AVS › AVS Forum › Audio › Subwoofers, Bass, and Transducers › New Subwoofer = Big Difference w/ My Setup?
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

New Subwoofer = Big Difference w/ My Setup?

post #1 of 53
1/23/12 at 2:29pm
Thread Starter 
Another member here has been helping me build my first small theater room, and requested I make this post to get some subwoofer-specific input. The room is 11'6" x 12'6" and is used for watching movies 95% of the time. So far I have the following equipment:
-Onkyo 709 receiver
-Polk RTi8 tower fronts
-Polk CSi5 center
-Polk RTi6 surrounds
-Polk RTi4 rears
-Klipsch KSW-100 subwoofer.

This member has told me that the Klipsch KSW-100 sub I have is for sure the weak point of my system, and that an upgrade in the subwoofer department will make a world of difference. I was "complaining" that I expected my equipment so far to be much louder and more powerful than it is. I am coming out of a Paradigm 70ct satellite speaker system, and am just not "blown away" with my new setup like I expected to be. Again, though, I keep being told that the subwoofer will make all the difference in the world...

I was looking at these follwing subwoofers, some of which I have found locally pre-owned. I was wondering how they compare, or better yet - which would "best fit" my current HT setup.

Bic F-12 ... $157 (new)

Hsu VTF-3 ... $400 (pre-owned locally)

Outlaw LFM-1 EX ... $550 (new)

SVS PB2-ISD ... $500 (pre-owned locally)

Velodyne Servo F-1500 ... $275 (pre-owned locally)
Reply
Reply

AVS Top Picks

post #2 of 53
1/23/12 at 2:40pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by KtrainHurricane View Post

Another member here has been helping me build my first small theater room, and requested I make this post to get some subwoofer-specific input. The room is 11'6" x 12'6" and is used for watching movies 95% of the time. So far I have the following equipment:
-Onkyo 709 receiver
-Polk RTi8 tower fronts
-Polk CSi5 center
-Polk RTi6 surrounds
-Polk RTi4 rears
-Klipsch KSW-100 subwoofer.

This member has told me that the Klipsch KSW-100 sub I have is for sure the weak point of my system, and that an upgrade in the subwoofer department will make a world of difference. I was "complaining" that I expected my equipment so far to be much louder and more powerful than it is. I am coming out of a Paradigm 70ct satellite speaker system, and am just not "blown away" with my new setup like I expected to be. Again, though, I keep being told that the subwoofer will make all the difference in the world...

I was looking at these follwing subwoofers, some of which I have found locally pre-owned. I was wondering how they compare, or better yet - which would "best fit" my current HT setup.

Bic F-12 ... $157 (new)

Hsu VTF-3 ... $400 (pre-owned locally)

Outlaw LFM-1 EX ... $275 (new)

SVS PB2-ISD ... $500 (pre-owned locally)

Velodyne Servo F-1500 ... $275 (pre-owned locally)

Where you getting a ex for $275!
Reply
Reply
post #3 of 53
1/23/12 at 2:51pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by pokekevin View Post

Where you getting a ex for $275!

Yeah, really, anyone who can get an EX new for $275 need go no further. I can't wait to see what the story is on this. Maybe he used Google Search and found a new one like the guy who found a brand new ported Epik Sentinel real cheap.
Reply
Reply
post #4 of 53
1/23/12 at 2:53pm
+1 to that, that's basically shoplifting, I know that that sub at that price would be gobbled up in minutes...
Reply
Reply
post #5 of 53
1/23/12 at 2:57pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheGoatLantern View Post

+1 to that, that's basically shoplifting, I know that that sub at that price would be gobbled up in minutes...

At $275 a new EX is a no-brainer. I wonder why he is even asking. Probably a typo.
Reply
Reply
post #6 of 53
1/23/12 at 3:48pm
haha 275 there's no way! if that's not a typo, give me that guys # and i'll give him 400! LOL

but dude the VTF3.3 would DECIMATE that room of yours...no doubt about it...thats such a smaller space than mine...would LOVE to hear a 3.3 in that kind of space and 400 is a nasty price for it!
Reply
Reply
post #7 of 53
1/23/12 at 3:59pm
The Outlaw LFM-1 EX is on sale from <$550 plus free shipping at Outlaw Audio.
Reply
Reply
post #8 of 53
1/23/12 at 4:19pm
Thread Starter 
the $275 Outlaw price WAS a typo...sorry! (got it confused with the Velodyne as I found them at the same time)
Reply
Reply
post #9 of 53
1/23/12 at 4:24pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by KtrainHurricane View Post

the $275 Outlaw price WAS a typo...sorry! (got it confused with the Velodyne as I found them at the same time)

okay at those price points if you want new w/ warranty etc- the ex is fantastic, but if you don't mind used then the 3.3 would be my choice.

but, if you don't decide on the HSU 3.3 and the person who is selling it is willing to ship (assuming he's not anywhere near CT) please get me in touch with him as I would like to add a 2nd VTF3.3 to my setup if you choose another sub


Justin
Reply
Reply
post #10 of 53
1/23/12 at 4:47pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by razzy3 View Post

okay at those price points if you want new w/ warranty etc- the ex is fantastic, but if you don't mind used then the 3.3 would be my choice.

but, if you don't decide on the HSU 3.3 and the person who is selling it is willing to ship (assuming he's not anywhere near CT) please get me in touch with him as I would like to add a 2nd VTF3.3 to my setup if you choose another sub


Justin

Haha will do...
Reply
Reply
post #11 of 53
1/23/12 at 4:56pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by KtrainHurricane View Post

Haha will do...

thanks

let us know what you decide on when you do...love to hear listening results
Reply
Reply
post #12 of 53
1/23/12 at 5:02pm
And don't forget to do a sub crawl to figure out the best place to put it.
Reply
Reply
post #13 of 53
1/23/12 at 5:05pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by cel4145 View Post

And don't forget to do a sub crawl to figure out the best place to put it.

I literally just set my subwoofer in the middle of my couch?
Reply
Reply
post #14 of 53
1/23/12 at 5:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by KtrainHurricane View Post

I literally just set my subwoofer in the middle of my couch?

As close as you can to where you would be listening (see the instructions). Then crawl (not walk) to the spots you might place it and see how the bass sounds.
Reply
Reply
post #15 of 53
1/23/12 at 5:18pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by KtrainHurricane View Post

I literally just set my subwoofer in the middle of my couch?

While doing the crawl, let out a low "woof" sound to listen for resonance issues.
Reply
Reply
post #16 of 53
1/23/12 at 5:21pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by cel4145 View Post

As close as you can to where you would be listening (see the instructions). Then crawl (not walk) to the spots you might place it and see how the bass sounds.

Yes, I understand this part and did read the instructions - but do I literally set it directly on top of my couch cushion itself? Or should I put a piece of plywood or something under it to keep it level/keep it from leaning against the seatback...does it matter?
Reply
Reply
post #17 of 53
1/23/12 at 5:23pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by KtrainHurricane View Post

Yes, I understand this part and did read the instructions - but do I literally set it directly on top of my couch cushion itself? Or should I put a piece of plywood or something under it to keep it level/keep it from leaning against the seatback...does it matter?

Whatever you need to do to make it stable. Don't want it falling off
Reply
Reply
post #18 of 53
1/24/12 at 3:27pm
Thread Starter 
Well thanks for all the input so far guys!

Just wanted to see if I can get a little more input on the original question, which was:
Will one of these subwoofers make a big difference (if any) over my Klipsch KSW-100? How much of a difference? Worth the ~$500 investment over what I already currently have? Etc...
Reply
Reply
post #19 of 53
1/24/12 at 3:51pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by sputter1 View Post

While doing the crawl, let out a low "woof" sound to listen for resonance issues.

bahahahahaha

Quote:
Originally Posted by KtrainHurricane View Post

Well thanks for all the input so far guys!

Just wanted to see if I can get a little more input on the original question, which was:
Will one of these subwoofers make a big difference (if any) over my Klipsch KSW-100? How much of a difference? Worth the ~$500 investment over what I already currently have? Etc...

it's going to be wayy better than the 8" klipsch...depends on whether or not you are happy with what you have really...
Reply
Reply
post #20 of 53
1/24/12 at 9:59pm
An 8" sub, 100w RMS that goes down to 34hz

vs.

a 12", 350w RMS HSU or Outlaw with a low end of 16 or 18hz?

It's Bantamweight vs Heavyweight. Wait until you listen to a 4 to 5 star blu-ray from this list: The New Master List of BASS in Movies with Frequency Charts

Reply
Reply
post #21 of 53
1/24/12 at 10:23pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by cel4145 View Post

It's Bantamweight vs Heavyweight. Wait until you listen to a 4 to 5 star blu-ray from this list: The New Master List of BASS in Movies with Frequency Charts


Thanks for posting that list - will have to start buying some more Blu-rays pretty soon to test out with the new speaker setup! ...been using a trial of Netflix and have been watching movie after movie trying to squeeze as many in as possible


On another note, how does the Rythmik FV12 compare to the other subwoofers I have listed? It was also suggested to me by another member on this forum.
Reply
Reply
post #22 of 53
1/24/12 at 11:43pm
Is $500 worth the upgrade from an 8 sub. Hell yea.

I still haven't finish rewatching all my favorite films again ever since I got my outlaw
Reply
Reply
post #23 of 53
1/25/12 at 1:11am
Thread Starter 
And another question - are there any subwoofers that use xbl^2 technology in the $500 price range? I know the Hsu VTF-3 HO does, but its $900...

I have always been a huge fan of Adire Audio from when they were around and made stuff for the car-audio world. I love their technology!!
Reply
Reply
post #24 of 53
1/26/12 at 10:00pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by KtrainHurricane View Post

On another note, how does the Rythmik FV12 compare to the other subwoofers I have listed? It was also suggested to me by another member on this forum.

Quote:
Originally Posted by KtrainHurricane View Post

And another question - are there any subwoofers that use xbl^2 technology in the $500 price range? I know the Hsu VTF-3 HO does, but its $900...

I have always been a huge fan of Adire Audio from when they were around and made stuff for the car-audio world. I love their technology!!

Reply
Reply
post #25 of 53
1/27/12 at 7:44pm
Thread Starter 
About to order this Outlaw before the sale ends - anybody care to throw in some last-minute thoughts?

...is the Velodyne or Bic worth saving the $275+ ?

...input on the Rhythmik FV12
Reply
Reply
post #26 of 53
1/27/12 at 7:57pm
The outlaw/HSU/rythmik will all be a significant improvement over the bic. The bic is certainly nice for the price, but it is not the impact that the others will have IMO.
Reply
Reply
post #27 of 53
1/27/12 at 8:05pm
get the ex
Reply
Reply
post #28 of 53
1/27/12 at 8:23pm
Upgrade from that wimpy little Klipsch thing...no question. That Velodyne could be interesting if it's in good shape, a 15" vs 12" is always more interesting IMHO.
I know when I went from an Infinity servo 10" (SSW10) to my Epik Empire (sealed dual opposed 15") it's a world of difference. Haven't heard the subs in your list otherwise but I'd leave out the BIC and go for the higher budget level of at least $500 and also consider Epik's liitle brother to the Empire, the Legend (sealed dual opposed 12" $499 plus shipping). I don't think you'd go wrong with the better offerings from Outlaw, Hsu, Rythmik, SVS, etc in any case.

ps Take that back about getting rid of the Klipsch, use it as a second sub.
Reply
Reply
post #29 of 53
1/28/12 at 2:46pm
Thread Starter 
Outlaw EX is being ordered ...out of stock though, and not shipping again until Feb. 27th (estimated)?!

>:-0
Reply
Reply
post #30 of 53
1/28/12 at 3:28pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by KtrainHurricane View Post

Outlaw EX is being ordered ...out of stock though, and not shipping again until Feb. 27th (estimated)?!

>:-0

hey it will be worth the wait don't sweat it!
Reply
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home

AVS Top Picks

AVS › AVS Forum › Audio › Subwoofers, Bass, and Transducers › New Subwoofer = Big Difference w/ My Setup?