choosing a subwoofer question

coolsax
coolsax Posts: 1,826
edited September 2009 in Speakers
This may be a stupid question, but I'm just setting up my first real entry level hi end system and I've gotten the Monitor 60's as my fronts which go down to 38hz. I've been considering getting the PSW10 for my sub but it only goes down to 35 hz itself so there is only 3 hz outside of the overlap.. is this an issue.. should I look to spend more on something like the 110 that goes down to 32 or even look for something that goes down to 20's on the Hz rating or will it not make that much of a difference as going with the 10 as long as I set my crossover high enough (say 80hz)?
Main 2ch -
BlueSound Node->Ethereal optical cable->Peachtree Audio Nova 150->GoldenEar Triton 2+
TT - Pro-ject Classic SB with Sumiko Bluepoint.

TV 3.1 system -
Denon 3500 -> Dynaudio Excite 32/22
Post edited by coolsax on
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  • TNRabbit
    TNRabbit Posts: 2,168
    edited September 2009
    Consider an Epik or SVS sub; they're great value for $$$ & will can go low....
    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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  • coolsax
    coolsax Posts: 1,826
    edited September 2009
    thanks but I think my main question is.. does it matter if they overlap that much or as long as I set the crossover high enough it won't matter.. I'm likely to go with the PSW10 if this is the case. the Epik and SVS even on the low end is outside my price range.
    Main 2ch -
    BlueSound Node->Ethereal optical cable->Peachtree Audio Nova 150->GoldenEar Triton 2+
    TT - Pro-ject Classic SB with Sumiko Bluepoint.

    TV 3.1 system -
    Denon 3500 -> Dynaudio Excite 32/22
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  • Knucklehead
    Knucklehead Posts: 3,602
    edited September 2009
    If the mains are set to small in the AVR, the PSW10 will be fine, I have 2 and im happy for now.

    Im not interested in the high dollar subs until I can afford an amp.
    Polk Audio Surround Bar 360
    Mirage PS-12
    LG BDP-550
    Motorola HD FIOS DVR
    Panasonic 42" Plasma
    XBOX 360[/SIZE]

    Office stuff

    Allied 395 receiver
    Pioneer CDP PD-M430
    RT8t's & Wharfedale Diamond II's[/SIZE]

    Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music. ~Ronald Reagan
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  • everpress
    everpress Posts: 862
    edited September 2009
    See if you can find a sub like mine. Goes down to 25hz. You'll only find it used, if that's an issue, then stick with the PSW10 or save a little longer.

    ? Harmon Kardon AVR 55 (dead; replacing with Onkyo TX NR-616)
    ? Polk RTA 11TL's (FR and FL)
    ? Polk TSi200's (RR and RL)
    ? Polk CS10 (Center)
    ? Polk PSW-350
    ? Grado SR-60i Headphones
    ? Fii0 E5 headphone amp
    ? iPod touch (8 gig)
    ? iPod Classic (80 gig)
    ? Mac Mini (as media server)
    ? xbox 360
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  • packetjones
    packetjones Posts: 1,059
    edited September 2009
    If you are going to use the system for HT then u will want to crossover your 60's at 80Hz. This will send everything lower than 80hz to the sub. The 60's start to roll off at 48hz and will unlikely get all the way down to 38hz unless you play them really loud.

    I have a few friends that have the psw10 and are happy with it. I have the psw110 and am currently thinking about upgrading to get more punch in movies. The thing about these lower end subs is that they dont really get that deep bass for movies. If you are only looking to compliment the 60's then they will fill in the lower frequencies but it wont really satisfy for home theater. I would recommend saving for a little longer till you can spend around $250 for a sub and you will be happier for longer. Bass is addictive though so you will eventually want to upgrade again. I just feel that the psw10 is a bad place to start since it will leave you wanting more if you plan on using it for HT.


    hope that helps. ;)
    Front - RTiA5's
    Rear - RTiA3's
    Center - CSiA4
    Sub - PSW110
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  • Knucklehead
    Knucklehead Posts: 3,602
    edited September 2009
    packetjones wrote: »
    I just feel that the psw10 is a bad place to start since it will leave you wanting more if you plan on using it for HT. hope that helps. ;)

    I fully understand why the PSW10 may not be a favorite, but....If you set it up properly which includes placement, it can be a very capable sub for entry level gear. Eventually i will upgrade my PSW10's to an Epik or SVS but the PSW10 is a great place to start.
    Polk Audio Surround Bar 360
    Mirage PS-12
    LG BDP-550
    Motorola HD FIOS DVR
    Panasonic 42" Plasma
    XBOX 360[/SIZE]

    Office stuff

    Allied 395 receiver
    Pioneer CDP PD-M430
    RT8t's & Wharfedale Diamond II's[/SIZE]

    Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music. ~Ronald Reagan
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  • coolsax
    coolsax Posts: 1,826
    edited September 2009
    It will be for home theater and music.. I think I will probably start with the 10 for now for budget purposes and then upgrade it sometime down the road, at which point I can resell it or maybe start up a 2ndary system for another living area.. Anyone ever have any luck at Garage sales or Pawn shops. I thought about checking those out but I worry about paying for a speaker that is just about ready to blow or is not in good condition.
    Main 2ch -
    BlueSound Node->Ethereal optical cable->Peachtree Audio Nova 150->GoldenEar Triton 2+
    TT - Pro-ject Classic SB with Sumiko Bluepoint.

    TV 3.1 system -
    Denon 3500 -> Dynaudio Excite 32/22
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  • everpress
    everpress Posts: 862
    edited September 2009
    coolsax wrote: »
    It will be for home theater and music.. I think I will probably start with the 10 for now for budget purposes and then upgrade it sometime down the road, at which point I can resell it or maybe start up a 2ndary system for another living area.. Anyone ever have any luck at Garage sales or Pawn shops. I thought about checking those out but I worry about paying for a speaker that is just about ready to blow or is not in good condition.

    Got all my gear second hand.
    My 11TL's came from a thriftstore, my sub came with a full RM6600 system for $150 off craigslist, and my receiver (which is older but capable) came from eBay.
    Just inspect everything you can before you put down the coin; I took a chance with eBay, but the PayPal protection has my back on those types of thing. You can't always hook up a speaker/sub at a thrift store, so you have to look at over all condition, especially the surrounds. Also look for nicks in the finish, warping, and if you are picky picky look for signs of a smoker. The easiest way to do this that I've used so far is if it a ported system, put your face where the port is and push on the cone a little... You'll know if it belonged to a smoker. You can get that out, but it ain't quick or easy.

    Basically it is "buyer beware" but if you are diligent and keep you head on straight, you can find some good stuff at a cheap price.

    ? Harmon Kardon AVR 55 (dead; replacing with Onkyo TX NR-616)
    ? Polk RTA 11TL's (FR and FL)
    ? Polk TSi200's (RR and RL)
    ? Polk CS10 (Center)
    ? Polk PSW-350
    ? Grado SR-60i Headphones
    ? Fii0 E5 headphone amp
    ? iPod touch (8 gig)
    ? iPod Classic (80 gig)
    ? Mac Mini (as media server)
    ? xbox 360
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  • thuffman03
    thuffman03 Posts: 1,325
    edited September 2009
    everpress wrote: »
    See if you can find a sub like mine. Goes down to 25hz. You'll only find it used, if that's an issue, then stick with the PSW10 or save a little longer.

    Save longer and get a Sunfire True Sub. Goes down to 18hz with a cross over from 100 hz down to 40.
    Sunfire TGP, Sunfire Cinema Grand, Sunfire 300~2 (2), Sunfire True Sub (2),Carver ALS Platinum, Carver AL III, TFM-55, C-19, C-9, TX-8, SDA-490t, SDA-390t
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  • obieone
    obieone Posts: 5,077
    edited September 2009
    Can you swing $380.00? Newegg has the Micropro1000's for that much.
    Just a thought
    I refuse to argue with idiots, because people can't tell the DIFFERENCE!
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  • RedBull
    RedBull Posts: 53
    edited September 2009
    Second hand would be the way to go for a budget system. how much are you looking to spend? Polk has it's own ebay store which is a great place to get some equipment at a great price.

    http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Polk-Audio-Direct__W0QQ_armrsZ1
    harman/kardon hk 3490
    MTX AAL 1240 R.I.P.
    polkaudio DSW PRO 600
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  • speedster2333
    speedster2333 Posts: 37
    edited September 2009
    I've mentioned this before in another post, but I highly recommend outlaw audio subwoofers. They are truely awesome for their price/performance and it gets better because they are having a sale on their website.
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  • danz1906
    danz1906 Posts: 5,144
    edited September 2009
    thuffman03 wrote: »
    Save longer and get a Sunfire True Sub. Goes down to 18hz with a cross over from 100 hz down to 40.

    18hz, thats low bass! Also try a SVS sub:)
    Linn AV5140 fronts
    Linn AV5120 Center
    Linn AV5140 Rears
    M&K MX-70 Sub for Music
    Odyssey Mono-Blocs
    SVS Ultra-13 Gloss Black:D
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  • coolsax
    coolsax Posts: 1,826
    edited September 2009
    I guess I'll check around 2nd hand first.. I had thought about going polk direct on ebay and may still do that... I'm actually getting my fronts and center in today from New egg.. I got the M60s for the fronts and the CS1 for the center, though if what i'm hearing is true, i'll likely be upgrading the CS 2 fairly quickly. haven't ordered them yet but am likely to order the M30s or m40s from new egg as well for my surrounds
    Main 2ch -
    BlueSound Node->Ethereal optical cable->Peachtree Audio Nova 150->GoldenEar Triton 2+
    TT - Pro-ject Classic SB with Sumiko Bluepoint.

    TV 3.1 system -
    Denon 3500 -> Dynaudio Excite 32/22
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  • Knucklehead
    Knucklehead Posts: 3,602
    edited September 2009
    danz1906 wrote: »
    18hz, thats low bass! Also try a SVS sub:)

    I thought the lower limit of human hearing was around 20hz
    Polk Audio Surround Bar 360
    Mirage PS-12
    LG BDP-550
    Motorola HD FIOS DVR
    Panasonic 42" Plasma
    XBOX 360[/SIZE]

    Office stuff

    Allied 395 receiver
    Pioneer CDP PD-M430
    RT8t's & Wharfedale Diamond II's[/SIZE]

    Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music. ~Ronald Reagan
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  • wutadumsn23
    wutadumsn23 Posts: 3,702
    edited September 2009
    Sounds like you are off to a good start sax, and I think I have already told you this in another thread? The CS2 will be a marked improvement over the CS1, if I were you I wouldn't even unbox that bad boy, lol. You can give it a shot if you want for now, but like you said it will probably be in your best intrest to unload that one and pick up a CS2. As for subs, you can go with the PSW10 if you want, it is a good place to start, but I have afeeling it won't satisfy you for long. I have a PSW125 and it does well in my humble HT, with a 12" driver it fills my smallish room fairly well and compliments my 70's very well. Look into the PSW505 as well, it is $250 at J&R with free shipping. It has a 12" driver and drops down to 23Hz. I would also recommend the 40's as well over the 30's if you don't need to wall mount your surrounds. Man, i am getting Deja Vu right now, lol. Good luck.

    -Jeff
    HT Rig
    Receiver- Onkyo TX-SR806
    Mains- Polk Audio Monitor 70
    Center- Polk Audio CS2
    Surrounds- Polk Audio TSi 500's :D
    Sub- Polk Audio PSW125
    Retired- Polk Audio Monitor 40's
    T.V.- 60" Sony SXRD KDS-60A2000 LCoS
    Blu-Ray- 80 GB PS3


    2 CH rig (in progress)
    Polk Audio Monitor 10A's :cool:

    It's not that I'm insensitive, I just don't care.. :D
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