Well, the title pretty much sums it up...we watch movies in the living room and while the room is probably 18' x 20' the ceiling is on the 2nd story of the house. It's like a super high roof. What do you guys recommend as far as a sub? I think I'm pretty much set on the Velodyne CHT speakers and probably the Onkyo 504 receiver. What can I do about the sub?

I was thinking about the Bic-100? Will that do? I don't mind paying a little more. Ideally, no more than $500 (I know, you get what you pay for =(.



Thanks in advance for the help, all recommendations/suggestions are appreciated. Sorry for the newbness. Don't know much about HT setups. 'Cept the one my friend put in his car =).

Get 2 Bic H-100 :D

I would recommend the SVS PB10-nsd, or HSU research VTF2.3 initially, then add a second one as soon as funds permit. Co-located, stacked on top of each other if possible.

If you get one of those subs, and place it near your seating (i.e nearfield) then you will minimize room interaction (the effect of the room on the sound). Usually behind or to the side of the couch works best.

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-2-mk3.html

http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-10nsd.cfm

Here's a tutorial on how to calibrate your sub:

http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/idealbb/view.asp?topicID=47166

thanks guys, yeah, that's what i figured, buy one now, add another later.

Thanks for the suggestions! If there's any others...keep 'em coming! All appreciated


Oh yeah, and if I were to add another later...would I have to make sure I get a x.2 receiver? At this point, I'm probably going with the Onkyo 504.

Make a diagram of your room with openings, layouts, and dimensions and send it to SVS Audio @ techsupport@svsound.com. I worked with Tom V, I think he is the V in SVS and he pointed me to a terrific sub that works very well in my application. He also saved me a couple of hundred in the process by recommending a sub that was less than the one I was looking at.
My ht/den is also 18x22 with three large openings, lower ceiling than yours, and large open staircase on one side so I faced similar worries and overcame them. You will too as there are a lot of good opinions to listen to on these boards. Good luck and hope it works out.

Well, the title pretty much sums it up...we watch movies in the living room and while the room is probably 18' x 20' the ceiling is on the 2nd story of the house. It's like a super high roof. What do you guys recommend as far as a sub?

My room is much like yours. Mine is 19.5x19.5, the ceiling is 20 ft high, there are three wide open passage ways (5 ft each, no doors), two regular doorways (also no doors) and the there is an open loft from the second floor overlooking the room on one side. I use two SVS 2039PC+ and get plenty of deep, low bass. My system has never sounded as good as it does since we moved to this house after Katrina. :D :D :D


Dave

thanks mlowie and dave. I think I will get in touch in SVS after I take measurements and see what they think.

Sounds to me like you need a new End Table... convince your wife, or smash the one thats there... and get her sold on the looks of a PB12-Plus/2.
They are Pretty (http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/Warpdrv/home%20theater/SVS-PB12Plus2007.jpg) ...

For $500, the Hsu VTF-2 Mk3 is very hard to beat, especially for sound quality AND extension. Yes, there are other sub companies out there besides SVS, even though they never cross the lips, err, fingers, of a lot of people here...

But as far as the Hsu goes, if the 2.3 (250RMS) is $499, wouldn't I be better off getting the 3.2 (350RMS) for $559?


The Hsu and the SVS are quite appealing, but the Bic is so tempting at around $230 shipped.

By the way, do I need to be worried about shorting out electricity? Sorry, I'm sure it's a retarded question

Don't worry about electrical problems, unless you have a really old house with really bad wiring.

The 3.2 will have a bit more headroom, but 100w only represents about 2 extra dB, because you have to double the # of watts to get an extra 3dB.

Both the 3.2 and 2.3 are great subs. I have the former. The 2.3 was a better deal before, but the intro pricing ended and now they're $499. I couldn't believe I got my 3.2 for only $700 (last summer), because it performs that well. But I got half the performance with the sub itself, and the other half with bass traps in the corners and an eq.

Don't worry about electrical problems, unless you have a really old house with really bad wiring.

The 3.2 will have a bit more headroom, but 100w only represents about 2 extra dB, because you have to double the # of watts to get an extra 3dB.

Both the 3.2 and 2.3 are great subs. I have the former. The 2.3 was a better deal before, but the intro pricing ended and now they're $499. I couldn't believe I got my 3.2 for only $700 (last summer), because it performs that well. But I got half the performance with the sub itself, and the other half with bass traps in the corners and an eq.

Touche. Yeah, the 3.2 is $612 shipped from Hsu nowadays.

Gaining first 5 posts so i can submit a pic.. :]

FWIW, I have a Mirage S12 which absolutely rocks my whole house.
Vann's still shows them at $500, original price was $800 (it's a discontinued model).
I also have the Mirage S10, and it's also a terrific sub (same price as the S12).

I would recommend the SVS PB10-nsd, or HSU research VTF2.3 initially, then add a second one as soon as funds permit. Co-located, stacked on top of each other if possible.

If you get one of those subs, and place it near your seating (i.e nearfield) then you will minimize room interaction (the effect of the room on the sound). Usually behind or to the side of the couch works best.

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-2-mk3.html

http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-10nsd.cfm

Here's a tutorial on how to calibrate your sub:

http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/idealbb/view.asp?topicID=47166

I second this recommendation. :D :D :D

Forget the BIC sub you'll be wasting your cash.

Yes, there are other sub companies out there besides SVS, even though they never cross the lips, err, fingers, of a lot of people here...

Sorry, didn't mean to begin a Pro SVS/everything else sucks thread. I am just one of their many customers who was really satisfied with both their service and their product. I have owned Velodyne, Sunfire, and some other mass market brands of sub that were ok. I was never able to send a layout of my H/T, have a live person ask probing questions, answer my questions all before I even spent a dime. The end result was a proper recommendation specifically suited to my application.

Either the SVS or HSU could easily suit your needs. You may end up having to spend a little more cash than originally intended because of the size of your space. You will not be unhappy or unsatisfied if you do. The unfortunate circumstance here is that you have a relatively large open space and will need and capable piece of equipment to handle it. Good luck and let us know what you decide/how it sounds/etc.

Mlowie

I think I'll be going with the Hsu 2.3 or the SVS PB10-NSD.

But if I keep putting it off....I'll probably end up convincing myself to get the 3.2 or the PB12-NSD.

Doh! Stupid big open room.

Just so you know, there's not much difference between the VTF-3.2 and 2.3. The 3.2 has 100 more watts (the only difference), which means it has a little more headroom if you have a larger sized room.

Just so you know, there's not much difference between the VTF-3.2 and 2.3. The 3.2 has 100 more watts (the only difference), which means it has a little more headroom if you have a larger sized room.


Yeah, I would estimate from 4500-5000ft^3