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Please recommend me a sub (pics inside)

post #1 of 10
7/24/11 at 8:47pm
Thread Starter 
From the picture belwo you can see my setup which is a 3.1 system. I like my subwoofer (polk psw505) but I am not crazy about it. The chuffing from the port leaves me yearning for cleaner sound. My subwoofer placement may not be the best, but that is where it will be. I was looking at the Epik Legend but I am not sure about them simply because I believe it is two subs facing to the side which would mean the driver would be facing the couch and the other driver blasting the wall. If I am wrong please correct me. I am looking for something no more than $550 or so. ANy and all recommendations are eagerly awaiting and welcome.

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post #2 of 10
7/25/11 at 2:52pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Masonite View Post

From the picture belwo you can see my setup which is a 3.1 system. I like my subwoofer (polk psw505) but I am not crazy about it. The chuffing from the port leaves me yearning for cleaner sound. My subwoofer placement may not be the best, but that is where it will be. I was looking at the Epik Legend but I am not sure about them simply because I believe it is two subs facing to the side which would mean the driver would be facing the couch and the other driver blasting the wall. If I am wrong please correct me. I am looking for something no more than $550 or so. ANy and all recommendations are eagerly awaiting and welcome.

Hi Masonite, here are some thoughts:

1. Your sub may not be at the right place in your setup, why not try to put it up front on either sides of the cabinetry and see how it sounds, me thinks it will be much better!! A trial and error case! If it works we've saved you a couple of bucks coz you already have a capable sub, but in the wrong place!

2. Front L/R towers I'd move away from the front wall at least 1 foot and move them a bit closer to each other, especially the front right should not be in the corner, coz unneccessary room boundary gain may cause problems of uneven frequency response. Doing this will surely improve sound stage imaging.

3. Center speaker as it is seen on your picture looks like firing to the ceiling. If you can put some supporters under the back side to make it face ear hight at seated position you will surely improve dialog inteligibility. Generally speaking speakers always have their widest frequency range on-axis, in other words let the speaker face your face!

Whaddaya think?
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post #3 of 10
7/25/11 at 3:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mogorf View Post


Hi Masonite, here are some thoughts:

1. Your sub may not be at the right place in your setup, why not try to put it up front on either sides of the cabinetry and see how it sounds, me thinks it will be much better!! A trial and error case! If it works we've saved you a couple of bucks coz you already have a capable sub, but in the wrong place!

2. Front L/R towers I'd move away from the front wall at least 1 foot and move them a bit closer to each other, especially the front right should not be in the corner, coz unneccessary room boundary gain may cause problems of uneven frequency response. Doing this will surely improve sound stage imaging.

3. Center speaker as it is seen on your picture looks like firing to the ceiling. If you can put some supporters under the back side to make it face ear hight at seated position you will surely improve dialog inteligibility.

Whaddaya think?

+1 except for the capable sub part. How large is that room in cf? Also is there any large openings in the room. Looks like high ceilings, are they vaulted?
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post #4 of 10
7/25/11 at 3:16pm
Try facing your sub to the wall towards the main right speaker. This is what I did with my sub.
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post #5 of 10
7/25/11 at 3:20pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mpray1983 View Post

+1 except for the capable sub part.

That sub is rated at 300 watts (Continuous Average Output), shouldn't that be enough for an average living room?

http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/specs/recent/psw505/
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post #6 of 10
7/25/11 at 4:09pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by mogorf View Post

Hi Masonite, here are some thoughts:

1. Your sub may not be at the right place in your setup, why not try to put it up front on either sides of the cabinetry and see how it sounds, me thinks it will be much better!! A trial and error case! If it works we've saved you a couple of bucks coz you already have a capable sub, but in the wrong place!

2. Front L/R towers I'd move away from the front wall at least 1 foot and move them a bit closer to each other, especially the front right should not be in the corner, coz unneccessary room boundary gain may cause problems of uneven frequency response. Doing this will surely improve sound stage imaging.

3. Center speaker as it is seen on your picture looks like firing to the ceiling. If you can put some supporters under the back side to make it face ear hight at seated position you will surely improve dialog inteligibility. Generally speaking speakers always have their widest frequency range on-axis, in other words let the speaker face your face!

Whaddaya think?

Thanks for all of the tips. I am aware of the not ideal placement of my speakers but unfortunately this is where they will have to be for aesthetic reasons. I have noted your point about the position of the center speaker and I had already fixed that since the picture was taken. Thank for your help!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mpray1983 View Post

+1 except for the capable sub part. How large is that room in cf? Also is there any large openings in the room. Looks like high ceilings, are they vaulted?

The room is more like a section of the house. There is no back wall and it opens up to the kitchen. I would say the room is approximately 7000 square feet including the kitchen. However, if I just wanted to fill the living room I would say it is about 4000 square feet. I am not exactly sure how to chose the right sub in that situation.

Quote:
Originally Posted by qguy View Post

Try facing your sub to the wall towards the main right speaker. This is what I did with my sub.

I was actually a little hesitant to buy the Epik because of firing the sub towards that speaker. I feel kind dumb but I guess I could give it a try with this speaker to see if it somehow distorts the soundwaves. Thanks for you help.
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post #7 of 10
7/25/11 at 4:13pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mogorf View Post


That sub is rated at 300 watts (Continuous Average Output), shouldn't that be enough for an average living room?

http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/specs/recent/psw505/

With subs even the most powerful sub is always inadequate. I have 4-15's with 300watts each and I'm always looking for the next best thing. Right now I have 4-15's with 750watts each on the brain.
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post #8 of 10
7/25/11 at 4:17pm
7000cf and even 4000cf is very large. On HSU's website they have a room size chart that will tell you which subs will work for different size room. You can then take the power and drive size and make your own assumptions about other subs. Most of these companies will be extremely helpful In trying to find the best sub to fit your needs and room. I would suggest writing an email or calling.
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post #9 of 10
7/28/11 at 5:53am
Thread Starter 
So I have been researching heavily the last few days. I do know that I need a sub that is under 18" tall. I also know that I would prefer a sealed sub just because the Polk PSW505 has turned me off to ported subs because of the boominess and port noise. I know this is probably not a fair assumption but I guess it sounds like the beginning of what will most likely be a long journey for me. I have ordered an Epik Legend and I am excited about my decision. Since I am unable to turn my Polk any more that halfway up due to port noise I think I will be able to match the Polk's output with the legend simply by the ability to crank the Legend to a higher level. Same volume (or more) with more precision and I will be happy. I have already had the cops to my house twice with the Polk PSW505 so no need to go much louder..

Can anyone chime in and let me know if I am on the right track? Do my assumptions and research sound accurate?
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post #10 of 10
7/28/11 at 5:50pm
Thread Starter 
bizump
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