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Best Subwoofer $1000 - $1400

post #1 of 64
4/28/12 at 8:31pm
Thread Starter 
Hi, I am looking to buy a subwoofer between $1000 to $1400. Here are the 2 companies I am looking at right now:

- SVS
- Rythmik Audio

Anyone got better companies for subwoofers?

Thanks for any ideas!
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post #2 of 64
4/28/12 at 8:39pm
If space permits, dual Epik Empired are $1499. That is $100 + shipping over your limit so that could be a deal breaker too. http://www.epiksubwoofers.com/dualempire.html
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post #3 of 64
4/28/12 at 8:41pm
The HSU vtf-15 is very impressive for 1000. If you can stretch you budget a bit (well, more than a bit...) you should look at this.

http://jtrspeakers.com/home-audio/captivator-1000/
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post #4 of 64
4/28/12 at 8:41pm
You might want to offer more details as to your listening habits (music v movies), room size and budget.

That said, it's hard to imagine a Rythmik FV15 HP being a mistake for anyone.
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post #5 of 64
4/28/12 at 8:48pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sidewayz View Post

If space permits, dual Epik Empired are $1499. That is $100 + shipping over your limit so that could be a deal breaker too. http://www.epiksubwoofers.com/dualempire.html

Am I reading that right....280 pounds!!!!! LOL
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post #6 of 64
4/28/12 at 8:51pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by dpc716 View Post

You might want to offer more details as to your listening habits (music v movies), room size and budget.

That said, it's hard to imagine a Rythmik FV15 HP being a mistake for anyone.



My room size is 24' L x 18' W x 12' H.

I enjoy more on the movie side but I also enjoy music from time to time.
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post #7 of 64
4/28/12 at 8:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mantaraydesign View Post

Am I reading that right....280 pounds!!!!! LOL

You are. If you add shipping dual Empires puts you about 25% over your stated budget. I can say it's a great sub for the money, I have one myself!
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post #8 of 64
4/28/12 at 9:06pm
This review might help you out: SHOOTOUT! Epik Empire vs HSU VTF-15H vs CHT CS18.1 vs Rythmik FV15 vs A7s-450 Review.

Meanwhile, here's a table with maximum output test data which includes a couple of the subs in your budget range. Click on the title of the sub, and you can go to a fuller review which has a link to even more measurements.
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post #9 of 64
4/29/12 at 8:18am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mantaraydesign View Post

Am I reading that right....280 pounds!!!!! LOL

I'm sure that you understand that the 280 pounds represents 2 Empires at their shipping weight. So each Empire actually weighs about 120 pounds. 120 pounds is still a bit hard to handle. Lifting these is better left to two men.
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post #10 of 64
4/29/12 at 9:13am
I have the same budget as you and for me it has come down to the Hsu-vtf15 and the Rythmik FV15HP. Basically I am leaning towards the Rythmik due to the higher output amp, the black oak finish (matches my Paradigm speakers), and the reviews I have read. I personally didn't consider the SVS because for my price range I would rather have a 15 inch sub verses 12 inch one.
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post #11 of 64
4/29/12 at 9:13am
With the high end of your price bracket you are getting dangerously close to the passive JTR Captivator at $1500 + Inuke DSP 3000 amp ($360). Which gives you a top shelf sub and a amp with a DSP capability to EQ the sound to your room.
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post #12 of 64
4/29/12 at 9:18am
I would go with the Rythmik FV15HP.
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post #13 of 64
4/29/12 at 9:20am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Eldiablos View Post

I have the same budget as you and for me it has come down to the Hsu-vtf15 and the Rythmik FV15HP. Basically I am leaning towards the Rythmik due to the higher output amp, the black oak finish (matches my Paradigm speakers), and the reviews I have read. I personally didn't consider the SVS because for my price range I would rather have a 15 inch sub verses 12 inch one.

I received my FV15 Friday, and Eldiablos, it matches the black oak PERFECTLY! The grain on my Paradigm PS1200 was going opposite of my Paradigm Monitor 9's! The grain on the FV15 goes in the same direction. Haven't really pushed the sub, yet...but today I will!

Mantaraydesign, is that your total space or is your listening area a smaller space. Read and watch the Shootout, I did many, many times before I decided on the FV15. Call and talk to Brian or e-mail them with any questions.

Jeff
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post #14 of 64
4/29/12 at 1:58pm
Thread Starter 
Sounds like the Rythmik FV15HP is the winner.

What is the difference between the FV15 and the FV15HP? I went to the Rythmik website to see what the FV15 looks like but they don't have a picture.

The price for the FV15 is $1124 and the FV15HP is $1499.

@pronghorn/az

That is my total listening room which also got open doors to other rooms.
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post #15 of 64
4/29/12 at 3:02pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mantaraydesign View Post

Sounds like the Rythmik FV15HP is the winner.

What is the difference between the FV15 and the FV15HP? I went to the Rythmik website to see what the FV15 looks like but they don't have a picture.

The price for the FV15 is $1124 and the FV15HP is $1499.

@pronghorn/az

That is my total listening room which also got open doors to other rooms.

Based on the posted spec, the differences are 230W more output from a class H (more efficient) amp and a slightly different driver (perhaps more xmax?) on the HP.

Is ~60% more power (< 2db extra output) worth the extra $275? The other differences? I don't know. However, the FV15HP is by all accounts a tremendous sub! One of the best ported subs on the planet.
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post #16 of 64
4/29/12 at 3:10pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by nube View Post

Based on the posted spec, the differences are 230W more output from a class H (more efficient) amp and a slightly different driver (perhaps more xmax?) on the HP.

Is ~60% more power (< 2db extra output) worth the extra $275? The other differences? I don't know. However, the FV15HP is by all accounts a tremendous sub! One of the best ported subs on the planet.



Thanks for the information. Also, I have a question about the amp. Is 600 RMS means continuous or max peak power?
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post #17 of 64
4/29/12 at 3:12pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mantaraydesign View Post

Thanks for the information. Also, I have a question about the amp. Is 600 RMS means continuous or max peak power?

RMS = Root Mean Square, implying continuous output capacity.
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post #18 of 64
4/29/12 at 3:20pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by nube View Post

RMS = Root Mean Square, implying continuous output capacity.

WOW!! That is a pretty powerful subwoofer!

Now I have to think either the Piano Black or the Black Oak Grain finish.
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post #19 of 64
4/29/12 at 4:24pm
The CHT VS18.1 is pretty hard to beat for under $1400...
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post #20 of 64
4/29/12 at 8:55pm
Thread Starter 
Anyone have this SVS PB12-PLUS subwoofer? If yes, is it any good? This sub got 800 watts continuous. The specs are quite impressive. The price is $1299 including free shipping. Here is the link:

http://www.svsound.com/subwoofers/vi...&category_id=1
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post #21 of 64
4/29/12 at 9:05pm
Don't pay attention to watts except across products from the same manufacturer, and even then, amplifier wattage on ID subs is not something particularly important.

That said, SVS is a great company with great subs - they always have top quality fit and finish, and their performance is very solid. However, I think you'll be hard pressed to do better than the FV15HP you were considering, even though it is more money.
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post #22 of 64
4/29/12 at 9:17pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mantaraydesign View Post

Anyone have this SVS PB12-PLUS subwoofer? If yes, is it any good? This sub got 800 watts continuous. The specs are quite impressive. The price is $1299 including free shipping. Here is the link:

http://www.svsound.com/subwoofers/vi...&category_id=1

Many have this sub myself included. It's a great unit but the Rythmik has more slam above 40hz.
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post #23 of 64
4/29/12 at 9:17pm
I know Nathan at Funk Audio can do a few options in your price range shipped. The 15.0 would be a great option to look at, especially if you are interested in a specific finish. Send him an email funkaudio or look in this thread for some details: Here
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post #24 of 64
4/29/12 at 10:48pm
chase ss-18.2 is in that price range, dual 18's in a sealed cabinet. Performed admirably vs a single submersive and dual captivators at the Omaha GTG.

I bought once almost a year ago, and still think its the best bang for your buck out there. I have since added 2 cinema f20's to the equation, running them all together I think I am done upgrading for a while.
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post #25 of 64
4/30/12 at 6:48am
Quote:
Originally Posted by pronghorn/az View Post

I received my FV15 Friday, and Eldiablos, it matches the black oak PERFECTLY! The grain on my Paradigm PS1200 was going opposite of my Paradigm Monitor 9's! The grain on the FV15 goes in the same direction. Haven't really pushed the sub, yet...but today I will!

Mantaraydesign, is that your total space or is your listening area a smaller space. Read and watch the Shootout, I did many, many times before I decided on the FV15. Call and talk to Brian or e-mail them with any questions.

Jeff

Congrads on your new toy! And thank you for the details on the sub's finish. I'm upgrading from a Paradigm PDR-10 and I am sure this eviction quality sub will be awesome
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post #26 of 64
4/30/12 at 8:41am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mantaraydesign View Post

Anyone have this SVS PB12-PLUS subwoofer? If yes, is it any good? This sub got 800 watts continuous. The specs are quite impressive. The price is $1299 including free shipping. Here is the link:

http://www.svsound.com/subwoofers/vi...&category_id=1

If you look at that table I linked to above, the SVS PB13-Ultra is more similar to the FV15HP in output. The PB12-Plus will be in between the PB12-NSD (also in the table) and the PB13-Ultra.

It looks like you have around 5,000 cubic feet. Audioholics rated the PB12-NSD as good for rooms up to 5,000 cubic feet. See the end of the review, and BTW it is written by Josh Ricci who tested all those subs in that table I linked to above.
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post #27 of 64
4/30/12 at 10:44am
Thread Starter 
@cel4145 - Thanks for the information!
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post #28 of 64
4/30/12 at 1:12pm
You are welcome.

If it was me, I wouldn't hesitate to go with the PB12-Plus if that's the one you like. If you start comparing the construction specs--size, weight, # of ports--it seems more similar to the Ultra than the PB12-NSD. There's an SVS owners thread that you can search and ask questions in to learn more.
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post #29 of 64
4/30/12 at 1:16pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sidewayz View Post

If space permits, dual Epik Empired are $1499. That is $100 + shipping over your limit so that could be a deal breaker too. http://www.epiksubwoofers.com/dualempire.html

I agree, dual Empires represent a much better value than one Rythmik.
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post #30 of 64
5/1/12 at 5:26am
Dual SS-18.1s or one of the bigger chase subs.
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