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new to HT subs and got money to burn

post #1 of 44
Thread Starter 
Hey all,

I'm about to pull the trigger on a pair of polk RTI A7s, an A6 center, and four A1s around the room and I need to pick a sub. I was going to get the polk DSW600, but it seems like there is more to the sub business than I thought. My room is a 14 x 11 with ceilings 10 feet up. I own a pair of 12inch polk momos in my car and I like my subs to really hit. I recently went to an ultimate electronics and I tried hearing the subs there (def tech supercube 3) and CC (klipsch energy 12 inch) and they seemed like a joke, maybe good for the average joe, but I'm sure not for the people in this forum. The sub doesn't need to rock the walls, but it needs to sound powerful, like car subs out of a car.

My budget is up to $700, a bit more if necessary. thanks!
post #2 of 44
Does that include shipping?

For $600 (assuming $100 or so to ship the thing), you can get the Epik Knight, the AV123 MFW-15, SVS SB-12 Plus, or the HSU VTF-2 Mk.3. In that room, most of those should hit well.
post #3 of 44
another idea if you have room might be 2 eD a2 300s for $700 shipped

that would have been my choice but I just didn't have a spot for 2
post #4 of 44
Quote:


My budget is up to $700

Thats it for $$$? Your title is misleading
post #5 of 44
Better spend it fast. Personally, I'd buy guns, ammo, camo paint, and bicycle parts.
post #6 of 44
Quote:
Originally Posted by sivadselim View Post

Better spend it fast. Personally, I'd buy guns, ammo, camo paint, and bicycle parts.

This is the best post I've read on this forum in a long time.
post #7 of 44
And don't eat the berries.
post #8 of 44
Quote:
Originally Posted by sivadselim View Post

Better spend it fast. Personally, I'd buy guns, ammo, camo paint, and bicycle parts.

Is this b/c the dollar isn't going to be worth anything soon b/c of the stock market collapsing?? Arming for Armageddon?
post #9 of 44
Quote:
Originally Posted by wojcikc3 View Post

Is this b/c the dollar isn't going to be worth anything soon b/c of the stock market collapsing?? Arming for Armageddon?

Here. Have a spoon.

Although, I guess you COULD live in a eD.
post #10 of 44
just went to 9700 Oh wait thats a lot of money GONE!!!
post #11 of 44
Quote:
Originally Posted by penngray View Post

just went to 9700 Oh wait thats a lot of money GONE!!!

Lumpy mattress isn't so bad. Although I don't know if it will fit in your tent. But I'm sure it won't last long, anyway, as you'll probably have to burn it for warmth. The cash AND the mattress.
post #12 of 44
Quote:


as you'll probably have to burn it for warmth. The cash AND the mattress.

Nah, just a sweater for the winter, I love the south
post #13 of 44
Quote:
Originally Posted by penngray View Post

Nah, just a sweater for the winter, I love the south

But you don't have all the prairie dogs like we have here. I hear they're better than rats. Healthier, too. Of course, a gator will last a while. Just make sure you have a tough knife.
post #14 of 44
Quote:
Originally Posted by sivadselim View Post

Better spend it fast. Personally, I'd buy guns, ammo, camo paint, and bicycle parts.

Don't forget the solar powered generator so you can watch your sweet home theater while Rome burns...
post #15 of 44
What was the thread about again? Oil is down below 90 but gas is still 3.50....greedy bastards....
post #16 of 44
Quote:
Originally Posted by penngray View Post

What was the thread about again?

burning money

Quote:
Originally Posted by penngray View Post

Oil is down below 90 but gas is still 3.50....greedy bastards....

and cow dung
post #17 of 44
Quote:
Originally Posted by sivadselim View Post

Better spend it fast. Personally, I'd buy guns, ammo, camo paint, and bicycle parts.

I'd rather have lawyers, guns, and money
post #18 of 44
dow above 10K.....no need for guns, amo and camo pants!!
post #19 of 44
Thread Starter 
er.....yeah that went straight to hell pretty quick.

anyways back on track, i know svs and hsu are the popular brands, so any reason to pick one over the other? i like the look of the sb12plus, but how much of a difference is it from the pb12 plus?
post #20 of 44
Quote:
Originally Posted by samsam7 View Post

er.....yeah that went straight to hell pretty quick.

Yep, welcome to AVS. Tons of helpful people on here, but also tons of uh, not so helpful people.

I'd look at the subs that have been listed, check out their websites and get a feel for the particular subs/company, narrow it down, then check out the "official elemental designs" "official blah blah" threads on here and see what people are saying about them. I can say "I really like sub X" then you'll have a couple of guys talk about how that company sucks, how their system is so much better, and most likely even throw in some completely irrelevant comments as well.
post #21 of 44
Quote:
Originally Posted by samsam7 View Post

er.....yeah that went straight to hell pretty quick.

anyways back on track, i know svs and hsu are the popular brands, so any reason to pick one over the other? i like the look of the sb12plus, but how much of a difference is it from the pb12 plus?

The SB-12 Plus is a small sealed music oriented sub. Or, in some cases where the wife won't tolerate big boxes, is a size and appearance compromise.

The NEW SVS PB-12 Plus is a slightly smaller version of the top-of-the-line SVS PB-13 Ultra. It has a 12 inch, 4th generation driver, and 3 ports.

It can be used in (quasi) sealed mode as well as 15 Hz, and 20 Hz tune. In the native 20Hz tune, it should be a very good performer.

If you order before the new PB-12 Plus starts to ship in November you can get one for $999 instead of $1,199 (plus shipping).

This is going to be one very popular sub and saving $200 is a good deal.
post #22 of 44
Thread Starter 
Ok I think I'm gonna rule out the pb 12 considering this is a 11 by 14 room. So now I think either the sb 12, epik knight or caliber, or hsu vtf 3 or vtf 2. Now remembering that my room aint so big, which one would you recommend? The sb12 has the most power, but does it have the best quality sound to go with it? Or would the other ported subs generate more power/give better quality?
post #23 of 44
Quote:
Originally Posted by samsam7 View Post

Ok I think I'm gonna rule out the pb 12 considering this is a 11 by 14 room. So now I think either the sb 12, epik knight or caliber, or hsu vtf 3 or vtf 2. Now remembering that my room aint so big, which one would you recommend? The sb12 has the most power, but does it have the best quality sound to go with it? Or would the other ported subs generate more power/give better quality?

Why are you ruling out the PB12? It's smaller than the Epik Knight and Epik Caliber, and is close to the same size as the VTF-3. Ironically, the SB12 Plus is by far the weakest sub of the bunch in terms of raw output. It's a small sealed design. The larger ported subs are much more efficient and require far less amplifier power to create comparable SPL's to the SB12 Plus. I'd only go with the SB12 Plus if you require a small sub. The Epiks are likely the most performance for your money, and they should be able to absolutely pressurize your small room. That said, the Hsu's and PB12 are no slouches themselves. Even the SB12 Plus should prove more than adequate if you don't plan on listening loud. But compared to the others, it is at a significant disadvantage, both in terms of output and deep extension.
post #24 of 44
Quote:
Originally Posted by samsam7 View Post

Ok I think I'm gonna rule out the pb 12 considering this is a 11 by 14 room. So now I think either the sb 12, epik knight or caliber, or hsu vtf 3 or vtf 2. Now remembering that my room aint so big, which one would you recommend? The sb12 has the most power, but does it have the best quality sound to go with it? Or would the other ported subs generate more power/give better quality?

And since we're asking, why are you not considering the Epik Valor? If the sealed SB12+ appeals to you, the sealed Valor should be a consideration amongst those, too, no?

Is this mainly for movies or music or both?
post #25 of 44
Thread Starter 
Both. I really like to feel the bass in music since I'm in love with my car's system. However I'm putting the sub in a 7.1 set up for movies. The reason the valor wasn't considered before was that I simply didn't notice it there. :P

But now I think I should rule out none ported subs if the ported route yields more power/quality. That vtf3 with a turbo charger is tempting and had a good review in a shoot out against other subs like the sb12. My concern is that I'll be purchasing too much power that I wont use. I live in a dorm so neighbors are sorta a concern. As long as it shakes my walls and leaves other walls alone, I'm good.
post #26 of 44
Quote:
Originally Posted by sivadselim View Post

better spend it fast. Personally, i'd buy guns, ammo, camo paint, and bicycle parts.

best....post....ever...

Just thought I'd throw this out there, but is DIY an option? For that price range, you could get Über serious bass.

...Not that the above recommended subs are lacking or anything.
post #27 of 44
Thread Starter 
im sure ill screw up a diy project, lol. i'd prefer just buying one. plus i dont need to rock the screws outta the walls (for now)
post #28 of 44
Quote:
Originally Posted by samsam7 View Post

But now I think I should rule out none ported subs if the ported route yields more power/quality.

It won't yield more power. That's what an amp does. Generally, they will yield more and deeper output with less power than is required to drive a sealed sub. Of course it is going to vary with the exact subwoofer being considered. The SB12+ will certainly outperform many crappy ported subwoofers. Buit the subs you are considering are not crappy.

As far as quality is concerned, this is arguable as well as a contentious subject around here. It depends upon what you mean by "quality". And, again, it depends upon the particular subwoofer being considered. A great sealed sub will sound better than a crappy ported one. And vice versa. Sometimes people are unhappy with the upper-end performance of their big ported subwoofer, particularly at lower volumes. And sometimes people are unhappy with the low end depth that their sealed sub is capable of producing. But a ported sub can be designed so that it performs well in the upper ranges. And a a sealed sub that digs deep can be built. But in order to achieve that, they will both, generally, cost more.

Personally, and again, very, very generally, I think sealed subs DO sound considerably different than ported subs. But as I said, this is an arguable as well as contentious subject around here. I am sure someone will take issue with what I am saying. But with ported vs. sealed you're not comparing apples to oranges. You're comparing apples to broccoli. There is really no way to create a situation where you are comparing comparable subwoofers as they are designed differently, operate differently, and, yes, sound different.


Quote:
Originally Posted by samsam7 View Post

My concern is that I'll be purchasing too much power that I wont use. I live in a dorm so neighbors are sorta a concern.

That sort of talk is blasphemy around here. There is no such thing as "too much power". That's why they have a volume knob. Once it is properly calibrated, the subwoofer's volume will be the same no matter its power. If you don't use all its power, it simply performs with more finesse than a subwoofer with less power that might be strained. Result? Better sound quality.


If I were in your shoes, I would get the SB12+. But that is just me. It is small and more suitable for a dorm room. You can't really get an appreciation for its small size relative to the ported subs you are considering unless you see a picture of them side by side. If you dig around, you may be able to find a pic like this this here (or elsewhere). It is a really small sub. It is also a very nice looking sub if you get a real wood or piano black finish.

Most of the ID manufacturers offer a 30 day trial period, and some may even have free return shipping. Buy the SB12+ and one of the ported subs and decide for yourself.

BTW, was the AV123 MFW15 on your list? If not, why?
post #29 of 44
Quote:
Originally Posted by samsam7 View Post

Both. I really like to feel the bass in music since I'm in love with my car's system. However I'm putting the sub in a 7.1 set up for movies. The reason the valor wasn't considered before was that I simply didn't notice it there. :P

But now I think I should rule out none ported subs if the ported route yields more power/quality. That vtf3 with a turbo charger is tempting and had a good review in a shoot out against other subs like the sb12. My concern is that I'll be purchasing too much power that I wont use. I live in a dorm so neighbors are sorta a concern. As long as it shakes my walls and leaves other walls alone, I'm good.

If you are willing to spend the $935 it costs (right now), for an HSU VTF-3 MK3 plus Turbo delivered, and you can live with a fairly large box, you really ought to look at the SVS PB-12 Plus.

http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-newpb12plus.cfm

Order the new PB-12 Plus before they start shipping in November, and you save $200. Once they start shipping, they will go up to $1,199 plus shipping.

If the new PB 12 Plus is too big, the PB-12 NSD is smaller and $400 less expensive. It got a new driver just a few months ago and tested very well.
post #30 of 44
just a thought, HSU, Outlaw and now eD offer foam port plugs so you can have the best of both worlds
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