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Subwoofer under $800 new budget.

post #1 of 93
12/18/12 at 7:28pm
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I'm looking for a subwoofer under $500 shipped.
I have an hk avr 1700 and my wharfedale 10.2 should be coming in tomorrow.
I want a sub that will dip low and to be louder than my previous sub (h100). I will use it mostly for music about 70/30 vs movies. Any suggestions?
This is for a room 15×15×8. I've been looking at the hsu vtf2-mk3 would that be louder/cleaner than the h100?

Now I have a question. Would it be better for me to wait and get one svs, hsu, or rythmik sub or two lesser subs?

Also I've seen the rw-12d that retails for 1k on sale in the $300 how do you guys feel about those?

________________________________________________________________________________

EDIT: My new budget is under $800 shipped

I will listen to all kinds of music with this subwoofer mainly hip-hop

Originally I had my mind set on the vtf15h but, after I put it in the cart it came out to over 1k and I just can't afford that. So now I have been looking at the sb12-nsd (sealed) would this have enough output for my 15×15×8 room? Or would I be better off with the pb12-nsd?

Any other suggestions would be good but the limit is strictly $800 shipped. It doesn't matter if I'm towards the upper part of my budget as long as I get a decent subwoofer.

Also, I never mentioned my music taste. Sometimes I really enjoy really loud bass so I listen to mostly hip-hop (90's), jazz, and classical. Occasionally there is some pop and rock for the girlfriend.

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Edited by slickmastajay - 12/22/12 at 12:02am
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post #2 of 93
12/18/12 at 7:54pm
The VTF2 would be a big improvement over the H100. If you can get one in decent shape for under $500, I recommend you do so. Right now the Outlaw LFM-1 Plus is on sale for $500 shipped, that is the best deal for inexpensive new subs at the moment, give that link a look.
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post #3 of 93
12/19/12 at 6:33am
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Quote:
Originally Posted by shadyJ View Post

The VTF2 would be a big improvement over the H100. If you can get one in decent shape for under $500, I recommend you do so. Right now the Outlaw LFM-1 Plus is on sale for $500 shipped, that is the best deal for inexpensive new subs at the moment, give that link a look.

I dont know how I feel about the outlaw as I've seen a couple of posts about port chuffing and if put in max extension with one port covered that you can bottom out the driver and kill it.



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post #4 of 93
12/19/12 at 7:18am
To give you some perspective of its value, the point at which it starts to chuff would be an output point beyond anything else you can get for the same price. Yeah, it can chuff if you push it hard enough, it might even bottom out if you don't set it up correctly, but that happens at the edges of its performance, and nothing else you can get new for $500 will get near that point of performance. And many of these other subs aren't immune from chuffing and bottoming out either.
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post #5 of 93
12/19/12 at 8:16am
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Quote:
Originally Posted by shadyJ View Post

To give you some perspective of its value, the point at which it starts to chuff would be an output point beyond anything else you can get for the same price. Yeah, it can chuff if you push it hard enough, it might even bottom out if you don't set it up correctly, but that happens at the edges of its performance, and nothing else you can get new for $500 will get near that point of performance. And many of these other subs aren't immune from chuffing and bottoming out either.

So you're saying I'm better off getting the outlaw at that pricepoint or would I benefit from holding off a bit and getting a sub like the svs pb12-nsd or maybe the hsu vtf-15h?

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post #6 of 93
12/19/12 at 9:38am
I am saying that, at $500 shipped, the Outlaw sub is the best sub available right now. If you spent more, of course you can get a better sub. I don't think the PB12 would be better enough to justify the price increase. The VTF15h could be.
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post #7 of 93
12/19/12 at 10:21am
There's a used PB12-NSD for sale on these forums for $500 in PA if that's anywhere near you.
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post #8 of 93
12/19/12 at 10:48am
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Spaaceman View Post

There's a used PB12-NSD for sale on these forums for $500 in PA if that's anywhere near you.

Thanks for that but PA is a little far from south florida biggrin.gif . Also I like to buy things like speakers new because I don't know how those drivers were treated.

I think I may be leaning towards the vtf15h.... Or am I crazy for wanting that in a 15×15×8 room?

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post #9 of 93
12/19/12 at 1:18pm
There is no such thing as too much sub. Even if you never push the sub to its limits, there are plenty of other advantages of going overkill with a sub. One advantage is the less the driver needs to work, the lower distortion you get. Distortion typically rises at a greater than linear rate as more excursion is used, so if you keep it tamed, you get a nice clean sound. Another advantage of overkill is better long term reliability because the sub won't be faced with as much mechanical exertion or as much heat since it won't have to work as hard. Which brings us to another good reason: headroom. More headroom means less compressed peaks. If you like to blast your system now and then, you are not likely getting the full dynamic range of the sound tracks of whatever you are listening too. Even the VTF15h in a small room might not bring you to full THX Reference level, but it will get you a lot closer than the Outlaw or SVS subs. Maybe the best reason of all is the expression on your friends faces when they see the beast and then hear it as you crank the THX promotional trailers.
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post #10 of 93
12/19/12 at 1:48pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by shadyJ View Post

There is no such thing as too much sub. Even if you never push the sub to its limits, there are plenty of other advantages of going overkill with a sub. One advantage is the less the driver needs to work, the lower distortion you get. Distortion typically rises at a greater than linear rate as more excursion is used, so if you keep it tamed, you get a nice clean sound. Another advantage of overkill is better long term reliability because the sub won't be faced with as much mechanical exertion or as much heat since it won't have to work as hard. Which brings us to another good reason: headroom. More headroom means less compressed peaks. If you like to blast your system now and then, you are not likely getting the full dynamic range of the sound tracks of whatever you are listening too. Even the VTF15h in a small room might not bring you to full THX Reference level, but it will get you a lot closer than the Outlaw or SVS subs. Maybe the best reason of all is the expression on your friends faces when they see the beast and then hear it as you crank the THX promotional trailers.

I didn't think about it that way and you make great points with the headroom and cleaner bass since I wouldn't need to stress the driver much in that room.
Thanks I think I will hold off.

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post #11 of 93
12/19/12 at 1:52pm
Thread Starter 
Now this sparks up another question. I've read many great reviews on the vtf15h. How does it compare to other subs in its price range?

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post #12 of 93
12/19/12 at 2:00pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by slickmastajay View Post

Now this sparks up another question. I've read many great reviews on the vtf15h. How does it compare to other subs in its price range?

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You have it backwards, how others compare to it. I have dual 15Hs, imho it can't be be beat in it's price point. (not counting DIY)
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post #13 of 93
12/19/12 at 4:36pm
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I would do diy but I dont have the tools and doubt that i could end up with a decent finish.

That's it I will be holding off till I can get the vtf15h

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post #14 of 93
12/22/12 at 12:04am
Thread Starter 
Changed my mind on the vtf15h after seeing the price in cart was 1k. New budget see op.

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post #15 of 93
12/22/12 at 12:26am
If you plan on using it for music why not get a ULS15?
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post #16 of 93
12/22/12 at 12:45am
I would say wait, save up a little more and go with the VTF15H. Like others have already mentioned, you can't save too much sub. My room is only 12X15 and I just ordered a FV15HP:D the center channel and subwoofer are the two most important speakers in a 5.1 or 7.1 HT.
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post #17 of 93
12/22/12 at 5:20am
Quote:
Originally Posted by slickmastajay View Post

Changed my mind on the vtf15h after seeing the price in cart was 1k. New budget see op.
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in a similar search i recently did, it was mentioned to me the check out power sound audio. and i'm extremely happy i did. i spoke with tom at psa, and he guided me through the selection process based on my wants and needs. i ended up with 2 psa xv15s in a 2000cu-ft room. and to be honest, one xv15 easily pressurizes the room, i just got 2 because i could. i had dual rw-12ds in the room previously, and one xv15 outguns both of them for what i wanted. and at $800 shipped, it's an extreme bargain. oh, did i mention the xv15 just won audioholics subwoofer of the year award?
my subs are vented, and i use them strictly for theater. but it's my understanding that for music, sealed subs are better for clarity. that would work out even better for you, as the sealed version is only $750 shipped. email tom, he won't lead you astray. i'm sure you would be more than satisfied with one of his subwoofers. my .02
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post #18 of 93
12/22/12 at 12:16pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bmg963 View Post

Quote:
Originally Posted by slickmastajay View Post

Changed my mind on the vtf15h after seeing the price in cart was 1k. New budget see op.
Sent from my SGH-T889 aka "Galaxy Note 2" running the Force v6.1 using Tapatalk 2

in a similar search i recently did, it was mentioned to me the check out power sound audio. and i'm extremely happy i did. i spoke with tom at psa, and he guided me through the selection process based on my wants and needs. i ended up with 2 psa xv15s in a 2000cu-ft room. and to be honest, one xv15 easily pressurizes the room, i just got 2 because i could. i had dual rw-12ds in the room previously, and one xv15 outguns both of them for what i wanted. and at $800 shipped, it's an extreme bargain. oh, did i mention the xv15 just won audioholics subwoofer of the year award?
my subs are vented, and i use them strictly for theater. but it's my understanding that for music, sealed subs are better for clarity. that would work out even better for you, as the sealed version is only $750 shipped. email tom, he won't lead you astray. i'm sure you would be more than satisfied with one of his subwoofers. my .02

Wow was looking at the xs15 and wow I cant make up my mind on either this or the svs sb12-nsd. I'm leaning more towards the svs in aesthetic terms but xs seems to be the better option as it has a 15" driver and a 500w rms amp. Another thing that has me so indecisive is from what I've heard, class d amps (svs) are more reliable than bash amps(psa).

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post #19 of 93
12/22/12 at 12:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by slickmastajay View Post

Wow was looking at the xs15 and wow I cant make up my mind on either this or the svs sb12-nsd. I'm leaning more towards the svs in aesthetic terms but xs seems to be the better option as it has a 15" driver and a 500w rms amp. Another thing that has me so indecisive is from what I've heard, class d amps (svs) are more reliable than bash amps(psa).
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the link to the thread i started...
post # 86 may help you with your decision, though you may want to read the entire thread. good luck in your decision, let us know when you pull the trigger
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post #20 of 93
12/22/12 at 1:45pm
sorry, i guess the link would help
http://www.avsforum.com/t/1445214/wife-gave-approval-and-money-doesnt-matter/60
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post #21 of 93
12/22/12 at 2:46pm
Go for the XS15 over the SB12, it will have a lot more output. Have you considered the VTF3? It will be more powerful than either.
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post #22 of 93
12/22/12 at 5:10pm
If your budget is $800 then I would defiantly recommend going with the PSA XV15!
Like someone else mentioned it was voted Audioholics product of the year!
http://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/product-awards-and-gift-guides/2012-product-of-year
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post #23 of 93
12/22/12 at 7:01pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jbrown15 View Post

If your budget is $800 then I would defiantly recommend going with the PSA XV15!
Like someone else mentioned it was voted Audioholics product of the year!
http://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/product-awards-and-gift-guides/2012-product-of-year



+1
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post #24 of 93
12/22/12 at 10:36pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by losservatore View Post

Quote:
Originally Posted by jbrown15 View Post

If your budget is $800 then I would defiantly recommend going with the PSA XV15!
Like someone else mentioned it was voted Audioholics product of the year!
http://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/product-awards-and-gift-guides/2012-product-of-year



+1

I don't know how I feel about the xs15 as I've never had experience with a sealed sub. To my understanding they are better for music with tighter cleaner bass but need a lot more power to be as loud as ported. So, I will probably order the xv15 on christmas day.

For those of you the xv15 how does it look in person? In pictures it's not very appealing.

Also, shadyj you said how about the vtf3. It has more output than the xv15 with a 15" driver and a 500w rms amp vs the vtf3 12" 350w rms??

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post #25 of 93
12/22/12 at 10:49pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by slickmastajay View Post

Also, shadyj you said how about the vtf3. It has more output than the xv15 with a 15" driver and a 500w rms amp vs the vtf3 12" 350w rms??

No, but I think it might be pretty close though. If you compare the measurements between the LFM-1 EX and the XV15, the XV15 only has substantially more output between 40 and 50 hz. At every other point they are about even. Keep in mind the LFM-1 EX is just a clone of the VTF3 mk2, and the mk4 will perform better. When you throw in Q control and variable tuning, it makes the VTF3 a very competitive subwoofer.
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post #26 of 93
12/23/12 at 7:40am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by shadyJ View Post

Quote:
Originally Posted by slickmastajay View Post

Also, shadyj you said how about the vtf3. It has more output than the xv15 with a 15" driver and a 500w rms amp vs the vtf3 12" 350w rms??

No, but I think it might be pretty close though. If you compare the measurements between the LFM-1 EX and the XV15, the XV15 only has substantially more output between 40 and 50 hz. At every other point they are about even. Keep in mind the LFM-1 EX is just a clone of the VTF3 mk2, and the mk4 will perform better. When you throw in Q control and variable tuning, it makes the VTF3 a very competitive subwoofer.

I love that the hsu has variable tuning, and q control my only concern is will it be loud enough for me. I can't seem to find a frequency response graph like the xv15 has in its description for the vtf3

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post #27 of 93
12/23/12 at 10:41am
I think it will be about even with the XV15. To put it another way, if it's not loud enough for you, the XV15 wouldn't be loud enough either. You would have to step up to the VTF15h or XV30 for a jump up in output against either subwoofer.
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post #28 of 93
12/23/12 at 11:18am
I was on the same boat as you but after many pm between me and Madaeel the one that did the sub SHOOTOUT! Epik Empire vs HSU VTF-15H vs CHT CS18.1 vs Rythmik FV15 vs eD A7s-450 1,000 price range.

here is the link
http://www.avsforum.com/t/1313176/shootout-epik-empire-vs-hsu-vtf-15h-vs-cht-cs18-1-vs-rythmik-fv15-vs-ed-a7s-450

This was my question:
Im looking for a sub in $1,000 range any recommendations I will appreciate thanks.

This was hes reply:

Well if you want to stay under a $1k I'd get the PSA XV15 without a doubt. Nothing can touch it for the money except the Epik Empire which I don't recommend because they have too many amp problems. Still though the PSA is cheaper by $100 so it's still a better deal.

Now if going a little over $1k is ok, say $1-200, then I'd get either the Rythmik FV-15 for around $1250 shipped or the new PSA XS30 which is only $1050 right now shipped. That's unheard of. It's a dual 15" sealed sub. It's shipping in two weeks but from what I've seen from the XV15 I'd imagine that sub is the best deal out there. Other then those two you'd have to spend a good bit more for better performance.

we also talk about the LFM-1 EX ,VTF3 mk2,mk4 and VTF-15H he explained me every single detail about the speakers and performance.
so I finally decide and choose the PSA XS30 and Im very happy with my purchase.
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post #29 of 93
12/24/12 at 10:00am
Thread Starter 
Right as I was about to purchase the xv15... I find this:
http://velodyne.com/eq-max-15.html on sale for 749.00 shipped

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post #30 of 93
12/24/12 at 10:15am
Quote:
Originally Posted by slickmastajay View Post

Right as I was about to purchase the xv15... I find this:
http://velodyne.com/eq-max-15.html on sale for 749.00 shipped

xv15. no contest
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