one serious subwoofer.

Hey you can save even more money Keep your CF 50s. My buddy with the 3400 has Monitor 9s and I admit I am a bit underwhelmed in the value-price for these speakers.
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