Recommendations for a 'musical' sub for $450-650?

Originally Posted by Theaetetus

I'm looking for a suitable subwoofer for my 2.1 setup (which will eventually be 5.1.), and any advice I can get from the Bass Division of AVS Nation would be greatly appreciated.

I just bought a used pair of Ascend Sierra-1's for the mains, and I have a Pioneer VSX 1121 receiver. While my system will spend most of the time being used for movies/gaming, I care more about the sound quality when playing music. We don't watch many movies with big sound effects (splosions!), and when we do, it's at rather modest volume levels (-20 to -15 db on the receiver). As for music, we listen to a wide variety (classical, alternative, electronic, some jazz), so I'd like a sub that can has good overall musical performance as its primary strength.

My living room is small (17 x 12 x 8.5 = 1734 cu. ft.) but is connected to our dining room (14 x 10 x 8.5 = 1190) via a wide archway (no doors). Counting both rooms, the total volume is 2924 cu ft.

Given the small size of the living room, I am looking for a sub with a small footprint - primarily due to placement limitations, but also because of aesthetics.

After reading numerous threads, it seems that something like the SVS SB-12 might fit the bill, though I'm wondering whether something else might work as well. I've been looking at the Hsu VTF 1 Mk2, the Epik Legend and the Emotiva X-Ref 10 as cheaper options, though I'm worried that the Epik might be too big (and not optimal for music?), and that the Hsu and Emo might not have enough punch. I would be open to adding a second sub down the road if I started with something small first.

Any other suggestions?

My budget isn't strict, but I would put the SVS at or near the top limit, so let's say ~ $450-650. I'd also be interested in hearing what used subs might be recommended at this price range that meet my particular needs.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by spyboy

Do yourself a favor and skip the Emo X-Ref 10 and X-Ref 12. Their built-in filter and limiters are significantly over-aggressive. You can find that information in the Audioholics review.

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/s...2-measurements

Originally Posted by Kini62

Over your budget a little but it has garnered some great reviews-

http://rslspeakers.com/RSL_Speedwoofer_10.html

Originally Posted by theaetetus

i'm looking for a suitable subwoofer for my 2.1 setup (which will eventually be 5.1.), and any advice i can get from the bass division of avs nation would be greatly appreciated.

I just bought a used pair of ascend sierra-1's for the mains, and i have a pioneer vsx 1121 receiver. While my system will spend most of the time being used for movies/gaming, i care more about the sound quality when playing music. We don't watch many movies with big sound effects (splosions!), and when we do, it's at rather modest volume levels (-20 to -15 db on the receiver). As for music, we listen to a wide variety (classical, alternative, electronic, some jazz), so i'd like a sub that can has good overall musical performance as its primary strength.

My living room is small (17 x 12 x 8.5 = 1734 cu. Ft.) but is connected to our dining room (14 x 10 x 8.5 = 1190) via a wide archway (no doors). Counting both rooms, the total volume is 2924 cu ft.

Given the small size of the living room, i am looking for a sub with a small footprint - primarily due to placement limitations, but also because of aesthetics.

After reading numerous threads, it seems that something like the svs sb-12 might fit the bill, though i'm wondering whether something else might work as well. I've been looking at the hsu vtf 1 mk2, the epik legend and the emotiva x-ref 10 as cheaper options, though i'm worried that the epik might be too big (and not optimal for music?), and that the hsu and emo might not have enough punch. I would be open to adding a second sub down the road if i started with something small first.

Any other suggestions?

My budget isn't strict, but i would put the svs at or near the top limit, so let's say ~ $450-650. I'd also be interested in hearing what used subs might be recommended at this price range that meet my particular needs.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by Auditor55

Which is why they are highly regarded for music.

"The X-Ref 12 excels at bass reproduction in smaller spaces, with music, or with less need for 20Hz bass at room shaking levels. The very small size and low cost mean that one or a few can be fit into many spaces and budgets." [Audioholics]


You should stick to the HT boomers you normally recommend.

Originally Posted by Auditor55

Listening to certain folks around here and their love of the boom, you might end up with what is discribed below.

"The truth of the matter is that subwoofers have fully earned their bad reputation. They usually suck. Most of them sound boomy, muddy and out of control with an obnoxious bass overhang that lingers so long as to blur most of the musical information up until the next bass note is struck. We have all had our fair share of bad subwoofer experiences, whether it's from a nearby car thumping so loud that it appears to be bouncing up off the road, or a home theater with such overblown bass that it causes you to feel nauseous half-way through the movie."[UltraFidelics]

With an X-Ref 12, you don't have worry about that mess.

Originally Posted by spyboy

It doesn't appear like there are any more discounts on the X-Ref 12. At the $699 price point the OP can't go wrong with something from SVS, (and he knows it!!!) Also with the Sierra 1's a sub from Rythmik will do nicely.

Originally Posted by Theaetetus

I’m looking for a suitable subwoofer for my 2.1 setup (which will eventually be 5.1.) ...

While my system will spend most of the time being used for movies/gaming, I care more about the sound quality when playing music ... so I’d like a sub that can has good overall musical performance as its primary strength.

My living room is small (17 x 12 x 8.5 = 1734 cu. ft.) but is connected to our dining room (14 x 10 x 8.5 = 1190) via a wide archway (no doors). Counting both rooms, the total volume is 2924 cu ft.

Given the small size of the living room, I am looking for a sub with a small footprint – primarily due to placement limitations, but also because of aesthetics.

...

My budget isn’t strict ... let’s say ~ $450-650.

Originally Posted by eljaycanuck

+1 to the SVS SB12-NSD. Also the Rythmik FV12, and perhaps also the Emotiva X-ref 10 (with the caveat that sub-30Hz performance will be compromised vs. the other two sub options).

Originally Posted by Auditor55

However with X-Ref 10 sound quality won't be compromised.

I think the OP was asking for a musical sub.

You see HT bassheads should be restrained to comment what is and what isn't good musical sub.

Originally Posted by eljaycanuck

I never said it would be.


Are you asserting that the SVS and the Rythmik are not musical subs? Can you back up this assertion?


I have not crapped on a single one of your posts, yet here you are crapping on one of mine. Are you trying to make yet another un-friend on this site?

Originally Posted by Auditor55

I never said that SVS and Rythmik were not musical subs.

I think the OP was asking for a musical sub. ... You see HT bassheads should be restrained to comment what is and what isn't good musical sub.

Originally Posted by Auditor55

I just said they haven't gone through the rigorous Audioholic testing recommended by Spyboy.

Originally Posted by Auditor55

However with X-Ref 10 sound quality won't be compromised. Very little content in music below 30hz. I think the OP was asking for a musical sub.

I don't know about those others, but I know this, they haven't gone through the rigorus Audioholic testing like the X-Ref 10 and 12.

You see HT bassheads should be restrained to comment what is and what isn't good musical sub.

The following is the languange of music first sub that audiopphiles can appreciate:

"Those that listen to Sade know that her music packs a punch. The X-Ref 10 was certainly at home belting out the low tones for this song. Bass was tight and clean and because this sub is so linear above 80Hz, it blended perfectly to my little 41-SE/B speakers with a 90Hz crossover setting." [Audioholics]

Originally Posted by oztech

Not a true statement if the OP listens to Electronic or Classical I own quite a few pieces that go below 30Hz and a few that drop below 20Hz.

Originally Posted by Auditor55

Unless he's listening to some mideval pipe organ music, my comments still stand, comments strongly supported by Audioholics. The Emotiva will do a fine job. All you need to do is hear one and this argument would cease. The "I'm 90% movie" crowd that I see frequently making recommendations, should be restrained to make comments about the musical performance of subs, considering the fact they listen to very little music.

Music is about accuracy, cleanliness, tight and articulate bass. Most stuff below 30hz is sound effects, i.e. explosions, thunder and well, boom. Boom is not that bad for movies since movies are visual as well audio, critical listening is not required for movies.

It may not be music to your liken but its music non the less.

Originally Posted by oztech

There were over 24 instruments that were not pipe organs that busted the 30Hz area and approached 25Hz while quite a few hit 20Hz.
Also if you listen to anything with a synthesizer it will easily hit that and this is all music and those pipe organs are in great works that hit 16Hz.
It may not be music to your liken but its music non the less.