Budget subwoofers discussions, opinions and questions thread - Page 32

Good plan. That's what I was going to suggest. Since you are going to do that I suggest a little better sub to start with. Klipsch RW12-d. It cost $299 at Newegg on sale but is better than the JBL imo and it will lessen the likelihood that you will need another because it has more output. I was going to suggest 2 of them anyway but it would put you over budget.

Now that I think about it, that's a hard one. You said you wanted something today. I'm not sure if the rw is on sale today. The jbl is. That is a really good deal on the jbl but I don't think one will do you a lot of good and by the time you figure that out you probably wont be able to get another at that price. It is important to match subs if you can.

So, after all that, my suggestion is that you get 2 of the jbl while you can because it is a great price and you are almost certainly going to be unhappy with 1.
Edited by Bond 007 - 1/28/13 at 12:11pm

Anyone have any thoughts on the Cadence CSX12 Mark II? We need a subwoofer to pair with two pioneer SP-FS52-LR towers and the SP-C22 center. Right now you can get one for $279 shipped which seems like a killer deal for a 12in sub that weighs 67lbs.
http://www.cadencesound.com/products/CSX12-Mark-II.html

The other two options I was looking at were the Outlaw M8 and HSU STF-2.

Any idea what the distance between the spikes for the cadence might be?

Even at $350, the RW-12d is still a good price. At $300, it's often considered the best deal on a 12" sub for HT usage. But don't hesitate to buy it at $350 if that's what you want.

SVS PB-1000 or SB-1000? Also, will these outperform a pair of Pioneer BS21? Lastly, would it be better to go with 2 BIC F12 or PL-200 over 1 PB-1000 or SB-1000? I am the only one listening so no need to worry about in room response. Should I also consider a VTF-1 MK2?

I don't think anyone has mentioned this already, but the Klipsch Synergy Sub-10 is $169 at Newegg after promo code, through 1/30. Could work well for someone with a tight budget wanting a 10" for a bedroom or a very small room.

The PB1000 will have a little more output than the SB1000 and go a little lower in frequency response. The SB1000 should maybe have a little tighter bass response and it's definitely smaller for those are are spaced challenged for a subwoofer. I would go with the PB1000 over all those you have listed, unless your room is giant. In which case you might be better off spending a little more getting dual PL-200s.

Thanks, I'd much rather go lower than tighter at this stage in my journey.

Just a minor note, but the fact that there is only one listener doesn't necessarily negate the advantage of dual subs. Even if you only measure at a single point, you will still see dips and peaks in the sub response do to room interaction. Yes, you are less worried about smoothness of response across multiple seats, but just because you are in one place doesn't guarantee flat response unless you are sitting "nearfield" with the sub very close to you (thus negating room interactions).

Good point. When I read that I assumed that he knew that he would have to pretty much sit next to it for that to matter.

Ah thanks for the clarifications. I'm planning on having the sub about 6' from listening position, but of course will be modified depending on response. I'm assuming nearfield would be right next to me? Are the dips and peaks across different frequencies or does it entirely depend on my room?

Hey everybody!

I posted this in a new thread, but wasn't receivng any bites, so I thought I would try here. Seeing as Jim runs this thread and seems to be the budget sub guru.

I am looking to purchase a sub for this particular room. The room is carpeted and the kitchen is behind the camera (about 8 feet behind in space) At the back left end there is a staircase going up to the top floor and the bottom left of the picture is the staircase going down to the bottom room. The room is not too wide from the TV to the couch as you can see. I am not even sure where I would place the sub as in my last house I had years ago I placed it in the corner. I am trying to keep my budget $200 and down. I am willing to buy a used rw-12d for around that, but otherwise trying to keep my cost low. I highly doubt I will find an rw-12d for around $200 anyhow.

I am mostly going to be using the system for movies and television. If we have guests over we will use the system for music/dance parties.

I have been reading threads in regards to the BIC F12($189), Klipsch Synergy Sub-10($169 at newegg till 1/30/13. Anyone know if these still have amp issues? THe past articles on them scare me to pull the trigger) rw-12d(if i can find a used for $200...which Is going to be hard), dayton, polks (psw505, psw110),??? Pretty much after reading about so many options I am more confused than when I started. Though everyone seems to really favor the BIC subs when it comes to this budget price. Wondering if I even need a sub that big for this size room?

I know these subs are constantly brought up and asked about. I just figured if everyone saw my living room they would know if I needed a much smaller sub than I assumed to begin with. I'd even settle for a smaller 8".or whatever sub might work in this room.

I appreciate all of your help and advice

.

Thanks Jim and everybody else for all the help you gave me in my quest to purchase my first ever subwoofer. Not only thanks for answering my questions and putting up with me but thanks for all the knowledge throughout the thread.

I finally purchased a sub! Yeah, I was set on the JBL ES250PBK and didn't like the idea of only having one input to connect to. I don't know why because it probably would have been enough. Then I started looking at the Cadence CSX12 Mark II and, although that one also has just one input, I still think it's a heck of a deal. And then there are the normal ones scattered about that I was looking at like the Bic PL-200 and Bic F12 along with a few others that I can't recall. Finally I read a post in one of Jims other threads, "List of Budget subwoofers ($300 and less)", that I also subscribe too where "sojodave" posted the link to a Jamo SUB 650. Of course I clicked it as soon as I could but they were already sold out! Anyway, that got me to thinking about that Jamo so I set out looking for one. I found one on ebay and wrote the guy a message about the condition, ownership, and age of it and he wrote back everything I wanted to hear. I know, but anyway it really sounds like a perfect condition sub that's only a year old and has been used very little. I ended up winning the auction for $250 with free shipping and am now waiting on my first subwoofer, a beautiful Jamo SUB 650! I think I got a fair deal. The only way I'll be bummed is if someone finds a bunch of these, cuz they're discontinued, and puts them on sale for less then $300. Even if that happens I still think I did alright. There's a good review of this sub on the forum which cites really good specs.

Thanks again everyone!

Al

The reason that the BIC is so popular as a recommendation is because it's ALWAYS available for around $200 and below. It'a always a good deal. Whereas other subs in the $200 range might be recommended now because they happen to be on sale at the moment, but otherwise are not typically at a good price. .

As for the size of your room, it's important to factor in all open areas connected with it. Approximately how big is it (cubic feet)?

Oh" No! Now I'm really worried!

The first thing I do before bidding on an item on ebay is look at the sellers feedback. Always, I always do that.
Well, this time I didn't and now I'm going to be pulling my hair out wondering if I'm even going to get a sub, and if I do, what kind of condition is it going to be in.
Man, I really screwed up this time. The seller has only sold two items and both buyers said they didn't receive the goods. Not only that but one of the buyers bought a Jamo sub.

I am bummed out.

Al

Angler55 wow that was a pretty good deal on the Jamo sub! I hope it all works out and you do receive your sub. I usually buy everything from amazon because I'm afarid something like that might happen. Best of luck to you and getting that sub!

Thanks, yeah I thought it was a pretty good deal too.
I did just get the tracking number on it but there is no info yet from UPS. It says to check back later for more info. I'm hoping the guy just had some stuff happen or ran into some back luck being a beginner on ebay and is really a good guy trying to do the right thing. I've decided to just take it easy and let it play out cuz that's really all I can do. As a matter of fact, after calming down, I've got a good feeling about it.
Thanks again swim33.
Al

I don't know much about subs but was looking at what was available with BestBuy and noticed the V1220s. After checking some reviews some say they sound a bit muddy.

Would running 2 of the same sub improve the sound?

I'm trying to pick something from BB at a descent price because it is free money.

BTW, I just purchased the two pioneer floor speakers, two bookshelves, and pioneer center.

What do you guys think....or better options at BB?

Muddy compared to what? For under $200, the V1220 is not a bad subwoofer.
It would help smooth out the frequency response. It should also help make things louder if you're dealing with a larger room/volume. You haven't told us how big your listening area is (including all areas that it is connected to).

If it works out it's a terrific deal and I hope it does for you. Worry will cost you much more so don't do it, life's too short for that.

I still buy stuff like motorcycle parts on EBay but you get to know the sellers. Otherwise I stick with Amazon for most stuff because they have been flawlessly trouble free and priced right for me over the years.

As far as the exact dimensions I am not completely sure. I am moving into this apartment and can merely go off of the pictures that my friend took on their phone. The room is a bit odd when it comes to open areas as you can tell. The staircase going down has bars leaving it open as well as the staircase in the other corner going up. Not sure how to calculate for those exactly? If I were to guesstimate I would say the H-8 x L-15ft to the kitchen. Tack on another 7ft to the kitchen x W-9to the first wall and add on 3ft to the back staircase.
SO approximately 2112 sq ft.

I am sorry I can't be more accurate. Just haven't moved in as of yet.

Jim-Would you not reccomend the other Klipsch sub that was 160? Or the polk sub either?

See post 915. Even though you have the kitchen and the stairway to consider that room doesn't look all that big. But with your budget, the JBL is worth a look. It has twice the rms rating as the F12 so the output should be just as good and from what I understand it is much more accurate than many, if not all, of the subs that you listed except maybe the rw.

For the record. I was typing this before the post above was in this thread. So those pictures were not available to me then. I still think the JBL is the best thing going for around $200.
Edited by Bond 007 - 1/29/13 at 7:58pm

The BIC F12 would probably be fine in that size space. Some 10" subs might be challenged if you like to run it loud. Not sure about the Klipsch SUB-10.

What about that jbl? I know there's no substitute for size really but the jbl is 300rms vs 150rms for the F12. And were only talking a 10 vs 12. Not like an 8 vs 12. Doesn't an amp that is twice the watts make up for some of that size? And even if it doesn't fully make up for it, I would trade a small amount of output for a lot more accuracy.

I said "some 10" subs." LOL

So you enjoy the performance of the JBL over the PSW505 and BIC F12? The frequency response seems much lower on the PSW505 as well as the BIC.

They are all roughly the same price right now. I would love to actually listen to these subs, but unfortunately I doubt there is a store that carries them all.

As long as you think the 10" on that JBL would have enough oomph for that size room it looks like a pretty good deal. My first speakers I ever owned were JBL's and I really liked their quality. Though I suppose the world of subwoofers is quite different