I'm trying to finalize my home theater/stereo and the sub is the last thing I need perfecting. I started out with a few 5.1 sets, first the Polk 6750 ($200) but it was bad. Then I went to the Polk 6880 ($450), which I like but wanted to see if I could get something better. So then I moved on to the Klipsch Quintet III ($300) and Klipsch Sub-10 ($250); the Quintet III I thought was overly bright and shrill but I liked the sub. So then I was about to settle with the 5.1 setup consisting of Polk RM10 speakers and Klipsch Sub-10.

But I still wanted something better than the Polk speakers, and I have finally settled on a 3.1 setup instead using a pair Def Tech ProMonitor 800 and ProCener 1000 with the Klipsch Sub-10. This is really stretching my original budget from which I started.

Reading through here, I'm wondering if there is a better sub that can be had for $250 to replace the Klipsch Sub-10. Right now I think it sounds pretty good, but at the same time it is the best/most expensive sub I've ever owned and I'm thinking I can do better. The Klipsch is able to shake the room and the couch, and it's tighter than the Polk subs but I think it can be tighter or less boomy at times.

My listening is about 60% music, 20% TV, and 20% movies, so I'd prefer the sub to be more apt for music. The room size is about 20'x10' with 9' high ceiling. The Bic Acoustech H100 and Hsu STF-1 fit the budget. Which one, if any, do you think would be better than the Klipsch? Also, the STF-1 is only a 8" sub. If I really really tried, I could spend another $100 for the STF-2, but that's really pushing it.

Thanks for any advice.

taphil,

Since you already have the Klipsch, I'd recommend against upgrading for now. Any upgrade made in the $250 range won't be a night and day difference from what you have now. Sure, there are better subs than the Klipsch Sub 10 for $250 (both the Bic and the STF-1 should be better for music), but the difference won't be substantial enough to spend the money, IMO. Trust me, I've upgraded subs a few times, spending incrementally more money, and getting incrementally better performance. If I had to do it again, I'd just save more money from the outset and end up with a significant improvement. If a better sub is important to you, wait until you have a few hundred dollars before you upgrade. The Klipsch should hold you over for a while. If you get a $500+ sub from SVS, Hsu, eD, Epik, etc, there should be a HUGE difference from your Klipsch, not just a small improvement. Just my thoughts. Of course, you can do whatever you want.

Stephen

BIC H-100 I think would be a nice little upgrade in this case and can be had in the $220 to $240 range.

Taphil,

To more directly answer your question about what sub to get, if your primary concern is music and you can't stand to wait and save for a better sub, the STF-1 should be a significant improvement over the Klipsch. Again, this is considering music. For HT, I doubt it will be much better. I'd still advocate waiting a bit. The STF-2 would be worth saving for, IMO.

I've tried em both and to me the H-100 is the better of the two. If you can return the Sub-10 and then get the Bic It would be a better setup but if you can't just keep the sub 10.

get the sub 12

Thanks for all the replies.

It seems a sure thing that I can get a better sub for the money, so why not? I will return the sub-10. The sub-12 I've read good things about but is beyond my budget.

So the question is which one: H-100 or STF-1? Does size matter? I didn't realize the H-100 was 12" til after I posted, how does it compare to the 8" STF-1. I won't be buying til I see how the funds are after the new year, so I may be able to get the STF-2, but at close to $400 with shipping it's hard for me to justify the price.

Thanks for all the replies.

It seems a sure thing that I can get a better sub for the money, so why not? I will return the sub-10. The sub-12 I've read good things about but is beyond my budget.

So the question is which one: H-100 or STF-1? Does size matter? I didn't realize the H-100 was 12" til after I posted, how does it compare to the 8" STF-1. I won't be buying til I see how the funds are after the new year, so I may be able to get the STF-2, but at close to $400 with shipping it's hard for me to justify the price.

When you're talking about HT and providing they are both quality subs, which these are then yes size usually matters. Between the STF-1 and the H-100 I'd go for the H-100. The larger driver will give you more low frequency output for HT.

The STF-2 will get you low frequency output comparable to the H-100 and is considered to be a better sub for it's music performance. Whether it's worth the price difference only you can decide. Both are excellent choices and much better than the Sub-10 or 12 for music and HT imo.

Sub 12 > H100 > Sub 10 in my experience.

But the H100 looks really sharp with the PB top, both Klipsch ones are pretty bland.

What size room do you have, and what is your listening preference - i personally think for the money this subwoofer will hold its own in comparison with subs twice or more its value. Unless you have a huge room the 12" would be overkill in my opinion - you also might be able to find that sub for cheaper on ebay or craigslist. Shoot me a pm if you have any questions i have a whole car audio club and most of them are theater techs and audio guys from BB and a few other private home theater companies.