Haven't seen this discussed recently (although it probably hasbeen at some point - couldn't find it anyway), but I've got DefTech speakers in my HT setup - BP 2004's - the old ones with the 125 watt 10" subs in each tower.

Not to stir any Deftech troubles or anything (have been happy with the setup for a long time now), but the tower subs do sound a bit boomy to me when things get really going - to the point that i turn them down a good bit for music.

anyway, my idea was to get say a bic h-100 or something like that (< $300 budget) and roll everything under say 50 or 60 hz to it and let the towers just act like "regular" full ranges and the dedicated sub handle the low stuff.

has anyone done this?
would I get any real benefit?

my room is smallish, so spl probably won't really be an issue, but something that can keep it's wits about it below 30hz would be nice.

i like the look,size and price of the bic, and i suppose i'd favor the HT impact over musicality up to a point - i mean i guess i don't listen to music with lots of 25hz tones (traditional irish music lol), but maybe i'm backwards on this - as in, the thing i don't like about my powered 10's is that they're not putting out quality bass and i should look for tighter more musical bass.

bah, i don't know.

heheh.

thanks for any replies.

Adding a decent powered sub, especially a 12" would add bass and flexability to your system. Sounds like you are itching to fund an upgrade to your system. A new subwoofer is always a fun upgrade. :)

A true sub would add a lot of definition to the Def Techs, just be sure it s a better sb then they are or you are wasting your money. I would also aim for a larger one, 15-18".

thanks for the replies.

good point on the quality, and would be my next question.

is the bic h100 just a good sub for the money, and not actually any better than the subs in my deftech towers? or would it (or the other x-sub type comparables) make a good enough improvement?

i mean, if it's a deal where i need to look in the $500-$600 range for it to even make a difference then it's much less tempting.

thanks again for the input.

thanks for the replies.

good point on the quality, and would be my next question.

is the bic h100 just a good sub for the money, and not actually any better than the subs in my deftech towers? or would it (or the other x-sub type comparables) make a good enough improvement?

i mean, if it's a deal where i need to look in the $500-$600 range for it to even make a difference then it's much less tempting.

thanks again for the input.

I suggest SVS PB12-NSD which is at $600 + shipping. bic goes upto 25Hz so pb12 is a good option

thanks for the replies.

good point on the quality, and would be my next question.

is the bic h100 just a good sub for the money, and not actually any better than the subs in my deftech towers? or would it (or the other x-sub type comparables) make a good enough improvement?

i mean, if it's a deal where i need to look in the $500-$600 range for it to even make a difference then it's much less tempting.

thanks again for the input.

The BIC H100 is a good sub, but if I were adding to your current system I'd aim higher at some of the better 12" subs (yes, in the $500-600 range) from Hsu, Outlaw, SVS, ED, Velodyne, Sunfire.........AV123 has some new subs coming out but they are backordered until?.........I have read about people waiting months for an ordered sub from AV123.

But that's me and you are you. And if you want a new 12" sub for whatever price, go for it.

i mean, if it's a deal where i need to look in the $500-$600 range for it to even make a difference then it's much less tempting.



While a Bic H-100 or X-sub might add a bit more tightness and power down low, you probably won't notice an overwhelming difference. Unfortunately, since your towers already have excellent bass response, you're in a situation where you probably DO need to look in the $500-$600 range for a sub to make a large difference. Really cheap subs can actually make your system boomier and worse. The Bic and X-sub are great subs, and they should add a fuller bottom end to your system. However, to really make your system shine, you're probably looking at a bigger sub. If your room isn't too big, I'd recommend a SVS PB10-NSD or PB12-NSD, Hsu STF-2 or VTF-2 MK3, Epik Valor, or eD A2-300 or A3-300. All of those subs are under $600 (though shipping can make a couple of them a bit pricier) and will make a large difference in your system. Good luck.

bah!

as much as i (well, my wallet) hate to admit, i think you guys are probably right.

time to start saving up i guess :)


would you say the 25-31pci would rank in there with the "good enough to make a difference" subs as well?

i've got a nice spot that the 16" diameter tube could probably fit in.


thanks for the suggestions.

The 25-31 PCi would certainly make a difference. However, for $50 more, the 20-39 PCi will give better deep bass extension. Unless you have a large room or need the slightly higher SPL of the 25-31, I'd go for the 20-39 PCi. Shoot SVS an e-mail with your current setup, room dimensions, and the goals you want the subwoofer to achieve. Ed Mullen will be very helpful and informative, and he gives great advice. I've spent considerable time e-mailing back and forth with him over the last couple months and he helped me tremendously with my subwoofer selection.

I just got the valor and have posted on a few threads to get the word out of my great results. I feel I owe it to the people who helped me in my purchase. That said, the valor would be an EXCELLENT choice for your situation. Very tight, fast, punchy "real" bass and it is pretty attractive with its jet black finish. The pictures do not do it justice.

SVS and HSU would be great choices too, I have read nothing but great things about them. I have heard though that perhaps for music type needs, HSU may win over SVS. SVS may have a tiny edge in HT, dollar for dollar.

I agree with people above in that to make a difference you should go at least 12". The valor is 15" and can be had for 600 shipped. Being sealed and well constructed, I believe that would be your overall best choice.

Definitely check out the Martin Logan Dynamo and Abyss. These are KILLER subs for music and really good forHT. I had the Def Techs but had trouble getting the clean bass I wanted out of them. I chalk it up to room dynamics. Couldn't make them work in my environment. This martin logan subs are so clean and musical. Should be a good match

I've got DefTech speakers in my HT setup - BP 2004's - the old ones with the 125 watt 10" subs in each tower...
the tower subs do sound a bit boomy to me when things get really going - to the point that i turn them down a good bit for music.

anyway, my idea was to get say a bic h-100 or something like that (< $300 budget) and roll everything under say 50 or 60 hz to it and let the towers just act like "regular" full ranges and the dedicated sub handle the low stuff.
has anyone done this?
would I get any real benefit?

my room is smallish, so spl probably won't really be an issue, but something that can keep it's wits about it below 30hz would be nice.

i like the look,size and price of the bic, and i suppose i'd favor the HT impact over musicality up to a point... the thing i don't like about my powered 10's is that they're not putting out quality bass and i should look for tighter more musical bass.

Definitely check out the Martin Logan Dynamo and Abyss. These are KILLER subs for music and really good forHt... This martin logan subs are so clean and musical. Should be a good match

And the ML subs come in at the OP's price point, right? Your Def Techs put out good bass, but it's not coming from the right location. Where's good for mids and highs isn't usually best for bass. So depending on where you have them placed in your room and where you sit when you listen can have a tremendous effect on what you actually hear. A sub would be a real asset to your system, but it must outperform the built-in powered woofers in your Def Techs. Otherwise you're wasting your time and money. And if you do get a sub consider running your Def Techs as "small" speakers. It takes a leap of faith, and I would fully expect you to experiment with the "large" setting as well.

You didn't say how your speakers were located in the room and where your listening position is. A little more info on that may help determine what cost-free tweaks can improve your sound.

Greg