Help with choosing subwoofer for AV

[madmanaenewman]

I picked up a deal at an auction, consisting of a pair of 22L's (for Left and right), a pair of 11L's (for surrounds) and an L-center speaker from QUAD's L-Series. I now need the remaining three speakers for a 7.1 system.

My current concern is mainly with the Sub.

I can buy a matching (demo) subwoofer (and a matching pair of 11L's) for what is probably a reasonable deal but not the kind of screaming deal that a patient buyer eventually finds. More to the point, I am not certain this is the best route for HT.

The subwoofer I appreciate won many awards, but it only goes down to 25 HZ before dropping off (6DB, 25 to 90 HZ). That would be great for listening to music, but these will be almost exclusively for HT use. If I am going to spend $1,000 for a sub, it has to deliver what I am looking for.

I want to feel the sound, not just hear it, and I want to be able to accomplish this at "gentle" volumes as well as average to mildly loud ones. Also, the sound should be reasonably faithful to that intended, again regardless of the volumes.

I think this means an active subwoofer that has, say, a 5db range of 18 to 90 HZ or so.

1) Is the above rough specification appropriate for my goals as stated? The room size is 12' x 18' x 8' ceiling.
2) Given a $500 to $1,000 budget, would a DIY solution provide a far superior bang for the buck, and if so can you recommend a specific transducer(s)/amp combination?
3) Using the same budget constraints, would I be better off just buying a completed sub, and if so which one? I have the skills and tools to make the sub, but it would be my first DIY speaker and finding the time will require some planning.
4) Is timbre matching of significant importance with a sub, assuming a crossover of say 50 to 90 HZ? Should I bite the bullet and simply get the matching sub ($1,000)

Thanks in advance to any insights.

[blk_addr]

I'm no expert (buying my first NEW sub to replace my Mirage BPS-150) but the common recommendation for this budget would be Hsu or SVS. I have no experience with either - though I ordered one that shipped today - but everything I've read about either has been great.

Two recommendations -
1. Check their websites for subs in your pricerange and search the forums for what people think, then google them looking for reviews. Craigsub has done a lot of writeups in the forum on both brands, and "professionals" like the people at Secrets do a great job putting the subs through tough trials.

2. Email the sales staff at each with a sketch of your room and your room dimensions. Take the recommended sub from each company and compare prices and reviews some more. You really can't take too much care in this area, I promise.

If you still can't make up your mind, each company offers a trial period. If you can afford it, test both and send one back. Or, once you have one in your house, head out to a local stereo shop or two and see what they've got in your price range. I'd be willing to bet you stick with the Hsu or the SVS.

Happy hunting! I sure had fun searching, and learned a lot in the process. Now I just have to wait until Jan. 3rd for mine to get here!

[TheEAR]

1) The minimum sub I would consider,looking at the size of your room is the HSU VTF3-HO. Closer to the $1000 limit you stated. Forget $500 subs,only way would be the DIY route.

2) Yes a DIY solution will bring you more SPL for the dollar.More quality,not really unless you want to built a IB sub(the woofer's back pressure would fire in the attic or another room in the house).With a IB sub you have incredible extension,great SPL and quality.

3) Safest bet is the HSU VTF3-Ho and SVS dual driver NSD sub.

4) Timbre matching,in a sub...no. You Should have your sub crossed no higher than 80hz.Unless you selected a crappy colored/boomy sub there will be no issues.
And with HSU or SVS...you are in good hands.

[madmanaenewman]

Hey thanks fellas. I checked out the HSU's and SVS's and have to conclude that this was definately a push in the right direction. However, the real bonus came from adding "IB" to my "DIY subwoofer" search. This brought me to the chaps at "infinatelybaffled" and their great site that specializes in infinate baffle subs. As I have a large attic, the IB solution is perfect.

Thanks for pointing me in the right directions.