Need help picking the right subwoofer

alexksj

Hi,

I'm setting up a 5.1 home entertainment center and would like your expertise which subwoofer would work best for me. I have all other equipment already, just missing a sub:

TV: Samsung LN52A750
Receiver: Sony STR-DG 920
Speaker set: Polk RM85 (Got the absolute killer closeout deal for $150 at Best Buy)

Room is about 16'x18', 15' viewing distance from TV. This is a single family house, so neighbor considerations are secondary.

I'd like to use the system primarily for watching TV and movies, secondary for music. I'm no audiophile by any stretch of the imagination, but I'd like a nice viewing experience. I'd prefer the size of the sub to be small, but if a bigger one is a significant improvement, I'd go with it.

My budget for a sub is about $400 street price. I found the following Polks for that price range, but I'd be interested in other brands as well:

- PSW110
- PSW111
- PSW125
- PSW PRO 400
- PSW PRO 500 (A bit over my budget)

How does the PRO 400 compare with the bigger PSW110/PSW125? Does it manage to deliver the same oomph?

Thanks for your help!

Alex

grimmace19

The psw505 is only $250 from newegg right now... or the Klipsch Sub-12 is 350 from vanns. Ive had my sub-12 for about a year now and love it... very powerful and deep. Just my 2 cents

sTiLlLeArNiNg

If you can, have a listen to the Velodyne dls-3750r. Small in size but pretty big in performance IMHO

Since it's near the end of the season you may be able to find a better price as store's want to clear out unit's to make way for new stock

cnh

the Pro 400 is the best barring the cash for the 500 which is better...but the PSW505 is CHEAPER and can hit harder....than the Pro 400.

The Klipsch Sub-12 is an OK sub if you're into HT but its too sloppy on music...the Polk subs mentioned above are better for music...but there is not doubt that the Klipsch can slam on LFE effects for its price.

You should listen to all of them if you can....as for me...I'd go cheap and just get an older PSW505 or the Pro 500 or even higher...maybe the 600?

cnh

wutadumsn23

+1 on the 505, for the price it is selling for these days it can't be beat IMHO for a good starter sub. I am thinking about selling my PSW125 and getting a 505.

-Jeff

cnh

Jeff,

That's a good idea...and that's why I recommend them so much. I've heard them but don't own one. I run two Boston Acoustics subs...one is the equivalent of the PSW404 the other matches up pretty well with the PSW505 or even the Pro 500 or 600. Otherwise, I'd pick up a PSW505 myself. At these prices (as the infamous NYC Crazy Eddie used to say, their prices are INSANE!!!)....

cnh

wutadumsn23

LOL, I remember that guy. We used to have a Crazy Eddies in CT. when I was growing up and those commercials used to kill me!! Like I said though, I am seriously considering selling my PSW125 for the 505, but I don't know if I can swing the extra cash I would need to cover the diff. is cost. I won't be able to get more than $100-$150 for the 125 I would imagine and money is pretty tight now, but I really want one of the 505's.

-Jeff

apphd

With your budget you might want to consider one of these for $350 shipped. But they are LARGE if that is an issue. It has good output a little lower than the 505. But unless you have very high ceilings or an open connection to another large room the 505 is tuff to beat at the prices they can be found at.

With your current speakers you will really benefit from the addition of a sub.

gtu2004

if you are close to NYC, you can buy my A2-250

otherwise, I'm sure the MFW-15 currently on sale at av123.com would satisfy anyone's need. The B-stock one runs for $500 but you can try to buy credits from other members and save more.