Subwoofer buying advice needed

[concealer404]

I've finally decided to suck it up and get a sub for the HT setup. That being said, this setup sees a LOT of music use, too, usually at least 4-5 hours a day during the week, and 8+ a day on weekends.

So, i'd like a nice blend. I'm not necessarily looking for MORE bass, but punchier, clearer, with maybe a little more vibration (actually want to feel it all). I do not NEED more volume, but i wouldn't say no, either.

I'm looking for the best new or used subwoofer that i can find for $200 or under, and it has to be powered.

Ideas?

I've seen a couple Klipsch LF-10s pop up locally within that price range, and those seem like awesome subs, with some minor reliability issues.

Anything from the Polk side of the fence that i could swing in that price range that would be comparable or decent?

[DaveMuell]

Tough to beat this one for $159.00 -
http://av123.com/component/page,shop...k,1/Itemid,37/

[concealer404]

My worry with that is that my living room is about 18x20, and that i've tested my Infinitys to lower frequencies than that 28hz....

If you say it'll do the job, than i'll definitely trust, but i'm wondering if it'll do much when paired with what i've already got. I would love more clarity, which i'm sure this would give, but i'm also afraid of losing some bass when compared with the setup i'm running now without crossover, and 4 floor standing speakers.

Maybe two of them eventually? :D

[Shicks18]

Bic Acoustech H-100 is Dr. Hsu made, check for prices on ebay... overstock.com actually carries them with a coupon as well. I think they run around $250 ?

[Rivrrat]

I don't know much about your Infinity's, but if you have some good speakers that can already hit pretty low, IMHO, an inexpensive sub is going to become a weak point in your system.

[jwhitakr]

If you are going to be listening to your system that much for music, you really owe it to yourself to get a nice sub. There's no reason to go ahead and shell out $150 or $200 for a sub-par sub, listen to it for hours and hours and hours .... and then go over to a friends house or a local hi-fi store and hear how much you've been missing.

My recommendation is a general one: save up until you can afford a musical sub that will sound great with your current system, and don't try to make do with a sub-par sub for the short term. You'll end up regretting it!

[concealer404]

I don't know much about your Infinity's, but if you have some good speakers that can already hit pretty low, IMHO, an inexpensive sub is going to become a weak point in your system.

This is what i'm worried about.... i have no problems vibrating my bed from the living room on the other side of the house....:D

I guess i'll hold out for a Klipsch LF-10/12 because i know i like those, and they definitely won't be the weak point of my system.

I will check out that bic, though. :) Thanks Shicks18.

[Shicks18]

what good is a sub thread without mentioning the brands of:
SVS, HSU, eD (elemental design), Epik

Check those 4 brands out, anyone of there models in the $500 range will be great for your setup. IMO, like everyone elses would be save up another $300 to get a great one. If you have to absolutely have one now three options would be: Bic H-100, X-Sub, Daytion Sub-120 , in that order. Also, a good rule of thumb; 1 Great sub > 2 Average Subs.

Buying used is also another option, doing your homework you can find $500 subs used between $275-325, just takes a while longer to find.

Check Http://www.audiogon.com

[concealer404]

What do you guys think of the Mirage Omni S10?

Seems to get good reviews, and the smaller S8 seems to get great reviews from what i've read so far.

I found one in my budget, and would like to know if i should be jumping on it. :)

[concealer404]

After reading every thread on this forum with the words "mirage" and "Omni" tagged, it seems like the general consensus is that SVS is better, particularly for HT.

But.... for how little i can get the S10 for, i should go for it. It's less than one third the cost that i can get the dual 12" SVS for that i lust after, and will still be more than enough for my size constraints.

I'll report back when i pick it up, hopefully after work today. :D

$175 for a NIB Omni S10, guess i can't complain.

[concealer404]

Ok... so it turns out the guy sold the S10 2 hours before i got there.

HOWEVER: He happened to have two S8s there, and he felt bad about getting rid of the S10 from under me... So i got two brand new S8s for a grand total of $280.

They're still breaking in, i have about 20 hours on them so far since Thursday night, and i'm loving them. I've got my crossover set at 60hz, and it's pretty smooth. I may mess around and see what 80hz does for me now that they're on their way to breaking in.

These things are AWESOME, by the way. I never would have expected this much extension out of a little 8" sub, and the clarity/speed of these things is unreal.

They'll do for now. :D

[Sherardp]

Rather than post a new "which sub" thread, I thought I'd post here and to see what answers I get. Currently Im in a dedicated room 14x22. Up front are my Rti12s, center channel speaker on center stand below 126 inch screen. My Dual PB12/Plus 2's are located per front corner(co-located). My thought is to add PB13U dead center in the back of my room behind my 2nd row of seating. I would also run it off my SMS-1 to maintain control over my bass. Does anyone think this is too much or should I buy two Ultras and corner load them in the rear? Conquest would be nice, but its rather large for my room since offloading my current subs would take so long out here in Japan.

[MikeC78]

Get the twin Ultra's and corner load them...

[goingganzo]

my advice for a sub is take your bugget and dubble it. so you dont buy 2 subs 1 cheap and 1 better just get i great one

[SolidSqual]

I just bought two Epik Valors. Haven't heard them yet, but for just over grand you can't beat it.

[ben62670]

Save up and get something in a higher price point. You don't get your money back on subs, and with a room that size any budget sub is going to be inadequate, or sound rubbery/boomy.
Good luck.
Ben

[SolidSqual]

oops sorry didn't see the pricepoint. I would save up and keep your eyes on audiogon.

[concealer404]

oops sorry didn't see the pricepoint. I would save up and keep your eyes on audiogon.

Not sure if you guys are talking to me or not.... but i ended up with TWO Mirage Omni S8s..... and i'm more than happy with them for the moment. Maybe if i get a much bigger room someday i'll upgrade, but i'm good for the time being. VERY musical subs, extremely fast and very impressive extension for only being an 8".

[goingganzo]

i have spent about 2k on my death sub. my first sub i made stryke force was about 1k. my first sub i got for 350 velo cht 120. i still use all 3. 1 in the family room cheap tv watching velo, stryke force in the bedroom with the 800/400/500 setup and the death sub (4 avalanch 18in with 3400wats) in the theater. if you upgrade eather use the subs on another setup is the best

[concealer404]

i have spent about 2k on my death sub. my first sub i made stryke force was about 1k. my first sub i got for 350 velo cht 120. i still use all 3. 1 in the family room cheap tv watching velo, stryke force in the bedroom with the 800/400/500 setup and the death sub (4 avalanch 18in with 3400wats) in the theater. if you upgrade eather use the subs on another setup is the best

So you're saying use the subs to make something else when i upgrade?

[Sherardp]

just got a quote on shipping a new PB13U to me in Japan is like 400 bucks. Geesh, thats almost the price of another sub, Im not sure if Im going for the Ultra or a 3rd PB12/Plus 2. I know the either would be insane. Any thoughts on which route would be me more output in a 14x22 room with 8.5 ceiling. Not sure what to do here, regardless Im buying something. I was even thinking Conquest but I know shipping is going to kill me.

[Ron Temple]

just got a quote on shipping a new PB13U to me in Japan is like 400 bucks. Geesh, thats almost the price of another sub, Im not sure if Im going for the Ultra or a 3rd PB12/Plus 2. I know the either would be insane. Any thoughts on which route would be me more output in a 14x22 room with 8.5 ceiling. Not sure what to do here, regardless Im buying something. I was even thinking Conquest but I know shipping is going to kill me.

Yep, shipping is going to kill you no matter what your choice. I'm sure the PB12/2+ will cost the same as the Ultra. Shipping the Conquest will be more, also, I don't think Epik wants to support international shipments at this time. You can ask him though. If you want more output, you might want to get a hold of MLS at AV123 and ask about a pair of MFWs...reasonably priced and a pair hit's like an Ultra (maybe better in the midbass).