Subwoofer for a dorm

I would imagine that your Rava sub has a tighter sound than the Energy S10.3, but the S10.3 is definitely a good SQ performer for its price.

The S10.3 has an LFE input and speaker level inputs--2 options for hooking up to the receiver. An HT multichannel receiver will have an LFE or subwoofer output for connecting to the LFE input on the receiver, and it will have bass management capability that would allow setting a crossover for the speakers and sub. Typically, you'll have multiple choices. The bass management has both low and high pass filters, so it creates a very smooth transition. Meanwhile, you set the sub to bypass its internal crossover.

Stereo 2 channel receivers and integrated amps generally do not have bass management. So the S10.3 would be connected to the unit via the LFE or speaker level inputs, and then the crossover on the sub would be set to the low frequency roll off of the main speakers. Because of this and the fact that HT receivers also have HDMI connectors for connecting up video devices (TVs, bluray players, PS3 gaming consoles), an HT receiver might be a little better choice.

For a budget HT receiver, I recommend looking at the Denon 1612. Here's a review. Last year's model, so it's at a good price. And it has Audyssey MultiEQ which, once one has used the enclosed microphone to take readings from the listening position, will automatically set EQ filters to better balance the frequency response of the speakers and the sub for the room's acoustics. Very helpful for improving the quality of bass.

Have you checked dorm rules? Some prohibit things like subwoofers except in approved common areas. I suspect most have rules on noise that is audible outside ones own room.

The energy sub you're looking at is a good choice for the money and environment. It probably has just enough to get him in trouble if he goes crazy, but should be fine and get the job done if he is respectful and doesn't try to show off.

butter and jelly please.

Oh, and probably a denon or onkyo stereo receiver should suffice also. No room left for upgrades/what ifs and a 2.1 is plenty and a space saver for dorm.

butter and jelly please.

The LFE connection is just the modern name for the single subwoofer output/input that carries the "low frequency extension" signal. Sometimes it's just called subwoofer input or output on a receiver or subwoofer. Still just an RCA connection carrying the bass signal for the subwoofer.

That Onkyo unit has some good networking and iPod/iPhone capability features. And while it doesn't have Audyssey MultiEQ (only the 2EQ version), it does have Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume. They might keep him from turning it up so loud. LOL

He has an iPhone, and he hooks it up to my 709 all the time, so yeah, that's a good point. Hadn't thought about that.

Well looks like the Onkyo is no longer available. Shoot. Had talked myself into that one.

How about a factory refurbished, factory warrantied Onkyo TX-NR515?

As Cel4145 as suggested, how do you feel about a factory referb set up?? Heres a link so you can take a look at all the items listed (HTIB) as you can save quite a bit of $.
Link; www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/category/HTIB/Home-Audio/Packaged-Systems/1.html

You know, if it wasn't for the fact that my son leaves in just 2 weeks, then I would probably take a chance. I don't want risk getting a bum unit, and then him wind up not having a working unit to take with him.

Well you could look at a std HTIB set up such as this : www.amazon.com/Onkyo-HT-S3500-5-1-Channel-Theater-Receiver/dp/B0077V88V8/ref=sr_1_2?s=tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1344786934&sr=1-2. Not to bad esp. for $280 & free shipping. It would work out quite well for a dorm no problem.

I went ahead and pulled the trigger on the NR313. It's just the basics...but at 195.00 for free 3-day shipping, it'll do. I'm sure it will be just fine for college.