Hi all,
I'm looking for a subwoofer for my small 10'x12'x8' room. I'm about 60% music, 40% movies or 50/50. I'm looking to spend about $400-$500. Please advice. Thanks for all the help.

This (http://www.edesignaudio.com/product_info.php?cPath=2_41&products_id=102) would be my choice in that price range (13ov.2 driver and free shipping = $500)

This (http://www.edesignaudio.com/product_info.php?cPath=2_41&products_id=102) would be my choice in that price range (13ov.2 driver and free shipping = $500)

I mean absolutely no offense with what I am going to ask you but how come you only recommend eD subwoofers?

Back to topic,

You can for either one of the following:

eD A3-300 w/ Upgraded Driver
Hsu Research VTF-1
SVS PB10-NSD

Also look into the Paradigm DSP-3100; sold through B&M stores, not ID so you can get discounts from dealers.

Very musical and still great for HT. I got mine for $455 Cdn (that's $360 US today).

I just recommend what I think are the best values. At that price I don't see a3-300 being beaten in any area by another sub.

When you post in this forum asking for sub advice, you will always get people recommending pretty large subs. Your room is not very large, and a sub that size of the the PB10 would occupy a fair bit of your room floorspace. I'm sitting in a room of that size right now, and I'd personally opt for something a bit smaller. W

Something tall and narrow like the VTF-1 or maybe even the Outlaw LFM-1-Compact would be pretty good in that size room, provide enough punch for your purposes (50/50 use), and offer more flexibility in placement due to its narrow width footprint

Thank you all for quick reply,
Would you recommend anything from Circuit City? They're liquidating. I just thought I might get a good deal there. Thanks again.

Another option if the OP can bump the budget a little is the new SVS PC12-Plus. It's a 16" wide cylinder, and while not everyone loves the look, it won't take up that much space and should offer more than enough output. Or for even a little less money, the 25-31 PCi is on closeout. Here are the subs:

PC12-NSD ($549 plus shipping)
http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-cyl-pc12_nsd.cfm

25-31 PCi ($499 plus shipping)
http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-cyl-pcpow3.cfm

Of course both of these are a little over budget, and I don't want to push the OP to spend more than he can/wants to. Still, I think they're viable options. I also agree that the Outlaw would probably work well.

As far as Circuit City goes, buyer beware:
http://hdguru.com/circuit-city%E2%80%99s-liquidation-sale-deal-or-no-deal/338/

To make matters worse, service and returns will be very difficult (if not impossible) through CC.

Justin

Thank you all for you advice. Does Hsu Research (sound like Chinese) or SVS sales through any retail stores where I can check them out? I went to their websites and they don't seem to sell through traditional brick-and-mortar stores. Thanks again for your help.

They are both internet based to cut out the middle man and give you better value for the money. No one in the middle to add their profit in. Hsu Research is not a Chinese company and are based out of California.

Thank you all for you advice. Does Hsu Research (sound like Chinese) or SVS sales through any retail stores where I can check them out? I went to their websites and they don't seem to sell through traditional brick-and-mortar stores. Thanks again for your help.

As stated they are both ID (internet direct). Also as stated Hsu is a Cali company and the founder Dr. Hsu (pronounced shoe not sue and the country of origin is Singapore, China does have a lot of Hsu's and if I am not mistaken it is pronounced more like sue) really started the ID subwoofer phenomenon back in the early 90's with his cylinder subs which they no longer make but SVS and a couple of others do know.

Starting to sound like a me too kinda guy but Hsu, SVS, eD will give you the best bang for the buck in the price range. Try scanning the owners threads for the three and you will begin to see none are a joke or scam, excellent subs, usually besting B&M store subs 2-3 times as expensive. If you prefer the B&M route Energy, Paradigm, Kef, Klipsch and Def Tech are just a few that have solid subs in your price range.

Your room is not very large. If you care about how things look in the room, take a bit of time to make some cardboard models of the subs.

I made a model of the eD A2-300 (recommended here endlessly) and you know what? It's just too big. I used to think the PB-10 was big until I saw the A2-300.

And now I see recommendation on this thread for the PB12-NSD. Have you looked at the dimensions of that beast?

If you hold up a ruler and say, "ok that's 21 inches," you will be fooled. Make a model of the sub, and you'll see what I mean.

And for more music than movies, from what I've read on these threads, you should be considering the Hsu STF-2. You don't need to spend all of your budget to be happy.

The Paradigm DSP-3100 I suggested is 16-1/4 in x 12-1/4 in x 16-3/4 in. You can get it at stores, so you can go see it and dealers offer discounts from MSRP.

Good sub, good size, great value.

What are the differences between the Hsu Research STF-2 and VTF-1? Thank you for all your help.

What are the differences between the Hsu Research STF-2 and VTF-1? Thank you for all your help.

The VTF-1 has variable modes, maximum extension or maximum output. The STF-2 does not.

The VTF-1 has variable modes, maximum extension or maximum output. The STF-2 does not.

Little more detail on that:

The STF-2 is fixed at "maximum extension" (plays the lowest and is the same as the VTF-1 in max extension mode)

The VTF-1 can be set to max output (louder not lower) or max extension, by removing one plug and flipping a switch. But this "tuning ability" costs more. There is an extra port and a bit more electronics.

The VTF-1 also can be ordered in some sweet finishes, but it's gonna cost you even more.

And finally, the VTF-1 can accept a "turbocharger" which Hsu used to sell until recently, but might be available on the used market.

If I was set on spending that much money, I would get the VTF-1, not because I can tune it but because of the finishes available. I doubt I would ever use the tuning ability of the VTF-1, after the initial "what a cool sub" period was over. ;)

But if I wanted (what I've read to be) a great sub for under $400, I'd go with the STF-2. [And that's my plan, as soon as I can make sure my job is safe for this year...which might mean next year.]:eek:

As the previous poster mentioned, be aware of the size of these subs! I went from a SuperCube 3 to a SVS PB10 and I think my wife is in for a shock when she sees how much real estate these things eat up!

Your room is not very large. If you care about how things look in the room, take a bit of time to make some cardboard models of the subs.

I made a model of the eD A2-300 (recommended here endlessly) and you know what? It's just too big. I used to think the PB-10 was big until I saw the A2-300.

And now I see recommendation on this thread for the PB12-NSD. Have you looked at the dimensions of that beast?

If you hold up a ruler and say, "ok that's 21 inches," you will be fooled. Make a model of the sub, and you'll see what I mean.

I agree, make a model if you have space constraints. I have an eD A2-300 and it's huge! The only subwoofer I've previously owned other than that was a crappy Yamaha 6.5-inch subwoofer. Imagine how shocked I was when I got the box. :eek: