List of budget subwoofers ($300 and less) - Page 6

Good catch; looks like I inadvertently omitted that one when I created the original list.

I've almost done that once or twice now, but it seems like the sale -- while fairly regular in nature -- is not something that can be counted on to occur with any degree of consistency. I have been keeping my eye on it though, so if that changes I will add it.

Added
JA Audio JA-SS10, JA-SS12

Added
Velodyne Starfire-10, Starfire-12, WiConnect 10, DLS 3750R

OK guys, I need a little help choosing the next subwoofer to test. Seems like my initial plan has been somewhat derailed, so I'm looking to see what -- if any -- sub catches your interest. Here they are, replete with my own thoughts, listed in an approximate order of preference...

I had originally selected the NXG NX-PROSUB300, but as it turns out that model is being discontinued. The replacement is about 2 months away from release, so it strikes me as somewhat worthless to review the current model if it will be gone shortly thereafter. All NXG will tell me about the replacement is 'the new 12" will be a significant upgrade from the ProSub300 and will have completely different specifications (and pricing)'. That makes it sound as though it might eclipse the $300 threshold, but I guess only time will tell. I haven't scratched the new unit off my list, but I can't do anything with it now either.

I then thought maybe I'd just review the PROSUB300's little brother, the PROSUB125. I may still do that, if there's sufficient interest.

The BIC V1020 or V1220 have been on my radar for a while. They seem to be a bit more obscure then some of the other BIC subs -- which is part of my criteria -- but there are so many other people who already own a BIC sub that I'm not sure how much value I could add to what's already available.

Acoustic Audio's HD-SUB12 looked promising, but there's a very active thread on the blu-ray.com forum for that company. There seems to be a number of owners who participate too, so if there's something you wanted to know about them you could probably get it answered by those folks.

The Dayton SUB-1000 (or SUB-1200) are possibilities. Most people feel PE offers good value, and since they're new either one might fit the bill.

The Fluance DB150 is another option, and evidently they're finally back in stock too. That seems to be a rare occurrence.

JA Audio JA-SS10 fits my dogma, but I'm not sure about the company itself. It has what appears to be a slotted port running the entire length on the bottom of the sub, almost as though it's a band-pass or something. Kinda interesting, to be honest. However, while doing my typical test of a companies support I find these people to be about as atrocious as they come, so I'm not sure I want to promote their product (assuming it's any good, of course).

The AudioSource PSW110 appears to me as though it shares more then a passing familiarity with the OSD PS10, which I already reviewed. If it is basically the same thing then I don't really see a need to try one of those.

OEM Systems PS-12 was another obscure sub, but I wonder if it's too obscure. And speaking of that...

The Linear PSW112 is a sub I'm not even sure I'd want to test. It's about as arcane as they come, but perhaps too much so even for me.


And then there are "the others"...

Two subs that fit the bill in all respects -- except for one -- are the EarthQuake FF-12 and the HTD (Home Theater Direct) Level TWO. The EarthQuake I have been asked several times about, and to a lesser extend the HTD as well. I've always demurred because they're both $350, which would break one of my own tenets (must be priced at $300 or below). However, it does seem there is interest in both of them, especially the EarthQuake.

So there you have it. Now the questions is; what would you like to see me do next? I'd rather not be done testing subwoofers -- because I feel there is still perhaps some value when I do -- but if I can't find something that would be of interest then I'll simply call it quits.

At one time the PA-120 was on my list, but it seemed as though there were plenty of owners so I eventually removed it. One of my guidelines is to only test subs from companies few have heard of, or at least weren't too widely known/reviewed. To me it seems like PA has a solid following and quite a number of owners, so I'm not sure I could really offer much there.

That's for sure. An $88 dollar subwoofer is like the Monoprice unit, and one can only imagine what that sounds like.

Added
BIC PL-200

Modified
Purchase links for the Premier Acoustic PA-10 and PA-120

Son of a gun, it must be that time of the year again! I checked their website for about 2 months and it was always out of stock. Thanks for the heads up. Wonder how they stay in business...

Added
JBL P10SW
Pure Acoustics Lord 10

Sound travels regardless, so the best you can hope to do is mitigate some of the unwanted ramifications. Looking at subwoofers with modest outputs, using a SubDude and running it at conservative volume levels are all anyone can really expect, so I think you should be fine. There are many people in apartments who have a sub, yet few go to the lengths you're contemplating, which strikes me as very considerate.



My suggestion was based upon the fact you seemed adamant about not wanting to impact any of your neighbors. There are those who say it makes no difference when it comes to output -- front firing vs. down firing -- but my experience runs counter to that position. I've found front firing will often have a more direct sound, while down firing typically creates more of that tactile sensation of "feel". Based upon what you're saying the latter is not what you want. However, therein lies a quandary...

If you try and eliminate too much of the bass you might as well not even have a subwoofer, but achieving that balance can sometimes be difficult. The SubDude will definitely help. Since you're heading in the right direction I think it might be better to concentrate on something that will satisfy your needs now, otherwise you may find that you've done all this for nothing and spent money without getting what you were after.



A subwoofer does not acknowledge "imaginary" boundaries, only physical ones. In other words, even though you consider the listening area to be 8x10 the subwoofer sees 20x10 instead. A sub needs to "pressurize" the entire space you put it in, so the complete area within the physical boundaries is what you really need to consider when sizing a sub. It may not seem to make much sense, but it's actually how they function.

That's precisely why everyone is contending most 10" subwoofers would struggle. You've probably already seen it mentioned in multiple threads, but it's better to have too much sub than too little. You can always turn it down, but there is a limit to how far you can turn it up. If the sub you buy proves insufficient there's nothing that can be done (short of getting another sub, of course).

There are instances where getting two subs can be better than one large sub, but that depends upon a number of factors. Duals will not really give you additional low frequency extension, just additional output and a more even sound distribution. That may be something to consider as well.



By most accounts the 10.3 is thought to be a nice subwoofer, and that's a good price for it too. I do have some reservations about whether it will have enough output though. Is $250 your budget, or was that just one of the units you were considering?

You're welcome. Glad I was able to assist.


First and foremost, congrats on the little one! It's really a fantastic experience when you become a parent for the first time. That was almost 24 years ago for me though, so I have to dig really deep into the 'ol memory banks to remember that moment...

A particular favorite of this forum is the Rythmik FV12. It's not only capable, but a very good value cost wise. HSU's VTF-2 is another one that most seem to recommend. That has the added benefit of being down-firing, which isn't an issue now but may be when the little one starts to become mobile in the not too distant future. Either of these would give you more than the 10.3 would.

Looks like just about everyone has a fire sale on the 225 lately. Wonder if Pinnacle discontinued that model.

Why don't you send me a PM about this, and we can discuss that way instead. I think we're going a bit off topic for the "budget subwoofers" thread, so it would probably be better for us to continue this conversation via PM.

PM sent.

Removed
Velodyne StarFire 10, StarFire 12 (discontinued product)