My space isn't that big, about 12 x 18.

I'm looking for a sub that is good for music and movies but I don't need the shake and rattle. In fact I can't have the shake and rattle because I live in an apartment. I watch a lot of tv but from what i understand i don't really need the sub for TV viewing.

I'll be listening to music and watching movies at normal volume mostly so I would hope there's a sub that would reproduce the bass nicely at that listening level. Not aiming for a booming movie theater experience because that woulad also mean new experiences with the neighbors and dirty looks and what not:)

Oh, I will definitely be putting an Auralex Subdude underneath it. Budget would be $200 - $300 max and I mean including any tax and shipping.

The Velodyne VX-10 and Impact-10 would be good choices in your price range. They don't extend as low in the frequency range as some other choices but that doesn't sound like what your looking for. The VX is a previous model but still can be found at good pricing.

I've heard good things about the Velodynes, thanks. I'm wondering if I can maybe get away with an 8", something like the Energy 8" too.

I've heard good things about the Velodynes, thanks. I'm wondering if I can maybe get away with an 8", something like the Energy 8" too.

I would avoid the Energy 8". I've sampled a few of those, and they just don't really cut the mustard, and they won't give you that clean bass that you're looking for anyways. I would look for a 10" that is more articulate and fast with it's response, and you'll just have to keep the volume low. Problem is, I can't think of any really articulate and fast 10" that are in that price range.

The Parts express HSU10 is more than most apartment folks can get away with and is in your budget. I haven't heard the 8 but figure it would be fine for an apartment as well. The 10" model has been as low as $140 with free shipping before, a total steal.

What are your mains? Do you really even need a sub? Good quality 6.5"-8" or so mains will play to down to 40Hz ish which is appropriate for an apartment.

Oh, I will definitely be putting an Auralex Subdude underneath it. Budget would be $200 - $300 max and I mean including any tax and shipping.


That just seems like a waste of $$$, you do not want a high output sub but you think padding will matter with low output subs?

Spend more money on a sub and just keep it turned down. The subdude is worthless if you buy an 8" sub.

That just seems like a waste of $$$, you do not want a high output sub but you think padding will matter with low output subs?

Spend more money on a sub and just keep it turned down. The subdude is worthless if you buy an 8" sub.

I tend to agree. With a somewhat low budget ($200-300), I think it would be wasteful to spend money on a subdude. Use that money toward getting a better subwoofer instead. The $50 could make a substantial difference in opening up new options. Check out something like the Hsu STF-2 ($349 + $33 shipping). Is it capable of "shaking" your room? Maybe a little, but that's what the gain knob is for. Just keep it down and you'll be fine. Plus, the little Hsu is rumored to sound great with both movies and music.

FWIW...take a look at BIC H-100 at Overstock.com
http://www.overstock.com/Electronics/Bic-Acoustech-H100-Cinema-Series-Powered-Subwoofer/1513356/product.html

At $299 shipped the Cadence csx-12 is at the top of your budget but is worth considering.

here's a couple of reviews:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=946307
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htf/speakers-subwoofers/268629-impressions-new-cadence-csx-15-csx-12-subs.html
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?p=370370

http://www.cadencehometheaterspeakers.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=16&idcategory=2

I wouldn't worry too much about shaking as long as you have a subdude or something similar. I have a VTF-2 MK3 with a subdude and there's barely any shaking at all. I turn it up to 50% volume frequently and my neighbor hasn't complained yet ( neighbor's apartment starts 2 walls and 15' away from my sub)

I got a subdude because the shaking was RIDICULOUS. The day the sub came, I put in war of the worlds and played the pod emergence scene at 50% volume. It felt like the house was going to collapse, it knocked over a scrap sheet of drywall leaning against a wall in the attic two floors up, and the neighbor banged on the wall.

The building is 100+ years old, though, so it's probably easier to shake than most.