Howdy all,

I'm in a slightly unique solution. I have a brand new home theater with 5.0 surround sound right now. The two rear speakers are Focal IC-106s, and the left, right, and center channels are Focal IW-106s (In ceiling and in wall respectively). The Focals sound fantastic, but if I have any complaints, its that the bass is lacking. Thus, I need something with some punch.

The TV is currently mounted on a wall that backs up to my media closet. I would like to put the bass unit in the media closet, and cut a grate below the TV into the room (I can post pictures later if needed). The last problem is that there is wood floor in the living room, but just concrete in the media closet.

Given all this, I would love some recommendations for a sub woofer that I can get on the used market for less than $500 (I love used goods), and the best way to mount it behind the wall.

Thanks,

Target

How would a True Subwoofer MK II do in this situation? There's a good deal up on Audiogon. I noticed that sounds seems to come out both sides. Would this be a poor choice for a behind the wall sub?

Target

Because it fires from front and rear, it would be a poor choice for your situation. You should limit yourself to a sub that fires just from the front including the ports if it has ports.

I had a feeling that would be the case. Any ideas for a $400ish subwoofer that packs a good punch for movies?

Target

Take a look at the SVS PB10-NSD.

Take a look at the SVS PB10-NSD.I was just gonna suggest that.
http://svsound.com/products-sub-box-10nsd.cfm

I have a Denon 3805. Do I need an active subwoofer? Its nicely within the budget. I was under the impression (very possibly mistaken) that you paid for an active sub, and that the money would be wasted.

Target

If by active you mean powered sub, then yes. The power must come from somewhere and it's not your receiver. Since you need a front ported subwoofer, I would recommend taking a look at the SVS subs as well.

Sounds good. That unit looks great. Now if I can just find a good used listing I'll be all set.

Target

Sounds good. That unit looks great. Now if I can just find a good used listing I'll be all set.

TargetKeep an eye out here. Lots of members are upgrading to the new SVS PB13 Ultra and may have a used PB10NSD for sale.

Also check SVS B-stock from time to time. They are fully warranteed units.

Any idea what the b stock goes for? If its $300ish, I will wait. If not, I really want to pick this up by the end of the week, and might just pay full price as much as that pains me.

People definitely think that this is a solid subwoofer for $429?

Also, does anyone have any ideas on the best way to mount this behind the wall?

Target

How does the Epik Knight compare to the SVS? The room is large, and we will be sitting nearly 14 feet from the television. I definitely want to fill it if possible, because the Focals lack bass to a degree.

The more I think about it, does it perhaps make sense to hold off with a lack of bass for 3 or 4 months until I can afford something closer to $1000?

Target

How does that compare to the SVS? The room is large, and we will be sitting nearly 14 feet from the television. I definitely want to fill it if possible, because the Focals lack bass to a degree.

TargetI deleted the post cause the Epik is $599 + shipping, probably out of your price range. From what I've read though it would crush the SVS in a larger room. 15" driver 350 watt BASH amp.

In that case, it might make sense for me to hold off for a month or two. I can probably put $600 together in 2 months, and close to $1000 together in 4. The only real downside is having a brand new house with 5 bass weak speakers for that period of time, but I think I can live with that.

Target

In that case, it might make sense for me to hold off for a month or two. I can probably put $600 together in 2 months, and close to $1000 together in 4. The only real downside is having a brand new house with 5 bass weak speakers for that period of time, but I think I can live with that.

TargetThen I would recommend either the Epik Castle $999 + shipping or dual MFW-15s $998 + shipping. If you order now you would probably get the MFWs in about 4 months (they don't charge until they ship). The Epik maybe 2 months. You would have to have the room to fit them however.
Dual MFW (http://**********/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=189&category_id=9&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=37)
Epik Castle (http://www.epiksubwoofers.com/CastleOverview.html)
If these are too rich then look at 1 MFW (http://**********/index.php?[url=page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=178&category_id=9&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=37) ($599)or a Caliber (http://www.epiksubwoofers.com/CaliberOverview.html) ($699) or Knight (http://www.epiksubwoofers.com/KnightOverview.html) ($599)

The Epik Castle looks fantastic, but I have 2 concerns.

1. This may bely me lack of knowledge, but I'm assuming that my Denon 3805 will have to drive it (maybe not?). Will the Denon be powerful enough?

2. Are my speakers beefy enough to handle a sub this big? The L/R and center channels are Focal IW-106s. These are roughly $250 in wall speakers. Am I crazy to pair them (and 2 $200 in ceiling speakers) with a $1000 sub?

The room is 14x14 with the TV wall hung in one corner, and the couch in the opposite corner. The ceiling speakers are almost directly above the couch (I wonder if this will cause issues).

Target

1. No, Castle is an active subwoofer, it has a built-in 500 watt BASH amplifier. The reciever only supplies the signal.
2. Not sure, but quite possible. 14x14 is a pretty small room, unless you have 10+ feet ceiling and/or open back. If it's just a closed off 14x14 and if you're not a basshead I think 1 Knight/caliber/mwf-15 would be enough.

The Epik Castle looks fantastic, but I have 2 concerns.

1. This may bely me lack of knowledge, but I'm assuming that my Denon 3805 will have to drive it (maybe not?). Will the Denon be powerful enough?

2. Are my speakers beefy enough to handle a sub this big? The L/R and center channels are Focal IW-106s. These are roughly $250 in wall speakers. Am I crazy to pair them (and 2 $200 in ceiling speakers) with a $1000 sub?

The room is 14x14 with the TV wall hung in one corner, and the couch in the opposite corner. The ceiling speakers are almost directly above the couch (I wonder if this will cause issues).

TargetIt has it's own 500watt BASH amp. The question is how much oomph do you want? The Castle would crush your room. The others would probably be more reasonable.

Looks like this member might be ready to sell his SVS;
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=889659&page=75 last post

1. No, Castle is an active subwoofer, it has a built-in 500 watt BASH amplifier. The reciever only supplies the signal.
2. Not sure, but quite possible. 14x14 is a pretty small room, unless you have 10+ feet ceiling and/or open back. If it's just a closed off 14x14 and if you're not a basshead I think 1 Knight/caliber/mwf-15 would be enough.

Heresy I say! I didn't know there was such a thing as "enough" ;).

All joking aside, I think CADOBHuK is right. Unless you like VERY high SPL's, a Knight or Caliber would be more than enough for your rather small room.

I guess characterizing it as large was really just relative to my situation. I just moved from a 490 sqft apartment to a 1950 sqft house with a 14x14 living room. It all seems very large to me.

Target

I guess characterizing it as large was really just relative to my situation. I just moved from a 490 sqft apartment to a 1950 sqft house with a 14x14 living room. It all seems very large to me.

TargetIs it a sealed room or is it open to other areas of the house?

Very open. It only really as 2 walls, and one is covered in windows. One side is open to a hall way, and the third side is almost completely open to the kitchen which will have its own TV, but due to a home automation system, and whole house audio, benefit directly from the sub. I should really post some pictures tonight I think.

Target

Very open. It only really as 2 walls, and one is covered in windows. One side is open to a hall way, and the third side is almost completely open to the kitchen which will have its own TV, but due to a home automation system, and whole house audio, benefit directly from the sub. I should really post some pictures tonight I think.

TargetAn open room means it's bigger than you think. You have to consider all the area that's around it as making it one big room. You will probably want something that is capable of handling that much area. One of the 3 "cheaper" subs 2 Epik and MFW should do an admirable job.

Hsu Vtf3-mk3