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Best $500 Sub

post #1 of 72
4/26/12 at 2:39pm
Thread Starter 
OK...so this is the follow-up poll, to my OP for a recommendation of best $500 sub for my buddy.

He just bought a big, new house...and this is his first run at HT. I've been guiding him on some things, but I don't follow subs in this price range (I have a JLA F112)...so I'd just be throwing darts.

What's best bang-for-buck at plus-or-minus ~$500? Turns out, he's completely fine going ID...and I see that's where most of the recommendations are to this point. I'm going to list the contenders in the poll...and add one of my own, just for prosperity (the SVS).

Please record your vote...and if you choose 'something else', I'm not a mind-reader; make your case.

TIA,

CD
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post #2 of 72
4/26/12 at 4:59pm
Thread Starter 
For those of you, who have chosen the Outlaw LFM-1 EX over the Plus; can I ask what the extra $150 gets you?

Thanks,
CD
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post #3 of 72
4/26/12 at 5:33pm
you have a $600 and $650 sub in a $500 sub poll...
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post #4 of 72
4/26/12 at 5:38pm
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1407644

Rumba 12 just got a review. Not sure how it compares to any on that list but its very possible that its a great contender.

- Kh[a]os
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post #5 of 72
4/26/12 at 5:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jay1 View Post

you have a $600 and $650 sub in a $500 sub poll...

Not only that but this might end up a popularity contest.
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post #6 of 72
4/26/12 at 5:42pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jay1 View Post

you have a $600 and $650 sub in a $500 sub poll...

~$500...around $500. I consider $600/650 to be in the same ballpark (just like, if someone wanted to chime-in with a $400 contender...that actually stacked-up...I'd happily consider it )

CD
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post #7 of 72
4/26/12 at 5:42pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pain Infliction View Post

Not only that but this might end up a popularity contest.

Well...as best I can, I'll use my judgment, and apply additional research...to keep that from happening.

CD
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post #8 of 72
4/26/12 at 6:00pm
My view is only subs from $450 - $550 should be in this poll. The most expensive option in this poll is the best, so it's pointless.
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post #9 of 72
4/26/12 at 6:31pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jay1 View Post

My view is only subs from $450 - $550 should be in this poll. The most expensive option in this poll is the best, so it's pointless.

Agreed. Most of these ID companies scale up quite nicely with price. If one of these companies produced a sub that beat the significantly higher dollar ones, then something is not right in the natural order of things. Not saying it isn't possible but as far as profit's go, I can't imagine any company sacrificing that much of a margin.

- Kh[a]os
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post #10 of 72
4/26/12 at 8:36pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jay1 View Post

My view is only subs from $450 - $550 should be in this poll. The most expensive option in this poll is the best, so it's pointless.

I tell you what Jay1; when you post your poll, you can have whatever POV you like; this one is mine. I included the more expensive options, because if they offer performance worth a little extra money...I think my friend would be willing to extend his budget.

Again...the budget is around $500; and if that means $450-550 for you, very well. I posted the subs I wanted included for consideration.

CD
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post #11 of 72
4/26/12 at 8:39pm
Thread Starter 
And yet the $519 HSU model leads voting so far.

Fellas, give it a rest. If you don't like the parameters of the poll...go loiter somewhere else please.

CD
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post #12 of 72
4/26/12 at 9:05pm
If your poll simply said "Which Sub To Recommend?" it would make sense lol
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post #13 of 72
4/26/12 at 9:35pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by CDLehner View Post

And yet the $519 HSU model leads voting so far.
Fellas, give it a rest. If you don't like the parameters of the poll...go loiter somewhere else please.

CD

One more thing. The LFM-1+ is essentially the exaxt same sub as the VTF2, with a more powerful amp and a slightly larger box (both designed by HSU). Normally it cost $30 more then the HSU, but it's on sale for $20 less with free shipping right now, yet the HSU is "winning"
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post #14 of 72
4/26/12 at 9:45pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by CDLehner View Post

For those of you, who have chosen the Outlaw LFM-1 EX over the Plus; can I ask what the extra $150 gets you?

Thanks,
CD

A little better low end extension and definitely more output. It's undoubtedly the most powerful sub in this poll. See the review. Since you said your buddy just "bought a big, new house," if he's got a big room where the HT setup will be, he should go for the EX.

I had not voted for the EX, I would have voted for the Plus.
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post #15 of 72
4/26/12 at 11:14pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jay1 View Post

One more thing. The LFM-1+ is essentially the exaxt same sub as the VTF2, with a more powerful amp and a slightly larger box (both designed by HSU). Normally it cost $30 more then the HSU, but it's on sale for $20 less with free shipping right now, yet the HSU is "winning"

The LFM+ is probably a slightly more capable subwoofer, but Hsu does have a well-deserved reputation for excellent post purchase support. From what I hear, Outlaw has good support as well, but look in the Hsu thread, and you will see the Dr giving placement and setup advice to his customers, even guys who have much older models of his subs. That is definitely worth something. Brain from Rythmik is making an effort to help his customers in the Rythmik thread too. Anyway, for the purposes of HT as the OP specified, the least capable sub in that group is easily the SB12, yet it has the most votes as I type this.
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post #16 of 72
4/27/12 at 12:28am
Quote:
Originally Posted by shadyJ View Post

The LFM+ is probably a slightly more capable subwoofer, but Hsu does have a well-deserved reputation for excellent post purchase support. From what I hear, Outlaw has good support as well, but look in the Hsu thread, and you will see the Dr giving placement and setup advice to his customers, even guys who have much older models of his subs. That is definitely worth something. Brain from Rythmik is making an effort to help his customers in the Rythmik thread too. Anyway, for the purposes of HT as the OP specified, the least capable sub in that group is easily the SB12, yet it has the most votes as I type this.

I agree completely. Right now the price difference with shipping is $80 between the LFM+ and VTF2, that's hard to beat. My only explanation for the SVS is there are lots of happy owners on this forum voting for it, regardless of the value of the larger, cheaper ported subs.
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post #17 of 72
4/27/12 at 2:04am
Admitting that I am biased for the SVS (just bought two after a couple months of research and lurking on various forums), it is relevant to point out that these higher priced subs (like the SVS) are often found at discounts, bringing the price down very close to $500. Right now you can get the SVS SB12's for $575 delivered if you by the dual sub package. With delivery added in, I think it is very fair to consider them in this poll.
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post #18 of 72
4/27/12 at 5:09am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by cel4145 View Post

A little better low end extension and definitely more output. It's undoubtedly the most powerful sub in this poll. See the review. Since you said your buddy just "bought a big, new house," if he's got a big room where the HT setup will be, he should go for the EX.

I had not voted for the EX, I would have voted for the Plus.

Thanks. I am waiting for the dimensions of the room, but I get the impression it's definitely on the bigger side (my HT is a cozy 18 x 12 )

CD
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post #19 of 72
4/27/12 at 5:14am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by shadyJ View Post

The LFM+ is probably a slightly more capable subwoofer, but Hsu does have a well-deserved reputation for excellent post purchase support. From what I hear, Outlaw has good support as well, but look in the Hsu thread, and you will see the Dr giving placement and setup advice to his customers, even guys who have much older models of his subs. That is definitely worth something. Brain from Rythmik is making an effort to help his customers in the Rythmik thread too. Anyway, for the purposes of HT as the OP specified, the least capable sub in that group is easily the SB12, yet it has the most votes as I type this.

OK, good info. I only included the SVS because so many people seem to like the brand...and this was the only model in my friend's budget.

As I said earlier; I'm not just looking at the poll numbers. So I appreciate all the posts (although I don't want this to turn into a sub war). I told my buddy, we'll look for an overwhelming trend and investigate further. Right now...Outlaw seems to be a strong contender, and I'll let him know about the great deal on the Plus, but that the EX is even "better"...albeit slightly more (and should distinguish itself in his bigger room).

Not done yet, so keep 'em coming. Again, help is really appreciated!

CD
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post #20 of 72
4/27/12 at 7:34am
If you are willing to stretch 650$ for the Outlaw EX, why not 10$ more for the VTF3? That would be my vote.
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post #21 of 72
4/27/12 at 8:11am
The Outlaw LFM-EX is probably the most powerful subwoofer on your list. They occasionally go on sale a couple of times per year.
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post #22 of 72
4/27/12 at 8:32am
Quote:
Originally Posted by k2fast4u View Post

If you are willing to stretch 650$ for the Outlaw EX, why not 10$ more for the VTF3? That would be my vote.

If your gonna include either of these, after you include shipping, you could also look at the svs pb12-nsd....
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post #23 of 72
4/27/12 at 8:42am
Quote:
He just bought a big, new house...and this is his first run at HT.

did you+your buddy read through the DIY section? if building/making a HT there are a lot of options with diy....
like if he is putting in a raised floor at the rear hide subs under it.
or smaller room, hide it in a ottoman that has a downward facing speaker.
this one is large but you could: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1340095
make one with 12" 15" or 18" speaker and choose the speaker that will go to the lows you/he really want.
food for thought....you have several choices and there are several other ottoman designs out there.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=921153
if he is married the ottoman would please the wife with the design/looks like furniture
and not just a ugly HUGE box.
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post #24 of 72
4/27/12 at 9:15am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jay1 View Post

My view is only subs from $450 - $550 should be in this poll. The most expensive option in this poll is the best, so it's pointless.

WOW!! REALLY??? Now we are telling an OP WHAT to put in his posts? Is it not enough that most everyone recommends a sub for every sq. yard of floor space? Can't we have fun with this? If I made this post I would expect (just like when most people say when the OP asks for 1 sub and most say you need 2!) that $600. + is fair! No difference here! So $550. is upper limit for you according to YOU?! What's $50.-$100. more when performance would be a benefit?! We are supposed to be here to help one another!

Jeff
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post #25 of 72
4/27/12 at 10:19am
Quote:
Originally Posted by pronghorn/az View Post

WOW!! REALLY??? Now we are telling an OP WHAT to put in his posts? Is it not enough that most everyone recommends a sub for every sq. yard of floor space? Can't we have fun with this? If I made this post I would expect (just like when most people say when the OP asks for 1 sub and most say you need 2!) that $600. + is fair! No difference here! So $550. is upper limit for you according to YOU?! What's $50.-$100. more when performance would be a benefit?! We are supposed to be here to help one another!

Jeff

Did you even read the rest of the thread, or look at the poll results
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post #26 of 72
4/27/12 at 10:37am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jay1 View Post

Did you even read the rest of the thread, or look at the poll results

Yup I did! But I'm looking at this in a sense of humor way, so don't take offense please. I'm just going on what always seems to happen when someone asks the given question..you need 2, 3,4 subs in that area,etc. and if you increase your budget a little...

Jeff
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post #27 of 72
4/27/12 at 10:54am
How about dual BIC PL-200's ? they should be around $600
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post #28 of 72
4/27/12 at 11:02am
Quote:
Originally Posted by k2fast4u View Post

If you are willing to stretch 650$ for the Outlaw EX, why not 10$ more for the VTF3? That would be my vote.

It would definitely be on my list at this point.
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post #29 of 72
4/27/12 at 1:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jay1 View Post

you have a $600 and $650 sub in a $500 sub poll...

Quote:
Originally Posted by Pain Infliction View Post

Not only that but this might end up a popularity contest.

The outlaw LFM-1EX($650) was just recently on sale for $550 and it appears to have done so annually in the last couple of years. I got mine when it went on sale and love it.

I also didn't vote b/c I didn't want to bias the results with my limited knowledge....ie the "popularity contest" idea. I couldn't honestly say I have heard the other options and the outlaw was better. Not sure how many voters could either. Ideally though, the best performer would be the most popular for a reason...
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post #30 of 72
4/27/12 at 2:05pm
From what I have read, all the the subs in the poll are of excellent quality for the price.

I guess some are more suited for home theater use, than others.

My question is .... For just 2-channel music only, do you have an opinion which one of these subs might be the most "musical" (no need for thunderous bass or 'explosions', since I wouldn't be hooking this up to a watch an HD movie).

I was told, that for the most part, a sealed sub might have an advantage in just listening to music at moderate listening levels. Is that for the most part true?

Thank's
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