AVS › AVS Forum › Audio › Subwoofers, Bass, and Transducers › Budget subwoofers discussions, opinions and questions thread
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Budget subwoofers discussions, opinions and questions thread - Page 25

post #721 of 1327
1/10/13 at 3:43pm
Has anybody seen reviews or have experience with the new Energy Power 10 or Power 12 budget subs. Both are advertised her at $299 for both 10 and 12 models.
Both use a rear slot port.
Reply
Reply

Gear mentioned in this thread:

post #722 of 1327
1/10/13 at 3:48pm
Avoid them!! The specs are HORRIBLE.

These are brand-new "Energy" branded subs but this is under the new Audiovox ownership. As best I can tell they are intended to mate with the new entry-level soundbars that Energy is putting out.

The Power 12 for example is rated at only 75 watts continuous for the amp, has a -3dB point of 35Hz, and weighs only 23lbs! For a 12" sub that is awful, more comparable to a $100 Polk than any of the solid budget options you can get for $300..

It's best to avoid any recent Energy sub products. The quality offerings pretty much ended with the SX.3 line (e.g. S10.3) and the "V" subs (e.g. ESW-V10).
Reply
Reply
post #723 of 1327
1/10/13 at 3:52pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by psuKinger View Post

20'x24', but it's not enclosed. It opens into another large space.

We have wide and eclectic taste. This would be used to play anything from Hard Rock and Hip Hop to all-male acapella groups, Symphonic Music, and even Show Tunes. No organ music, FWIW (I'd heard that organ music is considered by some to be a quality challenge for a given audio system).


I'm very comfortable at $300, and prepared to drop that without batting an eye. If we're talking about stepping up a couple hundred dollars to $500ish, if it'll make a difference I'm open to the idea. If we're talking about stepping up a thousand or so dollars, that's something I'm not prepared to do at this point.

Frankly, I don't think any $500 sub -- let alone a $300 one -- will be able to fill that much space. If your ceilings are only 8 feet that's well over 3800 cubic feet, and that doesn't even count the other large space. Dual PB1000's might do pretty good, but anything less then that will probably be overwhelmed.
Reply
Reply
post #724 of 1327
1/10/13 at 3:55pm
You just missed the Outlaw LFM-1EX for $549 shipped. I think that is what it was on sale for not too long ago. If you can wait for the sale again, it'll give you a little time to get the money and get a killer sub.
Reply
Reply
post #725 of 1327
1/10/13 at 3:58pm
Shoot Out, Shoot Out tongue.gif
When I was looking these two subs just became available but I opted for the Dual RW12-D set up for 600 and could'nt be more happy. But that does'nt mean you should'nt have a shoot out cuz i would be interested in your conclusions.
Reply
Reply
post #726 of 1327
1/10/13 at 5:25pm
Quote:
Avoid them!! The specs are HORRIBLE.

Thanks Batpig, I had a look at the specs online. I am thinking my old Polk PSW10 looked better, at least with the smaller HT speakers. I am going to see what the BIC America looks like soon as I really need to fill a hole in the mancave with something.
Reply
Reply
post #727 of 1327
1/11/13 at 4:00am
Amazon lightning deal at 1:00 PM (Eastern) on an unknown sub... Would expect it to be a "budget" sub, FYI.
Reply
Reply
post #728 of 1327
1/11/13 at 6:14am
Quote:
Originally Posted by psuKinger View Post

Amazon lightning deal at 1:00 PM (Eastern) on an unknown sub... Would expect it to be a "budget" sub, FYI.
Thanks!
I'll be keeping my eyes peeled!


Al
Reply
Reply
post #729 of 1327
1/11/13 at 10:00am
It's for the Energy ESW-M8 for $249
Reply
Reply
post #730 of 1327
1/11/13 at 10:31am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stoney Jackson View Post

It's for the Energy ESW-M8 for $249

Stoney Jackson?

"At the end it was just me, Stoney Jackson and Tom Highway. We were the only ones left alive..."

That Stoney Jackson? biggrin.gif
Reply
Reply
post #731 of 1327
1/11/13 at 10:43am
You're in a good mood. Extra helping of Wheaties this morning? smile.gif
Reply
Reply
post #732 of 1327
1/11/13 at 10:55am
Quote:
Originally Posted by JimWilson View Post

Stoney Jackson?

"At the end it was just me, Stoney Jackson and Tom Highway. We were the only ones left alive..."

That Stoney Jackson? biggrin.gif
No, the other one.
Reply
Reply
post #733 of 1327
1/11/13 at 11:34am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stoney Jackson View Post

It's for the Energy ESW-M8 for $249

Meh deal. This sub is good quality but it's TEENY TINY and doesn't do anything below 40Hz. If you specifically want a sub that is as small as possible (e.g. for a small apartment or condo) then it's fine, but it's not a serious HT sub.
Reply
Reply
post #734 of 1327
1/11/13 at 11:54am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bond 007 View Post

You're in a good mood. Extra helping of Wheaties this morning? smile.gif

Nah, I just love the smell of napalm in the morning... wink.gif
Reply
Reply
post #735 of 1327
1/11/13 at 2:30pm
What do you folks think about the JBL ES250PBK on Amazon right now for less then 200 shipped?

There isn't much on this forum and some of that is concerning the older PB series. I know the older ones had some amp problems but I'm not sure that applies to the newer ones. Even most of the reviews on Amazon are dated.
I'm thinking about getting one of these or I could go with the Bic F12 but I like the looks of the JBL better. The specs look just as good and the JBL looks to have more power @ 300 watts RMS.

My room is sorta small at 16' x 10' x 8', well, actually the ceiling is only about 7'4".

It seems like a good deal for the JBL ES250PBK compared to what it was selling for last year but I'd like to hear some comments from those who have used this sub if I can.

Al
Reply
Reply
post #736 of 1327
1/11/13 at 3:12pm
I was looking at the same JBL and the klipsch synergy 12HG for $299...
Reply
Reply
post #737 of 1327
1/11/13 at 3:20pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Angler55 View Post

What do you folks think about the JBL ES250PBK on Amazon right now for less then 200 shipped?

For $200 it sure looks tempting. There aren't many decent subs at that price point, so it's certainly worth considering.
Reply
Reply
post #738 of 1327
1/11/13 at 5:22pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Angler55 View Post

What do you folks think about the JBL ES250PBK on Amazon right now for less then 200 shipped?

There isn't much on this forum and some of that is concerning the older PB series. I know the older ones had some amp problems but I'm not sure that applies to the newer ones. Even most of the reviews on Amazon are dated.
I'm thinking about getting one of these or I could go with the Bic F12 but I like the looks of the JBL better. The specs look just as good and the JBL looks to have more power @ 300 watts RMS.

My room is sorta small at 16' x 10' x 8', well, actually the ceiling is only about 7'4".

It seems like a good deal for the JBL ES250PBK compared to what it was selling for last year but I'd like to hear some comments from those who have used this sub if I can.

Al
Amazon says that the 250 is 400RMS and the 150 is 300RMS.
From the reviews it looks to be a good sub but as you noted you are taking your chances with the amp and circuit board issues. You will probably not get a lot of response here from actual users but there are plenty of reviews there to go by. Over 50% give 5 stars so that would seem to be about your odds. Only you can decide if it is worth the risk.
Reply
Reply
post #739 of 1327
1/11/13 at 6:33pm
Thanks Jim and Bond,
Yeah I don't know what I was thinking when I wrote 300 watts because I've been looking at that sub for a few days and knew it was 400. Anyway, I think you're right about the 50/50 chance on this but I'm really thinking I should take that chance. I guess I'll sleep on it and if it's still the same price in the morning I'll make up my mind for sure then. It is a pretty nice looking sub that's for sure.

Thanks again guys!

Al
Reply
Reply
post #740 of 1327
1/13/13 at 9:38am
Quote:
Originally Posted by batpig View Post

Meh deal. This sub is good quality but it's TEENY TINY and doesn't do anything below 40Hz. If you specifically want a sub that is as small as possible (e.g. for a small apartment or condo) then it's fine, but it's not a serious HT sub.

Apparently, you have never owned or done research on the actual measurements of the Energy Sub. It's - 3 db point was tested as being 35 Hz. Sure, it drops off significantly below this point but will still have plenty of energy down in the 26 Hz range. How do I know this? I own two of them. It is a very capable Subwoofer in small to medium size spaces. wink.gif
Reply
Reply
post #741 of 1327
1/13/13 at 9:40am
Omg! It goes down to 35hz?! Wow...
Reply
Reply
post #742 of 1327
1/13/13 at 9:46am
Quote:
Apparently, you have never owned or done research on the actual measurements of the Energy Sub. It's - 3 db point was tested as being 35 Hz.
According to this review (PDF):
Quote:
Figure 3 shows the frequency response of the ESW-M8, this time measured in the far-field (a distance of 2 metres) and using pink noise as a test stimulus, thus allowing the output of the dual ABRs to integrate with that from the front-firing bass driver. The response with the crossover control set to 200Hz is exceptionally flat between 50Hz and 250Hz, varying no more than a total of 2dB. Peak output is at 110Hz, with the response rolling off to be –6dB at 40Hz and 400Hz. Normalised, this puts the frequency response at 40–400Hz ±3dB, which at the upper end of the spec is far better than Energy’s own specification, which it lists as topping out at 200Hz. As you’d expect, the ESW-M8’s output isn’t nearly so linear with the crossover set to 50Hz. In this case, the Energy’s output peaks at 60Hz and is –6dB at 35Hz and 120Hz or, normalised, 35–120Hz ±3dB. Again, Energy specifies the –3dB point at 36Hz, so the agreement with Newport Test Labs’ measurements is very close.
Reply
Reply
post #743 of 1327
1/13/13 at 9:56am
The fact of the matter is that it is a very capable Subwoofer for having an 8" driver. Many people don’t need / want subterranean bass levels for various reasons. rolleyes.gif
Reply
Reply
post #744 of 1327
1/13/13 at 10:23am
Also, I should have stated 36 Hz, not 35 Hz. My typo. redface.gif
Quote:
this puts the frequency response at 40–400Hz ±3dB, which at the upper end of the spec is far better than Energy’s own specification,

Just because this test measurement states the 3 db point at 40 Hz, it does not mean that you won't hear any bass frequencies below that point, just not as loud. I own an original Sunfire True Subwoofer too. I wouldn't have put it away if I felt I was missing anything that I couldn't live without. wink.gif
Reply
Reply
post #745 of 1327
1/13/13 at 1:16pm
While not my cup of tea, the Energy would be a great sub for an apartment or where WAF and budget are a big concern yet you still want decent overall "punch". I will keep my eyes on this sub for friends and family that fall under this catagory.
Reply
Reply
post #746 of 1327
1/14/13 at 7:21am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pete7874 View Post

I only have personal experience with V1220 and PA-120. I haven't done any official testing to compare the two, but I feel that between these two, the PA-120 is a more capable sub in terms of volume/impact. In terms of low frequency response, I couldn't really tell.
Someone in another thread suggested the track called "Night Bass" by Bass Mekanik as a way to showcase the capabilities of your sub. I played it through both my living room HT setup that uses the V1220 as well as through my basement audio setup that uses the PA-120. I have a new-found respect for the V1220, I must say. There are parts in this track where frequencies dip to 15 Hz supposedly, and although this is obviously below human hearing threshold, the V1220 handled it cleanly (no port noise). On the other hand, the port noise on the PA-120 was significant. Granted, the two subs were fed by two different receivers, so it's not exactly apples-to-apples comparison. Anyway, an interesting track to play.
Reply
Reply
post #747 of 1327
1/14/13 at 8:02am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pete7874 View Post

Someone in another thread suggested the track called "Night Bass" by Bass Mekanik as a way to showcase the capabilities of your sub.

Wanna really see how low your sub can go? Try Halloweener from Dub King, but don't play it too loud until you know your subwoofer can handle it. There's a few parts that are merciless if the HPF doesn't work.
Reply
Reply
post #748 of 1327
1/14/13 at 8:08am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Angler55 View Post

What do you folks think about the JBL ES250PBK on Amazon right now for less then 200 shipped?

There isn't much on this forum and some of that is concerning the older PB series. I know the older ones had some amp problems but I'm not sure that applies to the newer ones. Even most of the reviews on Amazon are dated.
I'm thinking about getting one of these or I could go with the Bic F12 but I like the looks of the JBL better. The specs look just as good and the JBL looks to have more power @ 300 watts RMS.

My room is sorta small at 16' x 10' x 8', well, actually the ceiling is only about 7'4".

It seems like a good deal for the JBL ES250PBK compared to what it was selling for last year but I'd like to hear some comments from those who have used this sub if I can.

Al

I got the ES150 about a month ago just before Christmas and I absolutely love it! It sounds really good for movies and holds it's own with music also. I was looking at the bic v1220 but i saw this and just couldn't pass it up. The amp does get really warm after about 45 mins of use so the amp claims could be true, hopefully it has been fixed. If the amp does go out just get a dayton amp off parts express.
Reply
Reply
post #749 of 1327
1/14/13 at 8:45am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by swim33 View Post

I got the ES150 about a month ago just before Christmas and I absolutely love it! It sounds really good for movies and holds it's own with music also. I was looking at the bic v1220 but i saw this and just couldn't pass it up. The amp does get really warm after about 45 mins of use so the amp claims could be true, hopefully it has been fixed. If the amp does go out just get a dayton amp off parts express.

Do the spec's list the amp as Class A/B? As a general rule they do run warm. If it's Class D or BASH and it's really warm that's another story.
Reply
Reply
post #750 of 1327
1/14/13 at 10:39am
Quote:
Originally Posted by JimWilson View Post

Do the spec's list the amp as Class A/B? As a general rule they do run warm. If it's Class D or BASH and it's really warm that's another story.
JBL website search didn't even bring the 150 up. No mention of amp class anywhere on Amazon and not even a single picture of the back of it. hmmm...
Reply
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home

Gear mentioned in this thread:

AVS › AVS Forum › Audio › Subwoofers, Bass, and Transducers › Budget subwoofers discussions, opinions and questions thread