My room is a sealed room that is between 1500-1600 cubic feet. It is a sealed room, and the sub would be used almost exclusively for home theater. If I corner load the sub in the front of the room, the room has quite a bit of room gain below 35hz. Is one of these subs enough in this room, even at really high volumes, or would I need more?

It is definately enough.
Have one in 3,200 cufeet space...

The sound quality and extension would be great, what spl are you looking to achieve? For me it was always about the sound quality first, then extension. Once they are reached in order to get louder add more of the same.

I have one in a 1800 cubic foot sealed room and it is enough.
You won't want to corner load it. It goes deep without it, corner loading it makes it boomy.

On another computer I have REW plots of one sub running, I'll post them later if it interests you.

Plenty enough. I demo'd one in my 2300^3ft room....not a hint of any issue.

Thanks for the responses so far guys.

The sound quality and extension would be great, what spl are you looking to achieve? For me it was always about the sound quality first, then extension. Once they are reached in order to get louder add more of the same.

I never listen at reference. My typical movie watching is between -15 to -10 below reference. When I am really pushing it, I go to -5 below reference.

On another computer I have REW plots of one sub running, I'll post them later if it interests you.

That would be great. Thanks

I'd guess that at -5dB from reference you'll run into some dynamic compression, but at -10dB from reference you should be fine on all but the hottest bass tracks. If I were you I'd contact Hsu and let them know your room size and listening levels and see what they say. They'll be up front with you and help you find the best solution for your listening needs.

I keep going back and forth between a good sealed sub like the Hsu and Rythmic or just going with something like the PB13 and just knowing that I will have plenty of headroom in my smaller room. I am not really at all concerned about the size of the SVS, because it is a dedicated theater. The only reason I am considering the sealed sub is the potential of better sound quality. For movies, do you really think I will be able to tell the difference in sound quality between the two?

For movies is where the PB13 is likely to have the biggest advantage over the others.

For movies is where the PB13 is likely to have the biggest advantage over the others.

That is what I am thinking, and the direction I am leaning toward. I have read the PB13 compared to other subs, and some have said although it is very musical, it may not have the slam in the upper 40-100hz bass that some others have. I currently have Era D5 speakers, which are pretty decent bass producing bookshelf speakers, but they are bookshelf speakers. They are easily crossed at 80hz, and in fact the Era recommends crossing them over below that (although I don't). Any thoughts on this?

Don't forget upper bass performance and transient response, which are keys to good integration with quality main speakers.

For movies though, it can be less of a concern.

They are easily crossed at 80hz, and in fact the Era recommends crossing them over below that (although I don't). Any thoughts on this?

Do whatever sounds better.

That is what I am thinking, and the direction I am leaning toward. I have read the PB13 compared to other subs, and some have said although it is very musical, it may not have the slam in the upper 40-100hz bass that some others have. I currently have Era D5 speakers, which are pretty decent bass producing bookshelf speakers, but they are bookshelf speakers. They are easily crossed at 80hz, and in fact the Era recommends crossing them over below that (although I don't). Any thoughts on this?

There is nothing a 13Ultra doesn't do well. If it lacks slam it is not the Ultra, but is a room problem.

PB13 is no doubt a good sub.

A HSU's benefit over the PB13:
Wireless
A sub you can move yourself.
A sub you could repackage and return inexpensively if you want.
A smaller overall package, the SVS is 27" deep without grill lets call it 28". Might fit beautifully, might not.
All the above gives you more placement options and the ability to easily test them.
In a 1600 cubic foot room it will blow your hair back.
It cost less.

I believe you can't go wrong either way.

I will add that IMO, the Hsu has better overall transient response and upper bass.

I will say this about the Ultra, it is an excellent subwoofer, the best I heard from SVS and the first I wouldn't mind owning.

PB13 is no doubt a good sub.

A HSU's benefit over the PB13:
Wireless
A sub you can move yourself.
A sub you could repackage and return inexpensively if you want.
A smaller overall package, the SVS is 27" deep without grill lets call it 28". Might fit beautifully, might not.
All the above gives you more placement options and the ability to easily test them.
In a 1600 cubic foot room it will blow your hair back.
It cost less.

I believe you can't go wrong either way.

I will add that IMO, the Hsu has better overall transient response and upper bass.

I will say this about the Ultra, it is an excellent subwoofer, the best I heard from SVS and the first I wouldn't mind owning.


For all of these reasons, I would prefer the Hsu, but none of them are worth is to me if it doesn't have enough oomph in the low bass when I need it. All indications look I should be fine in my sized room, but I would hate to be dissapointed. Tough call.

By the way, Is the Rythmik F15 similar to the ULS-15, or does the HSU best it?

For all of these reasons, I would prefer the Hsu, but none of them are worth is to me if it doesn't have enough oomph in the low bass when I need it. All indications look I should be fine in my sized room, but I would hate to be dissapointed. Tough call.

By the way, Is the Rythmik F15 similar to the ULS-15, or does the HSU best it?
The Rythmik and Hsu are very similar in sound....close call, but I give the edge to the Rythmik, The Hsu has a better finish, and wireless is a great feature.

While I don't think you will have any issue with "oomph", in fact, unless your room has a huge suckout, then I am sure of it, but you would have to deal with that suckout with any sub.

Honestly though, if you are mostly HT, then I would lean more towards the Ultra. As the ratio between music and HT gets closer to even or more music where articulation and transients are more important, the Hsu or Rythmik.

I have owned both sealed and ported subs and prefer sealed as long as the SPL is similar. I only watch movies, so quality of the sound is very important as well. As mentioned before transients are much better with my sealed. If you like 100 db's(or whatever) from your bass and a sealed sub can get you there, go for it. How powerful is the pb13 in sealed mode? Maybe that can be an option as well.

We (jakeman and I) tried the PB13 in sealed mode. It sounded better but not as good as his JL113. The PB13 loses a lot of headroom without the porting.

I'm running a F112 in my 1700^3 room and it is extremely impactful and tactile. I have nothing but praise for this little monster in here... I can't imagine that the ULS would disappoint.

The ULS will give you anything you need because of your size room. Size room is everything...
I have the ULS stacked with a A7S-450/LT1300 in 3,200 cufeet room, and my friend has a VTF2- MK3 in his 1,000 cubic feet room...
His room sound subjectively as loud as mine...

So I spent some time on the phone today with Brian from Rythmik. I think I will be going with dual Rythmik F15s.

So I spent some time on the phone today with Brian from Rythmik. I think I will be going with dual Rythmik F15s.

Nice, now what will kick butt. It is tough to beat the sound of the Rythmiks.:)

I just wanted to chime in and say that I am pleased as punch with a single Rythmik D15-SE in my 2800 cubic foot room. It's been in my house for a week now and so far there has been no little gremlin whispering "you want more bass" into my ear. I just demoed the Iron Man cave scene for myself at 0db (which to me is a totally unrealistic listening level) and I heard no hint of stress coming from that huge black box. Whether or not it was actually being stressed is beside the point; I didn't hear anything but clean, loud, deep, ridiculous bass.

You will be extremely impressed with the Rhythmiks. I would question your sanity for going with two subs, but I've seen some of you guys with 4+ subs in your systems. It is clear that "sanity" is not in the vocabulary of bass junkies :D.

This sub is :cool:

I would question your sanity for going with two subs, but I've seen some of you guys with 4+ subs in your systems.

This sub is :cool:

When I consider his room size and ... two F15s, it makes my ears hurt just thinking about how loud one would have to get it to even over-drive one of those in 1500cu feet.

My ears are clogged from just listening to music a bit too loud for about 45 min with an SB12 in 3600 cu feet!

You will be extremely impressed with the Rhythmiks. I would question your sanity for going with two subs, but I've seen some of you guys with 4+ subs in your systems. It is clear that "sanity" is not in the vocabulary of bass junkies :D.

This sub is :cool:

I hear you. I am sure it will be overkill, but I am doing it for three reasons.

1) I am hoping with some work, that I can achieve a better frequency response across all seats
2) I just sold a much more expensive sub, and if I didn't use up every last ounce of the funds in my PayPal account, I would always wonder what if. :D
3) I would much rather have overkill and not have to worry about pushing the system.

I am sure it will be overkill



Honestly..... not overkill at all.....

Balance, clarity and plenty of headroom is certainly worth attaining...

I'll be finishing up my 3rd 18" diy, 2500w feeding each - but my area is almost 5 times your room size..... I may just go for a 4th.... :D

Redskin what made you move from the ULS 15. why not bump to two ULSs. I'm interested to know what info you received to change your mind. I'm kinda dancing between the Rythmic f15 or f12 and ULS 15. Thanks Vandy

Redskin what made you move from the ULS 15. why not bump to two ULSs. I'm interested to know what info you received to change your mind. I'm kinda dancing between the Rythmic f15 or f12 and ULS 15. Thanks Vandy

My budget would not allow two ULSs. It was either a single ULS, single PB13 or dual F15s. The single PB13 would probably give me more output, but do I really need it in my sized room? Probably not. There was one response to this thread that probably hit home the most, the one from MKtheater

The sound quality and extension would be great, what spl are you looking to achieve? For me it was always about the sound quality first, then extension. Once they are reached in order to get louder add more of the same.

From what I have read, and knowing my room, I think of the three choices, dual F15s will hit my goals and then some (sound quality, extension, output and the best chance of an even frequency response among the most seats)

Nice! It seems like a no brainer to go for sound quality first. Great choice! I am certainly leaning towards Rythmic but limited to only one WAF. I have a 16 by 18 room with a 10 by 12 kitchen off the back wall. Not sure if the F15 will do. So i'm considering the ULS for added output?? and hear they are neck in neck in sound/music quality.. Vandy

Nice! It seems like a no brainer to go for sound quality first. Great choice! I am certainly leaning towards Rythmic but limited to only one WAF. I have a 16 by 18 room with a 10 by 12 kitchen off the back wall. Not sure if the F15 will do. So i'm considering the ULS for added output?? and hear they are neck in neck in sound/music quality.. Vandy
It is a no brainer for some, but others don't think about it.

If the ULS has more output than the F15, I didn't notice any difference because of it or don't care as much. If you have speakers with excellent SQ, why skimp on the sub in that area? I have a single F15 in 2300^ft room with standard open doorways into three other slightly smaller rooms, and have no issues with output.

It is a no brainer for some, but others don't think about it.

If the ULS has more output than the F15, I didn't notice any difference because of it or don't care as much. If you have speakers with excellent SQ, why skimp on the sub in that area? I have a single F15 in 2300^ft room with standard open doorways into three other slightly smaller rooms, and have no issues with output.

That’s great news. I have read many of your posts and know you are one of very few who has listened to both. I am a little concerned about the back wall of the room being almost completely open to the kitchen with a bar/counter separating them. So if the ULS isn’t an increase in output, it sounds like an easy choice with $$ savings. The only hesitation is if I ever do convince my beautiful wife to add another sub the wireless option would be nice. Thanks Vandy

How close will you be sitting to the sub?

Yeah....wireless is a key feature consideration that many do not want to overlook.

I was thinking front left corner and it would be about 8 feet in front of couch.

I was thinking front left corner and it would be about 8 feet in front of couch.
I truly don't think you will have a problem. What sub do you have now?

Bose lifestyle 50 I know after reading this forum I’m almost embarrassed to say it. My new buys products are Pioneer SC-07, Skylan stands for sierra and new hooker plasma/component counsel. I haven’t yet pulled trigger on the three sierras across front. My surround backs will be two HTM 200se or ERA D4 as surrounds. I want to buy speakers and SUB in one package, just piecing it out to lessen $$ blow on card. Bummed I missed the ascend sale hoping maybe something comes up soon. Vandy

Sorry to say, Ascend rarely has sales.

I have heard the Era D5...IMO, excellent speaker.

Sorry to say, Ascend rarely has sales.

I have heard the Era D5...IMO, excellent speaker.

Sierras are a great value. I will get them when budget allows. Thanks for your advice. I will post on the speaker side for HTM200se and ERA D4 help.
Vandy

I have heard the Era D5...IMO, excellent speaker.

+1 I have owned and heard much more expensive speakers, and these are perfect to me. Love the midrange.

Vandertoorn, if you have any D4 questions, please feel free to ask. I owned a pair for about 6 months before I upgraded them to the D5s

So I spent some time on the phone today with Brian from Rythmik. I think I will be going with dual Rythmik F15s.

Nice choice.