Looking at either the Polk PSW1000 or if I really want to go monster looking at the Velodyne HGS-15

Any comments.

The S12 is a good sub. The Polk would probably mostly a step sideways as it doesn't really offer any more extension going by the specs. The Velodyne should reach down lower, and offer more output.

The Polk would be a lateral move, or maybe even a step back from the S12. I'd definetly take the Velo if I had the choice...

yeah I have come to that conclusion as well. And in a funny note, I have had this sub for a year and had no idea the front grill came off and thus revealed the controls. Boy do I feel silly

is the Velo a "significant" upgrade from the S12

yeah I have come to that conclusion as well. And in a funny note, I have had this sub for a year and had no idea the front grill came off and thus revealed the controls. Boy do I feel silly

This makes me think you have not even calibrated your sub with the rest of your speakers. You should try that before you give up on the S-12. You may be pleasantly surprised. How big is your room?

I like my S-12, and have 2 of them, in fact. If I could do it all over, I would have bought 2 of the HSU VTF-3.2's before they went out of stock, or 2 12 inch SVS subs (the $500 or so version- but those came out after I had finished my purchases) It would have been even better. So I feel pretty confident that the SVS and HSU would have been a bit better, but comparing my numbers in my room to numbers other folks get, the Mirage is no slouch, either, and seems to beat most of the non-HSU, non-SVS subs out there under $700.

I like my S-12, and have 2 of them, in fact. If I could do it all over, I would have bought 2 of the HSU VTF-3.2's before they went out of stock, or 2 12 inch SVS subs (the $500 or so version- but those came out after I had finished my purchases) It would have been even better. So I feel pretty confident that the SVS and HSU would have been a bit better, but comparing my numbers in my room to numbers other folks get, the Mirage is no slouch, either, and seems to beat most of the non-HSU, non-SVS subs out there under $700.

I agree. The Hsu, and SVS competitors offer more extension and output due to the larger size and/or footprint. Considering the S12 isn't a large sub, it offers performance that seems a bit more than the sum of its parts (compared to other similar sized subs).

I'm quite happy with mine in terms of sound quality, but I do wish for a bit more extension below 25Hz where it starts to taper off quickly even in room.

To the original poster, you should spend some more time calibrating your sub The Mirage can muster up some pretty impressive results in any normal use in a medium sized room

The larger Velodyne should be noticeable upgrade from the S12 depending on how you use it and whether you are reaching the limits of the S12's already very good performance

I concur that I need to play around with it a bit. I have a Sony ES5200 receiver and need to recalibrate with my new found settings :) Its an odd shape room for a set up somewhat so I need to look at the phase. I am combining this with a Def tech Mythos solo XL LCR. I have passover set to about 90 but I am not sure if thats optimal at this point.

As you can see my main area creates some challenges for a proper sound stage. I dont know that I can do much more with the location of the sub so tweaking the settings is about all I can do.

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o82/aleicgrant/CIMG1250.jpg

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o82/aleicgrant/CIMG1251.jpg

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o82/aleicgrant/CIMG1252.jpg

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o82/aleicgrant/CIMG1253.jpg

Can you add a second sub at the back of the room?

I might be able to in the corner. There is a small area next to the couch that might work. Here is a pic

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o82/aleicgrant/CIMG1255.jpg

You should try the rear spot and see how you like it. That might save you a bit of money.

Hmmm ... that is a small space. A better option than getting another sub to replace the Mirage might be to get a second S12 (since you won't be able to put a larger sub than what you've got already in those spaces). You're room is a tough one (openings everywhere) and IMO will suck the output of any single sub you place in there.


Out of curiousity, how do you like the Deftec single speaker solution and what is the cost of a speaker like that (my father-inlaw is looking at speaker solutions for his plasma).

Tx

yes it is a VERY tough room. I had to get a kenwood wireless system to hook up the rears which are on a high wall. Love the house but not easy for home theater. Thats why I though going with the velo might help. I just got the def tech and so far I like it. I had a mirage before but it was way under powered. THis thing just takes anything you can throw at it. its not going to be as good as three seperates but pretty darn close

If you could move the couch a little bit over, I think another S12 nearfield would be your best bet? I'm sure your kitties don't eat or drink when you are blasting that sub?:)

A second S12 at the back would definitely give you that gut feeling bass you might be after. I think that would be a more noticeable than a Velodyne at the front. You might have to nudge your couch over a bit.

ha ha. Is the S12 even made any more?

Also, my receiver only has on input for the sub, assume I would be ok with a splitter?

Also, my receiver only has on input for the sub, assume I would be ok with a splitter?

Yep, get a an male to two female Y- splitter and you're all set.

BTW, Vann's use to sell them? Otherwise, I'd hunt for one on Ebay or maybe look into a MBM-12 or a smaller SVS sub?

nope, the S12 was discontinued.

ACK they S12 is no longer for sale :( !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

ACK they S12 is no longer for sale :( !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Theres one posted on audiogon today. :)

He wont ship though :(

PM him an offer? I'm sure he'll ship with a little coaxing.;)

gonna try :)

gonna try :)
Tell him if he needs a reference to check out AVS ;)

YES SUCCESS I GOT THE SELLER TO SHIP TO ME. Dual Mirage S12's :)

Congrats!! I'm sure you're going to love the duals, especially with one being in a nearfield placement. Report back and let us know how it goes...

Mike