Hi all. First time poster, long time lurker here.

I've been doing some research for selecting a sub for my room: 13' x 20' x 8' ceilings. I've currently got (2) NHT Super Ones and an NHT 2C in the center and some older JBL satellites in the rear that will be replaced in the future. My current sub is a hand-me-down from a relative. It's a JBL 10" Sub160 that was part of a HTiB set that I inherited. My receiver is an Onkyo 502 (75 watts/channel).

After doing some research, I've kind of narrowed my selection to the HSU STF-2 or the Bic H-100. I'd like to keep the price to $300 +/- but certainly have no problem spending less. I'm leaning towards the H-100 based on price but my main concern is whether or not the 12" sub will be too much for my room. Main use is home theater/gaming and secondarily music. Any help about the 2 subs I've mentioned or anything else I should be looking at would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/stf-2.html
The HSU STF-2 and Only $319

also

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-2.html
The HSU VTF-2.2 a nicer sub too for $399... Worth the extra if you can do it...\


Honestly......if you can only spend $300 MAX.

Wait 6 months or so and SAVE MORE MONEY. At least save $400-$500, then come back and you can get a sub that will fill that room with some decent bass. I say that because your room isn't that small...

The HSU 2.2 should do the trick, but as you see it is $400....thus my save the money comment.

(Please note that I'm telling you this because I don't want to see you spend $300 now and after 6months want to upgrade because you want or need more...)

If you can afford the Hsu STF 2 now then go for it you will not be disappointed. If by chance you can wait and gather up $500 or better than your choices really start to open up.

I worry the STF2 might not be enough subwoofer in the end....but SURELY it is way better than what he has right now!!!!

13' x 20' x 8' that is 2000 cubic feet Plus I don't know that is a sealed 2000cuft...

The HSU 2.2 is def. a step up from the STF2 and would fill that room a little better for only $80 more....

But like you note...if he could save up at least $500 he would be in a whole new world of subs that could take care of that 2000cuft easy.

The difference between the VTF2.2 and the STF 2 is minimal at best. The driver size is the same, the cabinet size is the same, bass extension is rated the same @ 25HZ. The only real difference is 50 more watts and variable tuning. The 50 watts calculates to around 1db.

Variable tuning and 50watts is worth the $80 more to me....

But that is pure personal choice :D

EITHER WAY it is an upgrade for him, and I'll agree on that 100%

IF it were me...I'd wait until I could afford the HSU 2.3 or the 3.2...or even the SVS PB-10NSD...since they are on a different level of performance...

IF it were me...I'd wait until I could afford the HSU 2.3 or the 3.2...or even the SVS PB-10NSD...since they are on a different level of performance...


Agreed :)

Thanks for the great advice. I'm going to wait and put a few more dollars in the bank before picking something up (pending wife approval). Having said that, if I were to move into the $400-500 range, would the Hsu and SVS recommendations remain? What else should I be looking at? Sorry for being such a pain, but I really do appreciate the guidance.

I would take a look at the Hsu VTF 2.3 (http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-2-mk3.html) or the Hsu STF 3 (http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/stf-3.html). There is also the SVS PB 10 (http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-10nsd.cfm) and the SVS 25-31 (http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-cyl-pcpow3.cfm). The latter being a cylinder type and a bit more the $500. I'm sure someone else will come along with more, and perhaphs, better choices.

In the $500 to maybe $600 price range I'd consider...
Hsu STF 3 --$479
Hsu VTF 2.3 --$499
Hsu VTF 3.2 --$559
SVS PB-10nsd--$429
SVS 25-31 --$549
SVS pb-12nsd--$599

Thats what I'd probably said to check out. The more you spend the more you get...I have not personally heard the HSU subs, but they are highly praised here.

I have heard the SVS subs and I think they are amazing. The PB-10 for only $429 is unreal....the middle man, 25-31 packs some great punch and finally the PB-12 for $600 is also very very good and can dig down to 18hz!!


(please note there are other brands out there, so you should look around more too)