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    • Subwoofer Advice Requested

    Posts: 8
    edited May 2013 in Speakers
    I have Polk RTi A5 front speakers with a DSW 440 sub. The sound is nice but sometimes i feel the bass is a little thin. I am not looking for wall shaking, just more presence. At first, I thought about getting a DSW 660 as that is one of the 3 recommended subs on the Polk web site. But I am also wondering if it would be better to get a second 440 instead?

    Any thoughts?

    Thank you

    Brad
    Post edited by bgsmith on
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    • Posts: 1,627
      edited May 2013
      You could go with a second 440 but it won't play lower. Would it be possible to use a 440 with a 660? Set the 440 up do do the mid bass and the 660 to handle the low stuff.
      AVR: Onkyo Tx-NR808
      Amplifier: Carver A-753x 250 watts x 3
      Fronts: Polk RTI A7 (modded by Trey VR3)
      Center: CSI A4 (modded by Trey VR3)
      Rear: FXI A4
      Sub: Polk DSW Pro 660wi
      TV: LG Infinia 50PX950 3D
      Speaker Cable: AudioQuest Type 8
      IC: AudioQuest Black Mamba II
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    • Posts: 1,888
      edited May 2013
      What's your max budget? There's several options available that can give you the bass you're looking for.
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    • Posts: 192
      edited May 2013
      It is all about the diameter/size and how much of the air in the room is moved by the subwoofer.
      Get 15" Velodyne EQ-Max 15 Inch Subwoofer or two, after returning your current DSW 440 sub, man.
      It will do your system Good!
      A very friendly advise.
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    • Posts: 2,127
      edited May 2013
      Running the same combo here. After a whole lot of searching, decided on SVS PB-12 NSD. May want to give it a look.
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    • Posts: 1,096
      edited May 2013
      Well I have an JBL L8400P is a 12" and does a great job in music with my Linn's. I am in the serach of a second at a good price for HT to use with the RTi12s.

      Cheers
      HTAVR-Pioneer SC99XPA-DR3 Differential Reference AmpPolk R-700Rear- RT150Side- RT150Center-CSi5Sub-Rythmik audio F25Player- Panasonic DP-UB9000Projector- Optoma CinemaX P2Screen- Silver Ticket Products STR Series 6 120"Audio Room 2ch rig.Cary AE-3, Onkyo M-504, Marantz SA8005, Azur 851NWharfedale - Linton, SVS SB12-NSDMinis Forum PC (streamer) and Panamax MX5105Headphone rig;Schiit JOTUNHEIM and different headphones.Samsung 42" flat screen TV.
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    • Posts: 8
      edited May 2013
      Thank you. My max budget is about $1000.

      Brad
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    • Posts: 1,888
      edited May 2013
      I'd personally check out the HSU vtf-15 for one of the best subs under $1k. Epik makes good stuff too but have been sold out. I'd take HSU over SVS unless you go up to the PB12+ which is more than your budget.

      http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-15h.html
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    • Posts: 2,531
      edited May 2013
      B Run wrote: »
      I'd personally check out the HSU vtf-15 for one of the best subs under $1k. Epik makes good stuff too but have been sold out. I'd take HSU over SVS unless you go up to the PB12+ which is more than your budget.

      http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-15h.html

      Nice advice here, we all need to remember that Epik is going the ways of eD... Or at least it seems that way.
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    • Posts: 1,888
      edited May 2013
      codyc1ark wrote: »
      Nice advice here, we all need to remember that Epik is going the ways of eD... Or at least it seems that way.
      Yeah learned my lesson there, still happy as hell with my ED sub and would have recommended it in a heartbeat otherwise. It's a shame.
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    • Posts: 8,827
      edited May 2013
      For $80 more than stated budget and free shipping this is the routhe I would take...

      http://www.svsound.com/outlet-specials?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=190&category_id=5
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    • Posts: 8,121
      edited May 2013
      All I can say is with that budget do NOT buy a polk sub. They make great speakers, but the subs still just can't compete with the ID boys as far as bang for the buck goes.

      I love my HSU and second that recommendation. I would buy this http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-2mk4.html and save the rest of the cash for something else. It will DESTROY what you have now, but is still very tight, controlled, and musical.
      Living Room 2.2: Usher BE-718 "tiny dancers"; Dual DIY Dayton audio RSS210HF-4 Subs with Dayton SPA-250 amps; Arcam SA30; Musical Fidelity A308; Sony UBP-x1000es
      Game Room 5.1.4:       Denon AVR-X4200w; Sony UBP-x700; Definitive Technology Power Monitor 900 mains, CLR-3000 center, StudioMonitor 350 surrounds, ProMonitor 800 atmos x4; Sub - Monoprice Monolith 15in THX Ultra
      Bedroom 2.1       Harmon Kardon HK3490; Bluesounds Node N130; Polk RT25i; ACI Titan Subwoofer
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    • Posts: 184
      edited May 2013
      I would insure your sub placement is optimal. Is your sub between your speakers, to the left or right of them up or in a corner? Move them around a bit and see if any differences arise. If you place the sub in a corner try having it close to the wall then gradually move it out a bit each time.

      Also, play with the hertz setting with different types of movies and music. Consider a setting it between 50-80hz vs moving to 30 or upto to 125/150/180 ect..

      This is my limited knowledge suggestion.... So take it for what it is.... lol.
      Marantz SR 5010
      Kenwood DR-V5070
      Polk RTi A9- Mains
      CSI A6- Center
      Elemental Designs A2-300 Subwoofer
      Panamax M4300-PM Power Conditioner

      Working on updating my set up :rolleyes:
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    • Posts: 3,073
      edited May 2013
      Also, don't forget about craigslist. Too bad you are not closer to Seattle, there seems to be a lot of gear for sale in that area. Several HSU, SVS, Rhythmik subs on there.

      http://seattle.craigslist.org/search/ela?zoomToPosting=&query=SVS&srchType=A&minAsk=&maxAsk=

      http://seattle.craigslist.org/search/ela?zoomToPosting=&query=HSU&srchType=A&minAsk=&maxAsk=
      2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Sub 1 - Mirage Omni S8 | Sub 2 - Mirage Omni S8

      5.2 A/V Setup | OLED TV - Sony Bravia XR A80J 77" | Source - Fire TV 4K, Wiim Pro | AVR - Anthem MRX 520 | Speakers: Main - Boston Acoustics VR3 | Center - Boston Acoustics VR920 | Rear - Boston Acoustics VR-MX | Sub 1 - HSU VTF-2 mk3 | Sub 2 - HSU VTF-2 mk3
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    • Posts: 8,827
      edited May 2013
      WLDock wrote: »
      Also, don't forget about craigslist. Too bad you are not closer to Seattle, there seems to be a lot of gear for sale in that area. Several HSU, SVS, Rhythmik subs on there.

      http://seattle.craigslist.org/search/ela?zoomToPosting=&query=SVS&srchType=A&minAsk=&maxAsk=

      http://seattle.craigslist.org/search/ela?zoomToPosting=&query=HSU&srchType=A&minAsk=&maxAsk=

      Couple of those are Polkies...
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    • Posts: 3,073
      edited May 2013
      Not a suprise...Polkies are everywhere!
      2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Sub 1 - Mirage Omni S8 | Sub 2 - Mirage Omni S8

      5.2 A/V Setup | OLED TV - Sony Bravia XR A80J 77" | Source - Fire TV 4K, Wiim Pro | AVR - Anthem MRX 520 | Speakers: Main - Boston Acoustics VR3 | Center - Boston Acoustics VR920 | Rear - Boston Acoustics VR-MX | Sub 1 - HSU VTF-2 mk3 | Sub 2 - HSU VTF-2 mk3
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    • Posts: 184
      edited May 2013
      WLDock- Since we are both in Indiana how about a road trip to Seattle. Seems like athat is the place to go to obtain our subwoofer needs.....lol
      Marantz SR 5010
      Kenwood DR-V5070
      Polk RTi A9- Mains
      CSI A6- Center
      Elemental Designs A2-300 Subwoofer
      Panamax M4300-PM Power Conditioner

      Working on updating my set up :rolleyes:
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    • Posts: 2,531
      edited May 2013
      You COULD do this and have nearly enough money left over to buy an SMS-1....

      http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?143588-Dayton-Audio-RSS460HO-4-18-quot-Reference-HO-Subwoofer

      Oh and by the way, I've spent some time in Carmel and liked what I saw.
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    • Posts: 184
      edited May 2013
      codyc1ark wrote: »
      You COULD do this and have nearly enough money left over to buy an SMS-1....

      http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?143588-Dayton-Audio-RSS460HO-4-18-quot-Reference-HO-Subwoofer

      Oh and by the way, I've spent some time in Carmel and liked what I saw.

      Def would like to get into a DIY project but I am just unsure which on since the are so many!!!

      Carmel is a great place to live!!
      Marantz SR 5010
      Kenwood DR-V5070
      Polk RTi A9- Mains
      CSI A6- Center
      Elemental Designs A2-300 Subwoofer
      Panamax M4300-PM Power Conditioner

      Working on updating my set up :rolleyes:
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    • Posts: 8
      edited May 2013
      Thanks to all for the discussion and recommendations. Lots of interesting choices and options.

      Brad
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    • Posts: 1
      edited May 2013
      Check out the PSA XV-15. $799. I just bought one for my media room and it is a phenomenal sub. 15" driver. I couldn't be happier with it. http://www.powersoundaudio.com/products/xv15
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    • Posts: 152
      edited May 2013
      B Run wrote: »
      I'd personally check out the HSU vtf-15 for one of the best subs under $1k. Epik makes good stuff too but have been sold out. I'd take HSU over SVS unless you go up to the PB12+ which is more than your budget.

      http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-15h.html

      +1. I own the HSU VTF3-MK4 and love it. HSU makes good products and the VTF-15 is awesome.
      Sharp LC-80uq17u
      Denon 4520ci Receiver
      OPPO BDP-203 Blu-Ray Disc Player
      Monster HTS 3600
      Polk RTi-a7 (fronts)
      Polk CSi-a6 (Center)
      Polk TC-60i (Rear & Surround Rear)
      HSU Research VTF3-MK4 (Sub)
      Logitech Harmony elite (Remote)
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    • Posts: 1,548
      edited May 2013
      Wasn't Clint Eastwood the Mayor of Carmel if my memory serves me correct.
      You guys in the US certainly like your elected officials to have acting experience, lol
      Poolgod69 wrote: »
      Def would like to get into a DIY project but I am just unsure which on since the are so many!!!

      Carmel is a great place to live!!
      ATC SCM40's,VTL TL 2.5 Preamp,PSB Stratus Goldi's,McCormack DNA 500,McCormack MAP-1 Preamp,Pro-Ject Xtension 10 TT,Ortofon Cadenza Red/Nordost RedDawn LS Speaker cables, Bryston BDP-2, Bryston BDA-2,PS Audio AC-3 power cables
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    • Posts: 184
      edited May 2013
      Wasn't Clint Eastwood the Mayor of Carmel

      He was the Mayor of Carmel, California. That would have been pretty cool... That would have "Made My Day"
      Marantz SR 5010
      Kenwood DR-V5070
      Polk RTi A9- Mains
      CSI A6- Center
      Elemental Designs A2-300 Subwoofer
      Panamax M4300-PM Power Conditioner

      Working on updating my set up :rolleyes:
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    • Posts: 1,888
      edited May 2013
      Polkfan1017 wrote: »
      Check out the PSA XV-15. $799. I just bought one for my media room and it is a phenomenal sub. 15" driver. I couldn't be happier with it. http://www.powersoundaudio.com/products/xv15

      I'd like to hear one of those as well, they look like a great bang for the buck.
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