AVS › AVS Forum › Audio › Subwoofers, Bass, and Transducers › New sub for home gym (<$250)
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

New sub for home gym (<$250)

post #1 of 11
5/11/12 at 10:44am
Thread Starter 
*This sub is going to be paired with two Polk RTi4's. Both the speakers and sub will be powered by a Harman Kardon 3490.

Hey guys,

I'm looking for an inexpensive sub to replace my current Sony one (SA-W2500). Since this sub will be used in my home gym, music will be the only thing it is used for.

I've heard good things about the BIC F-12 and Polk PSW505. Would these be good for music? Any other suggestions?

Types of music I listen to:

Rock
Rap
Hip Hop
Dubstep

Thanks guys/gals,

Connor
Reply
Reply

AVS Top Picks

post #2 of 11
5/11/12 at 11:25am
Energy S10.3
Reply
Reply
post #3 of 11
5/12/12 at 12:16pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by shermanatorx View Post

Since this sub will be used in my home gym, music will be the only thing it is used for.

Rap
Hip Hop
Dubstep

I thought you said the sub was going to be used for music? I don't see any listed.

OK, seriously... the PSW505 is probably not your best option for music. HT perhaps, but not music. The F12 would more then likely be the better of the two. How big is your gym?
Reply
Reply
post #4 of 11
5/12/12 at 1:47pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by JimWilson View Post

I thought you said the sub was going to be used for music? I don't see any listed.

OK, seriously... the PSW505 is probably not your best option for music. HT perhaps, but not music. The F12 would more then likely be the better of the two. How big is your gym?

I knew that would be brought up. I'm young, so I have an excuse. Like it or not, those music genres pump me and my young clientele up the most.

The gym is sectioned off in the basement which is ~2100sqft, all open. The actual gym floor is ~900sqft. Due to the openness, i'm thinking I need a big sub, which is why I am leaning towards the F-12. I just want to make sure it can keep up with my music.
Reply
Reply
post #5 of 11
5/12/12 at 2:09pm
The S10.3 is not a slouch in SPL output for a 10". But I would probably agree that a 12" would be better if you want to really feel the bass in your size room.

Some people have found the Premier Acoustics PA-120 to be a little better SQ than the F12. Here is the owners thread for it. Acoustic Sound Design will let you make them an offer since they also run an ebay store.
Reply
Reply
post #6 of 11
5/12/12 at 2:42pm
Considering that the room will not be used for critical music listening, I would just with the sub that has the most SPL. Any of the subs listed will sound decent with music and extend down to around 30hz, enough for most Hip-hop and dance music.
Reply
Reply
post #7 of 11
5/12/12 at 3:50pm
Quote:


The gym is sectioned off in the basement which is ~2100sqft, all open. The actual gym floor is ~900sqft. Due to the openness, i'm thinking I need a big sub, which is why I am leaning towards the F-12. I just want to make sure it can keep up with my music.

You have a good-sized space and you want solid performance for music. While my subs are primarily for HT use, my space (~3,375 cu.ft.) is divided between the HT area and my gym area, and I enjoy good-sounding music (CDs or concert vids, mostly hard-rock) while working out.

I don't mean this to sound flippant, but if you can at all manage to increase your budget, consider something like the Emotiva X-Ref 10 @ $499, shipped. You'll get good output and solid performance from a well-made sub by a reputable company.

Just my 2¢...
Reply
Reply
post #8 of 11
5/12/12 at 4:30pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by eljaycanuck View Post

You have a good-sized space and you want solid performance for music. While my subs are primarily for HT use, my space (~3,375 cu.ft.) is divided between the HT area and my gym area, and I enjoy good-sounding music (CDs or concert vids, mostly hard-rock) while working out.

I don't mean this to sound flippant, but if you can at all manage to increase your budget, consider something like the Emotiva X-Ref 10 @ $499, shipped. You'll get good output and solid performance from a well-made sub by a reputable company.

Just my 2¢...

I can't justify spending that much on a sub for the home gym only.
Reply
Reply
post #9 of 11
5/12/12 at 4:34pm
Fair enough. It was just a thought.
Reply
Reply
post #10 of 11
5/12/12 at 4:40pm
Thread Starter 
I appreciate it none the less.

Well, it seems like there in no definitive winner at this point. I am leaning towards the F-12 however. It seems like it can perform well in an open environment, tends to get decent ratings, can be had for $192 on Amazon and isn't horrible to look at.

That warranty is enticing as well.
Reply
Reply
post #11 of 11
5/12/12 at 4:50pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by shermanatorx View Post

I am leaning towards the F-12 however. It seems like it can perform well in an open environment, tends to get decent ratings, can be had for $192 on Amazon and isn't horrible to look at.

That warranty is enticing as well.

What's not to like! If you do end up buying it - or something else - please to report back with your impressions of your new sub!
Reply
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home

AVS Top Picks

AVS › AVS Forum › Audio › Subwoofers, Bass, and Transducers › New sub for home gym (<$250)