Recommend me a subwoofer

Originally Posted by isagreg 

Or better options? May be non ID companies

Originally Posted by BeeMan458 

A delivered pair of Klipsch, RW-12d, on sale from Newegg for $600.00 or a delivered pair of BIC, PL-200 from Amazon for $660.00.

(yes I read that you don't think you can handle duals in your condo but it's still a better option)

For room smoothing purposes, I'm looking at adding a third sub even though the WAF is wanting to keep it at two subs. It's your place so you know if you can squeeze a second sub in or not. The alternative is to buy a single and later, if you think you can squeeze one in, buy a matching second sub.

Originally Posted by shadyJ 

You are not including shipping in those prices. With shipping, the Outlaw subs would have an additional $100 charge on them. Dual Klipschs might get the loudest, but, since you are in a condo, they might also have way more output than you will be using. That being the case, you might look at the Outlaw EX, it will have a lot of output and also much deeper extension. How loud can you crank your setup without bothering the neighbors?

Originally Posted by shadyJ 

He probably doesn't have a very large seating area and has already said space is limited.

Originally Posted by isagreg 

Or better options? May be non ID companies

Originally Posted by isagreg 

Don't ported subs go deeper compared to sealed? Although the sealed ones are more compact.
In general what should I look at first? Frequency response? The lower the better?

Thanks everyone.

Originally Posted by isagreg 

Movies 60% and music 40%, no gaming.

Originally Posted by isagreg 

So SVS subs are not as good as Hsu, Rythmik and Outlaw?
Looks like only SVS has sealed subs though.

Originally Posted by cel4145 

I would be bet that most people in the subwoofer forum would agree that SVS subs are as good as HSU, Rythmik, and Outlaw. Shadyj just doesn't like them. In the interest of disclosure, I'm an Outlaw owner, but have never owned SVS.

Here's a review of their sealed sub: http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/subwoofers/pb12-nsd

Originally Posted by isagreg 

So SVS subs are not as good as Hsu, Rythmik and Outlaw?

Originally Posted by isagreg 

cel4145
PB12-NSD is ported $770
SB12-NSD is sealed $650

Originally Posted by kesando 

I've always kind of figured that.

SVS subs from a performance standpoint are every bit as good as the competiton. One aspect where SVS may have fallen behind in some peoples eyes on AVS is perhaps value or "bang for the buck". Keep in mind though that value is mostly subjective and will vary from one person to the next.

Originally Posted by isagreg 

shadyJ
RE: "...There is no way I would get any of the SVS 1000 subs if you can get the Rythmik for only $50 more or a Hsu VTF2 for only $100 more, I think they are both likely a lot more sub for just a little bit more money..."
RE: "...The SVS subs are not on the same performance level as the others, I would stay away from them. I would go for the the VTF2, Outlaw Plus, or Rythmik. The Outlaw might have the most output between the three of those, but it wouldn't lead by much..."

So SVS subs are not as good as Hsu, Rythmik and Outlaw?
Looks like only SVS has sealed subs though.

Originally Posted by ack_bk 

SVS subs tend to play flat. They may not have as much output as their counterparts but they also integrate pretty easily into a room. SVS also, IMHO, has some nicer finishes and the best warranty of any of the ID companies I have seen as well as top notch service.

Nothing against PSA or Hsu or Rythmik, but I see SVS setting the gold standard in terms of standing by their product.

I don't fault anyone for buying an SVS sub. You know you will get a well made product that the company stands behind. For many people that are apprehensive about buying an ID sub, I feel SVS is the safest bet and probably the most reliable.

Originally Posted by Cowboys 

SVS makes great sub and have the best warranty available but they are no longer the best bang for the buck any more. I have the SB12NSD in one of my room, and it is very nice little sub. Output wise, the vtf2.4 beats it.

Originally Posted by isagreg 

shadyJ
RE: "...There is no way I would get any of the SVS 1000 subs if you can get the Rythmik for only $50 more or a Hsu VTF2 for only $100 more, I think they are both likely a lot more sub for just a little bit more money..."
RE: "...The SVS subs are not on the same performance level as the others, I would stay away from them. I would go for the the VTF2, Outlaw Plus, or Rythmik. The Outlaw might have the most output between the three of those, but it wouldn't lead by much..."

So SVS subs are not as good as Hsu, Rythmik and Outlaw?
Looks like only SVS has sealed subs though.

Originally Posted by shadyJ 

In my opinion, SVS isn't a very high value product with respect to performance. If you compare their subs' measured results to some other companies, they get creamed at the same price point. You can see that here. Compare the SB12 to the Outlaw EX, the EX has double the output of the SVS from 50 hz on up and a lot more than double the output down from there. You would need two stacked SB12's to equal a single LFM-1 EX at its smallest performance gap, and you would need almost four stacked SB12's to close its largest performance gap, and it gets worse if you can not stack them. To be fair, the LFM is quite a bit larger sub, and a bit more expensive when you factor in shipping.

Originally Posted by BeeMan458 


Nothing wrong with SVS subs. Based on all I've read regarding specifications and reader reviews, I'm a fan of Rythmik, SVS and Power Sound Audio. That is not a veiled knock on anything not in that group. As to recommendations, despite the negativity, I'm a fan of a two or three sub, subwoofer based system. That said, you show three locations, of which one can easily fit up to three subs. Just saying on the three sub point, not pushing a three sub solution.

Based on everything I've read, there is no music vs Home Theater solution, there's only quality subs waiting to be integrated into one's sound system.

Based on your above room diagram, you have an open room concept into the kitchen/dining area which increases your subwoofer needs. Now one needs to ask, what are their expectations. My impression, you're simply wanting some quality bass augmentation but not at what one might call the bass-head level. If my assessment of your needs is correct, I would recommend going with a bit larger budget if wanting a one subwoofer solution and that would be a Rythmik, E15 placed in the number two position.

Yes, way above your stated budget but that's my recommendation. Based on all you've shared, regarding a one sub solution, you're best served by more, not less. If wanting less, then yes, a two sub solution is the proper recommendation and should be placed in either location 1&2 or 1&3, maybe ever to the right of 3 and call it 3&4. If you went with a two sub solution, two SVS, SB12-NSD's would give you excellent response, musicality and room gain amplification. Buy one SB12-NSD and if you like what you hear and you're feeling froggy, add a second SVS, SB12-NSD at a more appropriate time and point.

In the end, it's all up to what you want to do and what makes you happy and if you're all about a one sub solution, because of the open room design, my opinion, you need more, not less.

Hope the above helps.

-

Originally Posted by shadyJ 

In my opinion, SVS isn't a very high value product with respect to performance. If you compare their subs' measured results to some other companies, they get creamed at the same price point. You can see that here. Compare the SB12 to the Outlaw EX, the EX has double the output of the SVS from 50 hz on up and a lot more than double the output down from there. You would need two stacked SB12's to equal a single LFM-1 EX at its smallest performance gap, and you would need almost four stacked SB12's to close its largest performance gap, and it gets worse if you can not stack them. To be fair, the LFM is quite a bit larger sub, and a bit more expensive when you factor in shipping.

Originally Posted by isagreg 

shadyJ
RE: "...There is no way I would get any of the SVS 1000 subs if you can get the Rythmik for only $50 more or a Hsu VTF2 for only $100 more, I think they are both likely a lot more sub for just a little bit more money..."
RE: "...The SVS subs are not on the same performance level as the others, I would stay away from them. I would go for the the VTF2, Outlaw Plus, or Rythmik. The Outlaw might have the most output between the three of those, but it wouldn't lead by much..."

So SVS subs are not as good as Hsu, Rythmik and Outlaw?
Looks like only SVS has sealed subs though.