I need help choosing a subwoofer. I'll give you as much detail as possible in order of importance, if I forgot to mention anything let me know.

Price Range -$550 at most

Performance - I want a sub that works to around 20hz or better if it can be achieved in my constraints.

Size - under 25" Width and Depth wise if possible. **I can live with something a little larger if it can reach lower frequencies and is an all around amazing subwoofer.


Realistically, my setup is Martin Logan Source mains, along with their Matinee center. I want something that will sound decent with music, but most of the use, probably 85% is HDTV content/PS3, 360 gaming/Movies. Currently I have a Klipsch Sub-12 and it's pretty meh...but what could be expected for what I paid. I was originally looking at the Deftech Supercube II but read it doesn't put out below 35hz...which is is alot higher than their specs. I realize this is probably better than my Klipsch...but I want to get a decent sub and keep it for a few years. My little bit of research has pulled me toward the SVS PCi subs, and the elemental design A3-300. I liked the SVS because it seems to take up less space regarding width and depth...but I'm wondering if the A3-300 is better. Will either of these give me the performance I want for the money I want to pay? What else can you guys recommend? What other info do you need from me?

Thanks guys.

Bump that price to $600 and get a Knight or mwf-15. If you can't go for a3-300. Those are the best performers at their prices but they all have about 2 months wait time on them.

Bump that price to $600 and get a Knight or mwf-15. If you can't go for a3-300. Those are the best performers at their prices but they all have about 2 months wait time on them.

I'll check those out. However, if I go for the a3-300, what are the downsides aside from the long wait time...but that isn't a problem for me. Will the a3-300 give me the low range bass it's rated for, or aren't those numbers accurate...like I found out with the deftech supercubes?

Thanks

You will find that eD, and for that matter, SVS or HSU, does not lie about their specs. They deliver what they claim. As for Epik, for some reason they don't give specs.

I am quite confident that a3-300 with the ov.2 driver upgrade will give you the most output and sound quality you can get for $505 shipped ( ie, around $400 "normal" price), without going DIY. The specifications on ED site don't lie. But also remember that $600+ shipping Knight and MWF-15 would be a significant step up from it.

I need help choosing a subwoofer. I'll give you as much detail as possible in order of importance, if I forgot to mention anything let me know.

Price Range -$550 at most

Performance - I want a sub that works to around 20hz or better if it can be achieved in my constraints.

Size - under 25" Width and Depth wise if possible. **I can live with something a little larger if it can reach lower frequencies and is an all around amazing subwoofer.


Realistically, my setup is Martin Logan Source mains, along with their Matinee center. I want something that will sound decent with music, but most of the use, probably 85% is HDTV content/PS3, 360 gaming/Movies. Currently I have a Klipsch Sub-12 and it's pretty meh...but what could be expected for what I paid. I was originally looking at the Deftech Supercube II but read it doesn't put out below 35hz...which is is alot higher than their specs. I realize this is probably better than my Klipsch...but I want to get a decent sub and keep it for a few years. My little bit of research has pulled me toward the SVS PCi subs, and the elemental design A3-300. I liked the SVS because it seems to take up less space regarding width and depth...but I'm wondering if the A3-300 is better. Will either of these give me the performance I want for the money I want to pay? What else can you guys recommend? What other info do you need from me?

Thanks guys.

for $550 or less i would get the eD A3-300 with the upgraded driver

You will find that eD, and for that matter, SVS or HSU, does not lie about their specs. They deliver what they claim. As for Epik, for some reason they don't give specs.

What kind of frequencies does the epik knight go down to based on reviews or tunes people have done?

As far as the eD, what is the difference in the upgrade? I don't see anything on their website between the 13kv.2 and the 13Ov.2?

The difference is a lot of different theil/small specs but it's illustrated pretty well this way
http://www.edesignaudio.com/gallery/106_large.jpghttp://www.edesignaudio.com/gallery/60_large.jpg

What kind of frequencies does the epik knight go down to based on reviews or tunes people have done?

As far as the eD, what is the difference in the upgrade? I don't see anything on their website between the 13kv.2 and the 13Ov.2?


I've never seen any formal reviews or tests of the Knight.

As for the eD driver differences, take a look at the specs for the individual drivers under the "Car Audio", "Subwoofers" section on the eD site.

The difference is a lot of different theil/small specs but it's illustrated pretty well this way
http://www.edesignaudio.com/gallery/106_large.jpghttp://www.edesignaudio.com/gallery/60_large.jpg

Well I didn't have a problem spending an extra $30 when I was already spending $450...but those pictures make it easy if you're on the fence.

So I guess it's the a3-300....whats the wait time looking like now with the upgraded subwoofer? Anything else to consider before I pull the trigger?

The subs specs suggest it's a solid performer but it's gonna look really out of place next to your Martin Logans. If you can hide it away or put a bag over it's head then i say go for it.

Surprised no one has asked but with is the size of your room. Depending on your cubic feet will give a better idea of the sub that works best for your room size. I think looking at HSU is wise. Great product, price, customer service and NO WAITING.

Surprised no one has asked but with is the size of your room. Depending on your cubic feet will give a better idea of the sub that works best for your room size. I think looking at HSU is wise. Great product, price, customer service and NO WAITING.

I'll check out the HSU as well.

Here is a quick diagram I drew up in mspaint. It's bad and not to scale, but has measurements. It's a pretty odd room shape. Also, I probably will be moving to a new place by this fall.
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s306/amill94/crappy-diagram.jpg

The first 6' of the ceiling from the wall behind the tv to the middle of the living room is 8'...then it turns into a vaulted ceiling. The boxes around the TV area are the speakers, I just didn't label them.

Ok, so the HSU VTF-2 MK3 seems like it is built for a larger cubic area than my room, but I can always turn down the gain. So basically, it's between that and the eD a3-300 w/ the upgrade.

Other than the longer wait time with the eD, is there any other benefit going with the VTF-2? All I can see is that the eD is rated to 20hz vs the HSU @ 25hz. The amp on the eD is larger by 100watts rms but I don't know how much of a factor that is.

I'd really like to listen to these, but that's not possible.

Any other input you guys can give? Will one work better than the other based on the room configuration?

Ok, so the HSU VTF-2 MK3 seems like it is built for a larger cubic area than my room, but I can always turn down the gain. So basically, it's between that and the eD a3-300 w/ the upgrade.

Other than the longer wait time with the eD, is there any other benefit going with the VTF-2? All I can see is that the eD is rated to 20hz vs the HSU @ 25hz. The amp on the eD is larger by 100watts rms but I don't know how much of a factor that is.

I'd really like to listen to these, but that's not possible.

Any other input you guys can give? Will one work better than the other based on the room configuration?

Not trying to guide you one way or the other, but I believe the HSU is 18Hz in max. extension mode. I think the eD is also.


Scott

Ok, so the HSU VTF-2 MK3 seems like it is built for a larger cubic area than my room, but I can always turn down the gain. So basically, it's between that and the eD a3-300 w/ the upgrade.

Other than the longer wait time with the eD, is there any other benefit going with the VTF-2? All I can see is that the eD is rated to 20hz vs the HSU @ 25hz. The amp on the eD is larger by 100watts rms but I don't know how much of a factor that is.

I'd really like to listen to these, but that's not possible.

Any other input you guys can give? Will one work better than the other based on the room configuration?


The VTF in the name VTF-2.3 stands for Variable Tuning Frequency. The 2.3 can be set to Maximum Extension by plugging one of the ports with the supplied block of foam and flipping a switch on the back of the 2.3. Set in Maximum Extension, the tuning frequency then is 18Hz. Set to Maximum Output, the tuning frequency is 25Hz. Which setting will give you more of what you want is hard to say. It is nice to be able to choose between Maximum Extension and Maximum Output.

The cabinet on the HSU probably has a nicer finish. The 100 watt difference in amp power between the HSU and the Ed is not of much significance.

Going off Craigsub's ratings, a3-300 should give you significantly more output, but vtf-2 might have better sound quality.

I think I'm going to bite the bullet and spend the extra on the Epik Knight. I was putting a list together comparing the eD and the HSU, and couldn't find specs on the Knight. I called Epik and talked to a very nice and knowledgeable woman. She gave me the run down and then connected me with Chad. He layed down all the specs and assured me I would be extremely happy with the Knight. I know it's backordered, but I'm in no real rush so I think I can hold out for a few weeks.

Thanks for the input guys, I really appreciate it. If I wouldn't have checked here I would have bought some over priced sub at a retail store. I honestly had no idea that I could pay this amount of cash and get an amazing subwoofer.

Congrats. Great choice, I'm sure you'll be more than happy with that.

Congrats. Great choice, I'm sure you'll be more than happy with that.

Thanks. I had a front firing sub a few years ago and I know it was very picky about where it was located and the direction it was facing, versus a down firing sub. I'm going to have to place this sub in the front left corner behind the chair since it is too large to fit up front with the tv and speakers. Do you think this will be an alright location?

Normally the best position in the room can't be predicted too well, it has to be experimented with. When you say you cant put it up front, did you think about the horizontal "on-the-side" position, that would put the height at 18" ? Epik subs have actually been designed to lay on their sides, and might even sound better that way. The Conquest does at least.

Normally the best position in the room can't be predicted too well, it has to be experimented with. When you say you cant put it up front, did you think about the horizontal "on-the-side" position, that would put the height at 18" ? Epik subs have actually been designed to lay on their sides, and might even sound better that way. The Conquest does at least.

I might be able to fit it sideways if I shift my equipment more to the left toward the doorway and it's a bit off center. I'll have to experiment and see where it sounds better. I'd rather conceal it if I can so there is more room for the speakers up front. I know the front left speaker is going to be at a disadvantage already b/c of the corner placement.