I'm trying to decide on a subwoofer for a 19' x 21' room with Polk Monitor 30's, a CS1 and a pair of LC65i's. I've narrowed my subwoofer choice to either a Velodyne VRP-1200 or a Polk PSW505. Both are $300 shipped.

I know I can do a lot better if I spend twice as much, but all I have to work with is $300. Which would you choose?

Thanks!

If you can afford to wait a little bit, order an eD A2-250 ($300, shipped), or for a little more, the A2-300 ($350, shipped). I think the A2-300 would be a great choice if you could afford the extra $50, but either should be quite a bit better than the VRP-1200 or PSW505. The eD subs have much better build quality, deeper extension, and more accurate bass. The only downside is the finish. If the aesthetics aren't a deal breaker, and you can stand to wait a month or so, the eD's will be a far better choice than either of the two subs you mentioned, IMO. Good luck.

Stephen

New Acculine sub. It's currently out of stock but will be available soon. It doesn't reach quite as low as an ED A2-300 but it produces more output despite it's 150 watt rating. The new B&G version which sells upward of $400.00 has a passive radiator in place of the port and will yield even better performance. Hopefully the Acculine will receive the same improvements, it just won't come with a cherry finish wood grain enclosure. For more info see the link below and check out Craigsub's ratings thread.


http://www.theaudioinsider.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_32&products_id=68


Ian

If you can afford to wait a little bit, order an eD A2-250 ($300, shipped), or for a little more, the A2-300 ($350, shipped). I think the A2-300 would be a great choice if you could afford the extra $50, but either should be quite a bit better than the VRP-1200 or PSW505. The eD subs have much better build quality, deeper extension, and more accurate bass. The only downside is the finish. If the aesthetics aren't a deal breaker, and you can stand to wait a month or so, the eD's will be a far better choice than either of the two subs you mentioned, IMO. Good luck.

Stephen

Yeah i'm looking at the A2-300 right now (i just bought a PSW505)..not sure if it has a 30 day trial for it..not to mention aesthetically it is ugly..which is a factor for me at least...loooks like it belongs in the trunk of my car not the living room ;)
~G

Yeah i'm looking at the A2-300 right now (i just bought a PSW505)..not sure if it has a 30 day trial for it..not to mention aesthetically it is ugly..which is a factor for me at least...loooks like it belongs in the trunk of my car not the living room ;)
~G

So how does the PSW505 compare to the A2-300 in terms of performance?

Whatever you get the Vrp1200 sounds pretty good but for a bass head your room is 2 big.

Whatever you get the Vrp1200 sounds pretty good but for a bass head your room is 2 big.

Even if I don't plan to rattle the windows?

So how does the PSW505 compare to the A2-300 in terms of performance?

Won't even be close. The A2-300 will have far better deep extension, should sound better with music, and have more slam for HT. Polk subs have always seemed a bit boomy to me, though there are some people who really like them. The Polks also lack somewhat in bass extension - Polk claims the PSW505 is -3dB at 28hz, though even that might be a bit optimistic. At any rate, the A2-300 is -3dB at 18hz, and should sound better with music as well. If you just want some bottom end the Polk should be ok - the A2-300 is just a huge leap forward in terms of performance at a very similar price. If it weren't for the finish (which many people actually claim they like in person), I'd recommend it without any reservations.

BTW...I don't want to come off as saying the PSW505 is junk, because it isn't. It's a pretty good deal for $300, IMO. But these last couple of years have seen so many strides from ID companies coming up with unbelievably inexpensive budget subs that it's still hard for me to recommend the PSW505, even at $300. SVS, eD, Hsu and others have all virtually redefined what is possible in a subwoofer for under $500, offering performance that could barely be touched for two to three times that much not too long ago. We can get a taste of true, accurate, deep, powerful bass for very little money these days, and IMO, when I have a chance to do that for the same price as I'd pay to get decent bass, I'd choose the former. Just thought I'd clarify there.

Even if I don't plan to rattle the windows?

For music it will sound fine. I have a Vrp 10 the 12 is similar may go a little deeper maybe louder??. I have two Svs Pb10. I haven't heard the A2-300 but they were rated the same per Craigsubs list so to give an idea the Ed probably is better with Ht but I bet the Velodyne sounds just as good or better with music. Just depends on what YOU want. Go to Fry's or somewhere and compare if you can. Polk and Velodyne. I mean is $300 is the budget what do you do? Save and get better is what I would do but you maybe happier with something now. For ppl who may same I'm wrong =SVS PB10-NSD ($429 ID): 83 points (43-40 Elemental Designs A2-300 ($350 ID/SI): 83 points (44-39. The Svs scored a whopping 1 point better with music. I say the Velo will sound pretty close with music in the mid range. Vrp a entry level sub sounds good imo. I don't care who makes the sub. I buy what I like. When I build my new HT I'm going to have 2 Conquest or may 2 ED maybe something else doesn't matter.

I agree that the Velo's sound pretty good for entry level subs. I have a VX-10 (pretty darn similar to the VRP1000) as well as an Infinity PS212 and PB10-NSD, and the Velodyne sounds pretty good with music. Actually, it's not too bad for HT either - it just doesn't have the extension or visceral impact of the bigger, more capable subs. However, I have to say I think the PB10 sounds quite a bit better than the VX-10 for music. Still, the entry level Velo's do a very respectable job considering their price.

So how does the PSW505 compare to the A2-300 in terms of performance?

Dont know yet..depends if i order the A2-300 or not..
~G