Budget subwoofers discussions, opinions and questions thread - Page 29

That describes our headphone listening based experience supplied with an uncompressed format, delivered via a 124dB noise floor; our computer based system.

It would cost us about $20k above what we currently have to reach that level of sound reproduction. I'll talk to the warden and see what I can do. Are our standards simply unrealistically high?

Kinda makes hash out of the concept of "budget minded" subwoofer based content.

(and yes, I understand we're comparing apples to watermelons)

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Would you say that these qualities are typically better accomplished by sealed subs or not really? Out of the musical subs that you've heard, how many were sealed vs. ported?

Thanks. I expected this response.

For $2k a pop I should hope so!

The Secrets review of the DXD-12012 was jaw dropping in terms of the distortion figures (or lack thereof!) that they measured.

I guess it's a safe bet that we can leave the Kreisels off the budget minded shopper's list.

Why? It's only $47,995 for the DXD-12012 Quattro Quattro!

I will have to sale my car and one of my children and put the wife back on the corner.

That's right. This thread is titled "budget subwoofers". The actual budget is left up to one's discretion. If your budget is $50K, these Kreisels are well within your budget.

For me, the "musicality" of a sub in comparison to another sub is often related to the transient response, and more specifically the decay. For music, I want that nice "tight" sound so that the drums sound like drums should, and the bass guitar has good distinct notes, not mud or slushiness. Of course distortion is a factor here, too, since that will affect the accuracy of the music reproduction.

With HT usage, when a sub doesn't reproduce the sound correctly, we often don't notice because it's special effects that are not quite accurate. So the explosion doesn't sound quite like the audio engineer intended.Still will sound like an "explosion." That being said, you will appreciate better, more accurate subs with HT usage. A cheaper sub just won't quite call attention to itself with HT usage as it will with music where we know exactly how the music should sound.

I'm not sure what "conclusions" you're talking about BeeMan458 cuz I don't think I've come to any yet. I did say the driver in the CSX12 "looks" better than the driver in the PL-200 and I believe it is a better driver just from the size of it but whether or not it actually sounds better I have no idea.
I would like to see the measurements of both subs compared to each other so I guess I'll go and try to find some measurements on the PL-200. According to the author of that article the CSX12 Mark II did a pretty good job compared to the HSU sub he had except for the <30Hz frequencies. I don't really expect any of these budget subs to do very well down there.


Al

BIC PL-200 measurements: http://www.data-bass.com/data?page=system&id=47&mset=45

Which is what I'm suggesting. I'm suggesting that you look at available data and then from analyzing said available data, draw your own conclusions as my conclusions might not agree with your conclusions. For your benefit, I found data on the CSX12 Mark II which compares poorly against the PL-200 and when one compares the PL-200 to the RW-12d. In my opinion, the differences between the PL-200 and the RW-12d are niggles as opposed to major differences. In the end, it's "YOUR" conclusion that matters, not mine.

I had all but settled on sitting tight and waiting for the Klipsch RW-12d to go on sale for $300, in favor of the PL-200... then opted to step up to the SVS PB-1000 instead. It's supposed to arrive tomorrow, and I can't wait.

In the meantime, NewEgg currently has the RW-12d for $300... in my mind, I was convinced this was the best sub for me at under $300. FWIW.

I seem to be going down a similar road. I had all but settled on the JBL ES250PBK and then all these other subs caught my interest like the PL-200, CSX12 Mark II, and the Klipsch RW-12d only I haven't made a desicion yet.
Oh' man! I hope I stop soon before the price goes sky high!

Al

I got out with the wife to actually hear some speakers today. I was able to hear the Paradigm DSP-3100 offered at $500 and a Velodyne Impact 12 (not for sale) hooked up to a mid-level Yamaha Amp (neutral and flat) hooked up to both Paradigm and Sinclair fronts and center channels. OK, it is not in my room but I did not prefer the Paradigm, liked the Velodyne and still like the Sinclair 310S "triple 10. The last is the one with the front firing 10" and 2 side 10" passives, otherwise sealed. While none went that deep the, the 310S and the Velodyne sounded great with tracks like Adele, Could Have Had It All (that heartbeat punch). I also tried a Paradigm 15" and that's just not going to happen anyway.

The good news is the wife heard the differences and I appreciated that she wanted hear more. We are now talking about using an 8' x 20"counter across the front of the listening area wall so we would have lots of room under that for sub or subs and use center channel under with (not sure) for fronts yet. Maybe 2 of the Paradigm Titans for a while with a CC-170, CC-300 or 350 until I decide on the rest of the gear. TV on top. We may go with ceiling speakers for the surrounds in back but I have no idea about that yet except if it solves her dislike of speakers on stands so worth investigating.

The PL-200 would indeed be an option for space in all this. The DXD-12012 Quattro won't fit. I would take the $'s and build another custom bike instead.

Price drop on the Polk PSW505 to $190 on http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-12-Inch-Powered-Subwoofer/dp/B000092TT0/ref=pd_rhf_cr_p_t_1_0A60

And Fry's has the Martin-Logan Dynamo 300 for $99 plus shipping. http://www.frys.com/product/7189262?site=sa:adpages%20page:P11_SAT%20date:010513
Edited by charmerci - 1/19/13 at 7:28pm

Just thought Id throw this out there. There is also an 8" and 10" for sale.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA1070EX5203

I'm in the process of setting up my HT and would like some advice on which sub to get. I currently have th Klipsch Sub-12HG Synergy in my upstairs living room and I love the sound and quality. I have had it for around 4-5 and have had no issues.


My HT will be in the basement and I am wondering which sub (I plan to buy 2) to choose between the the two listed below.The Klipsch SUB12 is a down firing sub and the Klipsch RW12D is front firing. Price on each sub is nearly the same.

My room size: Front half of HT is 12x12 and the back half is 13x20.

Which would be best? Does Down Firing vs Front Firing make a big difference?

Klipsch Sub-12HG Synergy Series 12-Inch 300-Watt Subwoofer or Klipsch RW12D 12-inch Reference Subwoofer.

Thanks,

JT

Yes it is one open space. It is an L shaped room.

The room dimensions are 25x20 and the ceiling is 8' tall. There is a closet and stairway that cut out a 12x8" section in one corner.

Basement Dimensions.docx 26k .docx file

I only choose Klipsch as I have one that I like and it gets pretty good reviews on the site. I'm open to suggestions. My breakdown of usage will be 70% movies /25% music/ 5% games.

I added an attachment hopefully it worked. I'm not sure how to add a drawing.

Thanks,

JT

Between the 2 I would go with the rw. It is 50 more watts rms, has a digital display with built in eq and can be remotely controlled. You can get it at Newegg for $300-$350. I dont think you can beat it at that price. Or beat 2 of them for $700 in your case. With that much room you are going to need 2 subs.

what remote are you using again? i know you have told me this before but i forgot.

Jim,

You asked why I choose to go with only Klipsch. It is the only one that I have personal experience with. I am open to suggestions in roughly the same price range. $300-400 each.

Thanks,

JT

Any Logitech remote will work as far as I know. I have the 650 but I don't use it for the RW because it is within reach from my seating position and faces me anyway. With the sensor on the back I dont think that would work very well.

I already own (1) JBL ES250P and I'd like to purchase a second subwoofer.

Should I get an identical ES250P to match or should I purchase the 10'' JBL ES150P for some faster response??

Match them. The ES159P won't dig as deep as the ES250P so you'll get roll off as the ES250P is leaving the ES150P, behind.

Thinks of two runners who have the same 5k times yet by comparison, one sucks at their 10k time. The choices are, the 10K runner has to bag their practice times or get a more capable running partner. Pretty much, it's that simple. When you can, always match your subs to keep compatibility issues to a minimum.