Help? $200 powered sub recommendations (yup, another...)

gp4jesus
gp4jesus Posts: 2,016
edited January 2016 in Subwoofer Hookup & Bass Management
Subject line about about says it. My friend says he is open to suggestions, but stuck on:
a. new, wireless, NOW
b. budget (trying to do it cheap)
c. my [USED(!)] sub's* $, a mere $75 though, new ~$600 I think(?)
* well performing but, in a larger room, the weak link

I've (desperately) tried to convince him to wait ($ave) & of just how important (better?) the sub is. That is, relative to the rest of the speaker part of the system, it's the least tolerant to compromise for total system performance. He expects to move* long before upgrading any HT gear. When that* happens I'd tell 'em AMPs!
* bigger space

It's** "home" located close to the AVR - therefore I don't see the need/add'l expense. Spend it on the sub! At the moment Dayton Audio 1200 wireless**(!) is front runner @ $192**, 12" & 120W.
** wired, $138

Existing equipment: late model Onkyo 700* series AVR w/pre-outs. LCR: RTiA3 & CSiA4. Surrounds: FXiA4 HT room in a small-ish 11'X 16' w/a low ceiling
* 705 I think

Thanks in advance for your suggestions especially those that would convince him to wait/buy a better sub.

Tony
Samsung 60" QN65Q7FAMFXZA QLED, Outlaw Audio 976 Pre/Pro, Samsung BDP, Amazon Firestick, Phillips CD Changer

Canare 14 ga - LCR tweeters inside*; Ctr Ch outside
BJC 10 ga - LCR mids “Foamed” & “Plugged**”, inside* & out
8 ga Powerline: LR woofers, inside* & out
*soldered **Rob the Man (Xschop)

LR: Tri-amped RTi A7 w/Rotels*. Woofers - 980BX; Tweets & Mids - RB981*
Ctr Ch: Rotel RB981* -> Bi-amped CSi A6
Surrounds: Rotel 981* -> AR 12 ga -> RTi A3
*all connected w/Premiere ICs
5 Subs: Sunfire True SW Signature -> LFE & Ctr Ch; 4 Audio Pro Evidence @ the “Corners”

Power Conditioning & Distribution:
4 dedicated 20A feeds; APC H15; 5 Furman Miniport 20s
Post edited by gp4jesus on
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Comments

  • WLDock
    WLDock Posts: 3,073
    edited January 2016
    Well, the Dayton will for sure be better than "NO" sub....feedback suggests its a nice option. However, I think the BIC F-12 has been a well received ~$200 "budget" sub for years.

    $175.34 before shipping:
    http://www.provantage.com/bic-america-f12~7BICA003.htm

    Can buy the Dayton wireless Sub-Link XR separate for $59.
    http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-sub-link-xr-24-ghz-wireless-audio-transmitter-receiver-system-for-subwoofers--300-580

    Not sure one can top this for a NEW wireless option unless you find a good used deal? Many BIG names, HSU, SVS, Velodyne, Outlaw, Elemental Designs, etc show up in the $200-$350 range used if one keeps a sharp eye out....check CL often.
    Post edited by WLDock on
    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 Max, 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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  • MrBuhl
    MrBuhl Posts: 2,419
    I have a BIC powered sub upstairs, it's older, but for $200 or less I have always been pleased with it's performance. I agree with WLDock.
    VA HT HK AVR20II, Sony S9000ES CD/DVD/SACD, Polk Audio RC80i / Polk Audio CSi3, 60" Panasonic Plasma, Nordost / Signal Cable A2 / Wireworld / Pangea / Magic Power
    VA 2 Channel Focal Electra 926 speakers, Pass Labs X150.5 Amp, Eastern Electric MiniMax Preamp (Tutay mods), Eastern Electric Minimax CDP (Scott Nixon mods), Music Hall mmf 5.1 Turntable, Parks Audio Budgie Phono Pre , Audioengine B1 streamer, MIT S3 IC's / MIT Shotgun S3 Speaker Cables / PS Audio power cables
    Noggin Schiit Valhalla, Pangea, Phillips Fidelio X1, Polk UF8000

    Polk SDA1c modded
    Polk CRS+ 4.1TL modded (need veneer)
    Polk SDA2BTL (fully modded)
    A/L 1000VA Dreadnought Canare 4s11 SDA cable
    SACD Marantz DV8300
    Sony S9000ES CD/DVD/SACD
    Yamaha YP-D6
    Soundcraftsmen PCR800
    Audible Illusions L1 Preamp
    Vincent MFA based Cocci Tube Preamp
    Pho-700 Phono Pre
    Signal Cable Silver Resolution IC's






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  • gp4jesus
    gp4jesus Posts: 2,016
    edited January 2016
    He cooling & saving. Warming up to wired w/a$300 cap.

    Sunfire SDS caught his attention - 12" w/a stout amp.
    Samsung 60" QN65Q7FAMFXZA QLED, Outlaw Audio 976 Pre/Pro, Samsung BDP, Amazon Firestick, Phillips CD Changer

    Canare 14 ga - LCR tweeters inside*; Ctr Ch outside
    BJC 10 ga - LCR mids “Foamed” & “Plugged**”, inside* & out
    8 ga Powerline: LR woofers, inside* & out
    *soldered **Rob the Man (Xschop)

    LR: Tri-amped RTi A7 w/Rotels*. Woofers - 980BX; Tweets & Mids - RB981*
    Ctr Ch: Rotel RB981* -> Bi-amped CSi A6
    Surrounds: Rotel 981* -> AR 12 ga -> RTi A3
    *all connected w/Premiere ICs
    5 Subs: Sunfire True SW Signature -> LFE & Ctr Ch; 4 Audio Pro Evidence @ the “Corners”

    Power Conditioning & Distribution:
    4 dedicated 20A feeds; APC H15; 5 Furman Miniport 20s
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  • WLDock
    WLDock Posts: 3,073
    Well...generally with used subs you have to find something local to get the best deal....shipping is killer and many won't do it. However, One can get a lot for their money used....especially at $300+

    HSU VTF-15H - $300
    http://mobile.craigslist.org/ele/5367121844.html

    HSU VTF3 - $300
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/hsu-research-vtf-3-subwoofer-/172053833104?hash=item280f352590:g:dBIAAOSwHaBWjfLd

    Elemental Design A5-350 - $300
    http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/ele/5361213566.html

    HSU vtf-2 mk2 - $300
    https://salem.craigslist.org/for/5397305862.html

    SVS PB1-ISD - $200
    http://palmsprings.craigslist.org/ele/5337099596.html

    Definitive Technology PF15TL - $275
    http://boise.craigslist.org/ele/5396452073.html

    Elemental Design Audio A2-300 - $150
    http://collegestation.craigslist.org/ele/5349870046.html

    Outlaw Audio LFM-1 EX - $350
    https://newyork.craigslist.org/stn/for/5395730253.html

    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 Max, 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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  • Parker123
    Parker123 Posts: 1
    Cadence S2W12D4.V2 -$135.00
    http://www.caraudiogiants.com/cadence-s2w12d4-v2.html
    u can try this one :):)
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  • ROHfan
    ROHfan Posts: 1,014
    I will echo the sentiments on the Bic F-12. I had one for a while and it did the job. Once I upgraded to Martin Logan Electrostats I knew I needed something more refined to fill in the bottom end. I'd definitely recommend the Bic. It's rock solid and gets pretty low for its price.
    TV: 65" Samsung QLED 4K
    Fronts: Energy RC70 --- Center: Energy RC-LCR
    Front Heights: Polk RC65i --- Rears: Polk RC85i --- Sub: Power Sound Audio XS15
    Pioneer VSX-1120K --- Parasound HCA-1000A --- Oppo BDP-103
    Vincent Audio SA31 preamp --- Teac UD301 DAC
    AIYIMA Tube T7 preamp --- Nobsound 12AX7 tube preamplifier
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