Hello all,

A friend of mine is looking for a sub. He is going to purchase Mod 4 speakers from Orb audio. (Decor is a big factor.) He has built in shelves on either side of the plasma and would like the sub to tuck in on the bottom shelf on one side--so it will be on the same front wall as the speakers, facing the listening position but in the bookcase.

Here are the requirements:

1. Sub, with cable, cannot be more than 20" deep and 22" high to fit.

2. Sub should be front firing and not rear ported. (I'm assuming this is best for placement against the wall within the bottom of the bookcase. But if you think downward firing is acceptable, that's fine.)

3. $400 is the budget.

Orb audio does sell an 8" front firing sub for $400, but I'm hoping to get a better value if possible in a 10" or 12" sub.

I'm having a hard time coming up with options that meet all three of these requirements so any and all suggestions are welcome.

Thanks a lot!

Hello all,

A friend of mine is looking for a sub. He is going to purchase Mod 4 speakers from Orb audio. (Decor is a big factor.) He has built in shelves on either side of the plasma and would like the sub to tuck in on the bottom shelf on one side--so it will be on the same front wall as the speakers, facing the listening position but in the bookcase.

Here are the requirements:

1. Sub, with cable, cannot be more than 20" deep and 22" high to fit.

2. Sub should be front firing and not rear ported. (I'm assuming this is best for placement against the wall within the bottom of the bookcase. But if you think downward firing is acceptable, that's fine.)

3. $400 is the budget.

Orb audio does sell an 8" front firing sub for $400, but I'm hoping to get a better value if possible in a 10" or 12" sub.

I'm having a hard time coming up with options that meet all three of these requirements so any and all suggestions are welcome.

Thanks a lot!

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-1.html

Just leave 2"-3" free for the ports...

I would look for a used UFW-10 from AV123. It is a small sealed 10" sub with solid output to about 25-28 Hz (or lower depending on the room and placement). I have one in my family room that is recessed in a built-in entertainment center and it performs wonderfully. You will be surprised by the clean output of this small compact sub. Your depth requirement is going to eliminate many of the more popular subs in this forum.

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-1.html

Just leave 2"-3" free for the ports...

Thanks.

I looked at this one earlier but wondered if down firing would make any difference vs. front firing.

I'll put it back in the mix.

I would look for a used UFW-10 from AV123. It is a small sealed 10" sub with solid output to about 25-28 Hz (or lower depending on the room and placement). I have one in my family room that is recessed in a built-in entertainment center and it performs wonderfully. You will be surprised by the clean output of this small compact sub. Your depth requirement is going to eliminate many of the more popular subs in this forum.

That sounds good.

Is it still available? I was on their website a few days ago and didn't see it in the subwoofer category. I just tried to look again but the website isn't responding.

The designer chooses one way or the other, depending on variables like ports orientation vs cabinet size,etc...That it's all...

I would look for a used UFW-10 from AV123. It is a small sealed 10" sub with solid output to about 25-28 Hz (or lower depending on the room and placement). I have one in my family room that is recessed in a built-in entertainment center and it performs wonderfully. You will be surprised by the clean output of this small compact sub. Your depth requirement is going to eliminate many of the more popular subs in this forum.

Just found it on the website. Unfortunately it's no longer available. Too bad, it probably would have been perfect.

The VTF-1 is a better all around sub.

I disagree. The UFW-10 has a more powerful amp and a paramteric EQ. Also, I don't think his bookshelf will have enough room around the sub to allow the ports to function effectively. A forward firing sealed sub would perform better in this situation IMO. These are only available used, but you can usually find one on audiogon or videogon or ********** classifieds.

You could look for a used SVS SB12+, as well. Someone here recently (sourbeef, I believe) was contemplating a new sub and may be selling his very nice looking rosenut SB12+. Very small, sealed sub.

What about a rear-firing sub with a frontside passive radiator? People have been buying the cherry finish (vinyl) Klipsch RSW-10ds for $500 shipped from somewhere lately. It is a fairly small sub, too.