AVS › AVS Forum › Audio › Subwoofers, Bass, and Transducers › Want to spend ~$1000 on a sub by Sunday night, please help me finalize my choice
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Want to spend ~$1000 on a sub by Sunday night, please help me finalize my choice

post #1 of 25
7/6/12 at 11:46pm
Thread Starter 
Good evening guys -

Basically, I've been looking/reading/scouring forums, reviews, specs, test results etc for about a month and I'd like to have a sub ordered by Sunday night finally. My price range is right around $1000. My first 2 contestants were the HSU VTF-15H and the Epik Empire.

1. Budget - ~$1000
2. Size requirements/limits. - None
3. Room dimensions - ~3680 Cubic Feet, this is a basement with a cement floor, 1 open doorway to the stairs leading upstairs.
4. Primary uses - 90% TV/Movies, 9% gaming, 1% Music. Movies and TV is where my prioroty lies by a LONGSHOT, a lot of time on the Xbox I have a studio type gaming headset on anyways.
5. Listening habits - I like movies pretty loud, TV above average. On my reciever (Onkyo TX-NR3008) I believe a volume setting of "0" is refrence, TV is generally -25 to -15, movies are -20 to -5. I want to be able to FEEL the bass!
6. Appearance requirements - As far as I'm concerned it can have bright pink polka dots.
7. Timeframe - Want to order it by this upcoming Sunday night (july 8th), but shipping/processing is what it is. I'm not going to pass on the theoretical "best" sub because it would take a little longer to receive. $1000 is a decent investment for me and I want to get it right.


Current Setup

Receiver - Onkyo TX-NR3008
Subs - Klipsh Sub 12 + Klipsh RSW-12D
Main Speakers - Klipsh Ref IV RF82 (R+L)
Center Channel - Klipsch Ref IV RC52
Front Height - Klipsch Ref IV RS52 (x2)
Surround sides - Klipsch Ref IV RS52 (x2)
Surround Backs - Klipsch Ref IV RS52 (x2)
Amplifier - Emotiva XPA-5 (For the standard 5.x speakers)

The system I have is definetly decent as far as I'm concerned, but I want to replace the subs with something much better. Klipsch has in my opinion great sounding speakers, but their subs leave something to be desired. I've narrowed it down to the HSU VTF-15H and the Epik Empire, but am open to other thoughts/suggestions. Please keep in mind its mainly for Movies/TV, and i'm not as concerned about the subs hitting perfectly everytime musically as I am more so in being able to feel the action more. I like the idea of the dual drivers in the Epik Empire, but some people express concerned that the build quility may be lower to put 2 drivers in at the same price point as other manufacturers.

Please give me any thoughts/opinions/suggestions that you can think of, I'm sure that no matter what I get I'd be happy with it but at a price of around $1000 for one, and possibly adding another in the future i'd be second guessing myself for months and months to come if I didn't open myself up to feedback and suggestions before I finally made the purchase.

One thing I didn't mention was that I'd be taking the Klipsch RSW-12D out as soon as the new sub arrived...that sub seems more punchy then anything else. Not much depth to it at all. That being said, could I configure that other klipsh (the Sub 12) as a midrange sub of sorts?

Thanks for the thoughts/opinions/help guys, I REALLY REALLY appreciate it!
Reply
Reply

AVS Top Picks

post #2 of 25
7/7/12 at 6:32am
I'd go with the VTF-15H. smile.gif
Reply
Reply
post #3 of 25
7/7/12 at 7:02am
I think the Empire will have more output from 60 hz on up, and the VTF will have more output from around the 30 to 40 hz region, but that is just a guess. Personally I would swing toward the VTF, not for performance reasons but because it sounds like the Empire runs a bit hot. Heat isn't usually good for long term reliability. I think you would be satisfied with the performance of either.
Reply
Reply
post #4 of 25
7/7/12 at 7:14am
See also this other current thread interested in the same purchase choice. There are some links to resources there that could help in your decision.
Reply
Reply
post #5 of 25
7/7/12 at 9:06am
If you can manage $1240 delivered, you should consider this 18" ported beast. https://www.chasehometheater.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&category_id=29&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=668&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=135&redirected=1&Itemid=135
Reply
Reply
post #6 of 25
7/7/12 at 9:43am
Thread Starter 
I noticed that other thread, I'm open to suggestions to other options too but those stuck out in my head during my looking/comparing for whatever reason. I looked at the shootout between the different subs but some of those definetly aren't in my price range and I wanted to make sure there wasn't anything i was missing around a specific price point smile.gif I was honestly set on the VTF-15H but then I read a review that said the power handling claims by HSU on this sub are exaggerated and that started to get me to second guess my original choice.

I don't know what frequency range movies make use of the most, but no matter what im certain either of those 2 I listed blow the my current klipsch speakers away.
Reply
Reply
post #7 of 25
7/7/12 at 9:47am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Oldfart View Post

If you can manage $1240 delivered, you should consider this 18" ported beast. https://www.chasehometheater.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&category_id=29&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=668&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=135&redirected=1&Itemid=135

$1240 is doable, that thing looks like a beast! I'll see what I can find on that guy too. Just glancing at their site it looks very promising, but do you have personal experience with that sub?

Thanks!
Reply
Reply
post #8 of 25
7/7/12 at 9:53am
But does that price of $1240. include the amp needed, which would adds another $350.?

Jeff
Reply
Reply
post #9 of 25
7/7/12 at 9:56am
I don't have personal experience with CHT subs, but I have 3 of their SHO 10s with which I am very happy. An independent review of a system with the sub suggested may be found at http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/chase-home-theater/55526-chase-home-theater-dual-vs-18-1-sho-10-3-2-review-discussion-thread.html..
Reply
Reply
post #10 of 25
7/7/12 at 9:57am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Oldfart View Post

If you can manage $1240 delivered, you should consider this 18" ported beast. https://www.chasehometheater.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&category_id=29&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=668&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=135&redirected=1&Itemid=135

I would go with this monster sub.
But wait until you have enough money saved up to buy two.
Nothing beats the smooth bass response you get from dual identical subwoofers.
Reply
Reply
post #11 of 25
7/7/12 at 10:01am
Quote:
Originally Posted by pronghorn/az View Post

But does that price of $1240. include the amp needed, which would adds another $350.?
Jeff

Quote:
The VS-18.1 is available at $890 delivered if you have an amp, or you may want to use any one of the many fine pro audio amps on the market, or $1240 if you want it delivered with a Dayton SA-1000 amplifier for a turn key subwoofer package.

From the product page of the VS-18.1.
Reply
Reply
post #12 of 25
7/7/12 at 10:32am
If you want to be able to feel the bass, a cement floor is your absolute enemy. Even with a pretty big sub. Dunno how you have your seating set up, but consider moving your sub directly behind the couch.
Reply
Reply
post #13 of 25
7/7/12 at 10:59am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by bd2003 View Post

If you want to be able to feel the bass, a cement floor is your absolute enemy. Even with a pretty big sub. Dunno how you have your seating set up, but consider moving your sub directly behind the couch.

I can definetly give that a shot, right now I had a sub at the front left corner of the listening area and another on the wall about 2' in front of and 2' to the left of the right most seat. I dont care how it looks, I care how it performs so behind the seats is cool with me. And the cement is unfortunate but it's a obstacle I must work with/around unfortunately.
Reply
Reply
post #14 of 25
7/7/12 at 12:52pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lylelljr View Post

From the product page of the VS-18.1.

There is also a second amp that is available but not yet listed on the site. The SUB1 amp. 600rms and 1500 peak. I would imagine you would have to contact them directly for more info/pricing as it isnt listed anywhere yet?
Reply
Reply
post #15 of 25
7/7/12 at 1:16pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by codee View Post

Quote:
Originally Posted by bd2003 View Post

If you want to be able to feel the bass, a cement floor is your absolute enemy. Even with a pretty big sub. Dunno how you have your seating set up, but consider moving your sub directly behind the couch.

I can definetly give that a shot, right now I had a sub at the front left corner of the listening area and another on the wall about 2' in front of and 2' to the left of the right most seat. I dont care how it looks, I care how it performs so behind the seats is cool with me. And the cement is unfortunate but it's a obstacle I must work with/around unfortunately.

Def give it a shot before you purchase. If you're buying a new sub because you think you're not getting enough output to feel the bass, it might be just a matter of placement. I've got a $2500 velodyne and unless it's close to the couch, there just really isn't any thump in my basement. On my first floor a 20hz tone is downright frightening the way it makes the whole room quake. At least by putting it near the couch it has something to shake....but it's still not the same.
Reply
Reply
post #16 of 25
7/7/12 at 9:25pm
I have dual CHT subs and can say that they are very good and the value aspect is awesome. You will not be disappointed with either their ported or sealed subs.

JP
Reply
Reply
post #17 of 25
7/8/12 at 5:39pm
I have a 4500 cu ft concrete Basement and went from a SVS PB12-NSD to Dual HSU VTF 15h's. The bass is phenomenal and shakes the house. Even with one of the VTFs turned off. I would higly recommend the VTF.


Ray
Reply
Reply
post #18 of 25
7/8/12 at 5:59pm
Can't the JL Audio "Fathom" subwoofer be had for $1,000? From everything I have read, I thought those were very top-notch subs...
Reply
Reply
post #19 of 25
7/8/12 at 6:26pm
If you have a sub to recommend, please do so. If you are in this thread to continue the bickering from other threads, you'll be asked to leave. Submit your recommendations, it's up to the OP to do the research on those subs.
Reply
Reply
post #20 of 25
7/8/12 at 6:35pm
I use a Hsu VTF-15H in my 13x24 theater on a carpet over concrete slab basement floor and you can REALLY feel it. Just make sure you're not sitting in a bass null and you'll be fine. If you're in a null it won't matter what your flooring is (wood or concrete) you won't feel the bass.
Reply
Reply
post #21 of 25
7/8/12 at 6:44pm
I have a CHT ss-18.2 as well as 2 lilmike cinema f20 and they match quite well with my klipsch klf-30. I have heard a vs-18.1 pair at the omaha gtg and found them to be quite good as well.

On another note, you may want to look at diy. You could build 3-4 lilmike cinema f20's for 1000, and would probably decimate anything else in that price range.
Reply
Reply
post #22 of 25
7/8/12 at 7:19pm
Check out the V30 from powersound audio. It should be around $1250 shipped.

This company is owned by one of the guys that started SVS, and one of their original engineers (Tom Vodhanel - the V is SVS and Jim Farina, everything is American made).

I would also consider an Svs PC12+ for around the same price.
Reply
Reply
post #23 of 25
7/9/12 at 6:19am
didnt notice you were from mn- If you are anywhere near isanti, you can come hear what my system can do.
Reply
Reply
post #24 of 25
7/9/12 at 12:20pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by KtrainHurricane View Post

Can't the JL Audio "Fathom" subwoofer be had for $1,000? From everything I have read, I thought those were very top-notch subs...

I would be most interested in a J L Audio Fathom for $1,000. The two top Fathom models list for ~$3,500 (F113), and the $2,800 F112.

The new E Series should be available in December starting at $1,400 MSRP for a 10 inch model. redface.gif
Reply
Reply
post #25 of 25
7/9/12 at 1:26pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by codee View Post

$1240 is doable, that thing looks like a beast! I'll see what I can find on that guy too. Just glancing at their site it looks very promising, but do you have personal experience with that sub?
Thanks!

I have the dual VS-18.1s and the dayton amp. I was considering HSU, SVS, Rythmik, JTR, and others before I made the decision. I personally wanted an efficient ported design. I wanted a reasonable price (under 2k total), plenty of output. I also wanted duals. The finish didn't have to rival furniture grade either as I planned on using them mainly in a dark theater environment.

I can't think of any other offering which tops this setup (subjectively speaking of course) based on my own set of judging criteria and at the same time remain under 2k. I'm a few months in now, and they've delivered on everything from music, movies, and games in my system. People express the feeling of being much more caught up in the experience now, since the bass seems to envelop them.... even on the softer passages.

I'm sure one would do fine, but duals are very nice and seem to sound much better to my ear. Considering the price of the passive sub module is only approx 33% of the cost for a dual setup, it is an economical upgrade as the dayton amp can handle two and you've already puchased it for a single setup. I think the subs are rated to 800RMS, so you can also get a pro amp of your own choice if you want.
Reply
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home

AVS Top Picks

AVS › AVS Forum › Audio › Subwoofers, Bass, and Transducers › Want to spend ~$1000 on a sub by Sunday night, please help me finalize my choice