ED, HSU, Rythmik, Outlaw or SVS?

[atlanticjay]

After doing a bunch of research and contacting the various companies about shipping options, etc., I have determined that I can get the following in my "comfortable" price range:

SVS SB12-NSD
Rythmik FV12
HSU VTF-2 MK3
Outlaw LFM-1 Plus
Elemental Designs A3-300 or A5s-300

For kicks I'll also add Paradigm DSP-3200 to the list.

I'm leaving Epik Legend off for now, because I can get it in the price range, but Epik indicates it will void the warranty if it's brought to Canada.

Interestingly, the SVS would actually end up being the most expensive, even though I can get it through a Canadian distributor.

That aside, I am trying to determine which of these would win out on overall performance.

My room is a basement room approx. 22 x 19 x 7.5. TV is on the longer wall, which also has a pass through to another room, but we might put a door here. There is also an opening to the stairwell to the upstairs.

Room is not dedicated HT. It will be a living/family/TV room. General TV/sports viewing will likely be 60%, movies 30% and other 10% - not much 2 channel. I don't need the deepest bass response in the world - I want something that will give me the best rounded performance for my usage, but not be able to dig a little when I watch Transformers, etc.

Let the debate begin!

[atlanticjay]

Sorry, typo in my last comment there - I DO want it to be able to dig a little when I watch those bass-heavy movies.

Also, should mention that we have a 2 year old, so I'm not looking to shake the house all the time either. I'll also teach him not to touch daddy's speakers, so down-firing is not a must.

Once again, thanks to all who see fit to respond.

[BWilberg266]

If you're looking for the most rounded performance I would have to say go for sealed as it will more than likely give you the most accurate bass. That being said, if you aren't going to be cranking it up much, then a ported sub will be fine as well as you wouldn't be worrying about getting the port chuffing that can sometimes be introduced at higher levels.

As you can see from my signature I have a A2-300 which is ported. I am really happy with the sub and it has served my needs but I plan I selling it in the future to be replaced with two sealed subs to give me faster, more accurate base with a more even response.

If you wanted to go ported I'd say go with the Hsu as you have different output modes depending on your needs. And if you were to go sealed I'd vote for the A5s-300. It has a lower response rating, more powerfull amp, and out-weights the SVS by nearly 30 lbs!

Happy Hunting!

[codyc1ark]

I really like my LFM-1 Plus, it has more than enough dig for my open living room, and when I had it in another 'sealed' room it was a freakin' beast. I looked at all of the above subs when buying mine, and sort of went out on a limb with the Outlaw, it specs out the same or better than the other subs mentioned above, has port tuning, and I thought it was the best looking. Plus Outlaw had Dr. Hsu working with them on this sub, so that couldn't hurt.

Any of the above subs are going to be pretty good heavy hitters, and I think you'll be happy with any of the choices. Good luck!

-Cody

[BWilberg266]

I have no experience with the Outlaw or the Hsu so I'd be curious to hear from someone who has experienced both first hand. I know that Hsu helped them with this, but why not just go with an actual Hsu sub if the very fact that he helped with the Outlaw was a selling point? (There is no sarcasm intended in that statement. I am legitimately curious as I'm always looking to learn more about AV gear)

[codyc1ark]

I have no experience with the Outlaw or the Hsu so I'd be curious to hear from someone who has experienced both first hand. I know that Hsu helped them with this, but why not just go with an actual Hsu sub if the very fact that he helped with the Outlaw was a selling point? (There is no sarcasm intended in that statement. I am legitimately curious as I'm always looking to learn more about AV gear)

For me it was a decision about the specs, Outlaw stated that their sub dug a little deeper, and had a few more watts on its Bash amp. I'm no expert in this world, but that swayed me. I'll say it again though, I don't think any of your choices are going to be bad in any way. Your on the right track.

[atlanticjay]

Just found I can get a Paradigm Ultracube 10 for virtually the same price as the SVS.

It's only 10", but that is good for the WAF rating, and it is 650W continuous, 1950W peak! (Others in my prior list vary around 300/350 W continuous)

But, it would be at the top of the $$$ scale - as much as $200 more than a couple of the others on my list. (I might be able to talk them down a few dollars more)

And it is local, so I can just pick it up and take it home - no waiting.

Anybody heard these/have any experience in comparing with some of the others.

[JimAckley]

Ever considered a DIY setup? If you or a friend is handy with woodwork, and has the right tools (or you can rent them from Home Depot), you can make something at the same performance level and save some dough.

For example, on PartsExpress.com, you could grab a Dayton Titanic Mk III 12" sub PLUS a 500w RMS BASH amplifier for $357. Add a $30 sheet of MDF, some texture spray and some paint, and you've got fully fledged 500w 12" powered sub for just over $400.

Or you could get Vr3M's 12" LMS-R for $240, a 1000w RMS Dayton plate amp for $417, allow $20 at most for a port or two, and buy a sheet of MDF, texture (or nix the texture and go for a gloss finish), and paint for around $45 at Home Depot/Lowes, and have an even-more-ridiculous subwoofer for a little over $700.

The best part is where you get to tell your friends that built it yourself. Every time the bass hits, your pride goes up and your head gets bigger

[teamjhertz]

You could also consider the DIY kits from Rythmik. They are available for both the 12" and 15" drivers. I have talked to Rythmik many of times and their customers support is great. I am planning on doing a 15" DIY sub from them shortly.

[JimAckley]

I almost ponied-up for one of the Rhythmik's for my 2-channel. I still might eventually, but my epic 2-ch (which will eventually become a DIY HT), is on the top of my list.