Having some upgrade-itis

Have upgrade itis? Get two Velodyne 1812's and call me in the morning! Seriously, since there is no standard of measurement it will be very hard to compare other subs to the older Velo in your current budget accurately. Any ID sub like those from HSU, SVS and ED would probably be an improvement, but I doubt that the Bic will be as linear as your Velo.


Ian
Edited by mailiang - 6/29/12 at 12:26pm

When you got the Velo VA-1012X it was considered a premium product including the fact that it has a passive radiator. In terms of overall build quality the BIC F12 is a step down, however, the performance of the BIC F12 might just be at least the equivalent of what you have.

If you want something more like your Velodyne but with much better performance I would look at the HSU VTF-2 MK4 which has serious response to 18Hz.

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-2mk4.html

I agree when it comes down build quality and extension. I hate to speculate, but the higher powered Bic probably serves more output. Also, I wouldn't be surprised if that old Velo is still a bit cleaner and more linear. Nice avatar!



Regards,
Ian

upgrade-itis after 12 years?

I didn't see you mention any price range so I will assume that Bic F12 is your range? So about $250,-? For that kind of money you can't really buy any subwoofer for HT purposes that can go down to 20 Hz or less. You would have to bump your budget a bit.

HSU and SVS are 2 top brand woofer companies that sell subs at <$1000,- that performe outstanding up to and sometimes below 20 Hz.

Let us know your budget and we can help you decide.


Ray

I always like to read your comments. You come across as someone very reasonable.

PS Glad you like my avatar

Yes. Even a three hundred or so ID sub like the STF2, which by the way is on sale for $319.00, will be an improvement in terms of extension and output. If your looking to go down to 20 hz or so with authority, then $500.00 is probably a starting point depending on the size of your room.



Ian

Many film tracks today go down to 20hz and below. With enough output, those kind of frequencies will help pressurize the room so you can actually feel the bass. If you give us the dimensions of your room, we can give you an idea of your cost to performance ratio and what to expect.



Ian

That's a fairly small room. If you're looking for a good 20hz sub check out $500.00 offerings from HSU like the VTF-2 MK4.( $519.00 plus shipping) For 25hz punch there's the STF2 or the VT1-MK2 (Where is the old SVS PB10 when we needed one. )



Ian
Edited by mailiang - 7/1/12 at 2:39pm

One is in my family room...

I agree though, SVS should bring back a new version of the PB10 to get in the game at the $400-500 range.

I have an idea! Why don't we all PM that suggestion to Ed Mullen!



In terms of extension the MK 4 would be more impressive with certain film tracks then the STF2. Both subs offer more then enough output for that size room.



Ian

hiya Big,

The biggest difference I see is that the VTF2 will take you down to 18hz, while the STF2 goes to 25 hz. To me, this is worth it. I debated between the VTF 2 and 3, even though I have a much smaller room than you (12' x 14.5'), but really wanted to avoid any thought of "what if... "

. The VTF 15 , and anything mk4... wasn't around then, so I went with the biggest (ported) sub they offered, just to avoid ever wondering ' what if...? " So I went with the VTF 3.
If you can make it fit your budget, the VTF 2 is a much stronger performer than the STF2. Especially with as big a room as you have....

Joseph

It's not just depth, its output where the VTF2 will best the STF2. The VTF2 is more likely to give you that "punch-in-chest" feeling than a STF2. I would urge you to swing for the VTF2 if you can swing the extra funds for it, it is well worth it. Take that for what it's worth from me, I upgraded from a STF2 to a VTF3.

... and once you feel that 'punch-in-chest' bass , it's , ... ummm... addictive. I bought a 2nd VTF3, and I'm thinking seriously about adding a MBM. That or a buttkicker... or both...

All of their offerings rotate through 'sales' ( ok, not the VTF15... they've kept that one at their introductory price ) , so patience is key to getting their best price. I wasn't interested in used, wanted the warranty that came with buying new, but was a moot point anyway, because I couldn't even find anything used. That was one of the things that swayed me toward HSU. Seemed like there were plenty of offerings from Internet Direct brands, EXCEPT HSU ! I watched and waited, and the few items that did pop up, went quickly and seemed to hold their resale value quite well. Coupled with the fact that they are a sponsor of this very forum, where I found a wealth of knowledge that would've cost me a small fortune to find out 'the hard way'... going with HSu seemed a 'no brainer' to me.

Take your time, do your research, watch the used market, and make your own decisions. Just don't think you're ever saving money by buying a 'cheap tool'. It's never cheaper when you end up having to buy the one you should've bought in the first place anyway.

IMO, YMMV
Joseph

If you truly want a superb sub that goes to 20 Hz and below with amazing output capabilities, look at the PB12-NSD by SVS. They had an "outlet" special on it for 619,- with free shipping but plus Tax. Immense subwoofer and better than the VTF2.


Ray

The VTF2 is more then enough sub for your 1680 cu.ft. room.



Ian

I have had a VTF2/3 in a 1450 sq ft room, similar size to yours. It was more than adequate. Lots of volume and deep bass. It's really an underated sub...
I have had almost all of the HSU subs, and I felt the VTF2/3 was very well priced, you get a lot of sub for the money IMO.

vardo

I must have missed the point where he mentioned his room dimension. Indeed, at 1680 cu.ft he wouldn't need a very large sub to be happy.


Good luck

Ray