Subwoofer to accompany Monitor 70's

mstum

Okay, received my two Monitor 70's today and like how they sound, but they clearly lack bass, so I'm looking for a Subwoofer.

As I don't have much space, the PSW10 and PSW111 are the first two candidates.

I'm a bit concerned about Subwoofers that "shake the ground" as I live top floor and the houses here in SoCal are made of Clay (figuratively). Is there a difference in which direction the subwoofer outputs it's sound? (I guess this sounds like a really stupid question as the direction of the speaker is obvious, but I saw a big deal being made of the position of the "exhaust hole")

Due to the price, the PSW10 is my current favorite, but I don't know if I would regret the lack of an LFE Input later (only have a 2.0 amp at the moment, but might go surround at some point). As the PSW110 also doesn't seem to have an LFE Input, that would only leave the PSW111 as alternative, does it?

Room is 21x13ft or 273sqft if that matters.

PS: Not interested in the PSW505 - I need one that either small or available in Cherry.
PPS: Any current Deals for Subwoofers? (New only, not interested in eBay and 2nd Hand)

fouraces

mstum wrote: »

Okay, received my two Monitor 70's today and like how they sound, but they clearly lack bass, so I'm looking for a Subwoofer.

As I don't have much space, the PSW10 and PSW111 are the first two candidates.

I'm a bit concerned about Subwoofers that "shake the ground" as I live top floor and the houses here in SoCal are made of Clay (figuratively). Is there a difference in which direction the subwoofer outputs it's sound? (I guess this sounds like a really stupid question as the direction of the speaker is obvious, but I saw a big deal being made of the position of the "exhaust hole")

Due to the price, the PSW10 is my current favorite, but I don't know if I would regret the lack of an LFE Input later (only have a 2.0 amp at the moment, but might go surround at some point). As the PSW110 also doesn't seem to have an LFE Input, that would only leave the PSW111 as alternative, does it?

Room is 21x13ft or 273sqft if that matters.

PS: Not interested in the PSW505 - I need one that either small or available in Cherry.
PPS: Any current Deals for Subwoofers? (New only, not interested in eBay and 2nd Hand)

I bought 2 M70s and a PSW111 sub, which should be delivered by Tuesday or so. Not sure how long you want to wait, but I'll be able to give you an idea how they sound together in a week or so...

Or go to a showroom where they have both and see for yourself how the 70s sound with different subs...

Brian131

Fry's Electronics has the psw111 for 199. with free shipping right now.

http://www.frys.com/product/5208197?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

I picked one up at BB yesterday, and they price-matched Fry's price. I have it hooked to an RM system, and it sounds good. It's also very compact, which I like. Personally, I would stay away from the psw10. It distorts a lot sooner than the 111, and I can definitely tell a difference between the two. The 111 is a lot more punchy and tight sounding than the psw10.

mstum

Cool. Yes, 199$ was the price I saw on Amazon as well. I've decided to upgrade to 5.1 later on (Waiting for Pioneer to release the VSX-820-K and some reviews), so yes, I want an LFE input.

Let me know how the PSW111 sounds, as at the moment it's the decision between the 111 (small) and the 110 (Cherry).

Brian131

If you're talking about the 110, and not the psw 10(your original post said psw10), then I would be more inclined to lean toward the 110 over the 111 simply because it is larger and it will give you more punch with your 70s. The 110 and 111 are basically the same wattage, it just depends on whether you want a bigger driver or not. With 70s, i'd get the larger driver (IMO).

That Pioneer receiver looks nice. What's the wattage on it?

mstum

I ruled out the PSW10, so yes it's between the 110 and 111. As said, I'm concerned about "too much boom".

Pioneer is a bit confusing, they say:
* Power Output: 110W x 5 (1kHz, THD 0.05% @ 8 ohms)
* 80W + 80W (20Hz – 20kHz, THD 0.08% @ 8 ohms FTC)

Brian131

I am very happy with the 111 so far, but i've only had it for 2 days. I kinda knew what to expect going into it so I did not expect huge bass from it. I'm running a rm75 system, so the 111 compliments it perfectly. If I hadn't sold my towers and went to the rm75, I probably would have gotten a bigger sub. The most important thing to me when building my system was balance between the high frequencies and the bass. I am with you on the 505, it is a nice sub, just didn't fit into my system very well.

Also note that I am not saying that the 111 won't sound good with the 70s, it's just that i've only heard it with satellite speakers. It definitely satisfied what I was after in a HT setup, and it may for you, too. You can always return whatever you buy for something else if you don't like it.

mdaudioguy

Monitor 70s lacking bass isn't something you hear very often. What are you powering them with? Many here think they need external amplification to reach their potential. Check the specs - they can play at good volume as low as some subs. You may be throwing away your money unless you go with a better sub than what you're considering. Just my 2 cents... Good luck!