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Another "help me choose a subwoofer" Thread

post #1 of 13
4/27/07 at 4:55pm
Thread Starter 
I need a new subwoofer - BAD... and I've been putting it off for almost a year now.

I do have a sub, but it's nothing great, and I can't even remember the brand. It sucks though I'm sure.. I think it's 150Watt RMS

My receiver is a Pioneer VSX-1014TX-K which I really like (best they had in 2004 that wasn't an "elite"). It's hooked up to some JBL Studio Series speakers I purchased about three years ago.
I have the S38II bookshelf speakers, an S-Center-channel. and a pair of Northridge rear speakers that are mounted on stands.

The bookshelf speakers are about 150W-RMS each, the center is 175W, and the rears are 100W.. It's close to that.

My goal is to balance the sound - good bass, but not overpowering. I know I can always adjust the sub to a lower volume, but I'd like to use my current setup as a framework to choose the best sub.

I've been looking at SVS and HSU (of course) and I'm leaning towards the VTF-2 MK3.
My question is: Is this about the right power for my setup? This is for a home theater setup, in a living room that's roughly 15x15, but also connects to the dining room, and kitchen (so it's like a great room).
$500 is about the max I'm willing to go as I'm not an audiophile, but still want quality.
Any suggestions are appreciated.
Thanks!
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post #2 of 13
4/27/07 at 5:07pm
The HSU VTF-2 MK3 seems like a great buy for its price. It's hard to do better at that price.
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post #3 of 13
4/27/07 at 5:40pm
I bet you also have a hallway with doors that aren't always closed and possible stairs to a basement. You waited this long; might as well look at SVS and HSU outlet/b-stock and get the most you can swing.
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post #4 of 13
4/27/07 at 5:40pm
Thread Starter 
I'm also looking at the Elemental Designs A3 - 250 - anyone have experience? I will do a search of course..
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post #5 of 13
4/27/07 at 6:36pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by amdeutsch View Post

I bet you also have a hallway with doors that aren't always closed and possible stairs to a basement. You waited this long; might as well look at SVS and HSU outlet/b-stock and get the most you can swing.

Actually.... I'm in a condo.
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post #6 of 13
4/27/07 at 7:00pm
Thread Starter 
I think I'm going to consider the PB-12NSD also.. I do like that it's a front firing sub, which might be better for me.
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post #7 of 13
4/27/07 at 7:52pm
It does not matter if a sub is front firing, bottom firing, side firing.

I don't know much about the PB-12NSD because I've never heard one
or owned it. SVS makes great subwoofers, that in my opinion have a
slightly better finish than an HSU sub. HSU puts the emphasis on performence.
Both companies put out great subs for your money.

The Hsu VTF-2 MK3 is a sub I've heard at HSU headquarters in Anehiem, Ca.
It's one fine sub and can fill up rooms with 4,500 cu ft. I am bias because
I have a HSU VTF-3 MK3 w/turbo, which is awesome for the cost. I've owned
2 HSU VTF-2's, and they were great also. Other subs I have had are Mirage
PS-12-180 (which sucked) and currently a Velodyne ULD-12 (great sub) and
a Parts Express Dayton 10" Titanic MKIII sub (great sub also).

You can't go wrong with SVS, Velodyne (expensive), or HSU....vardo
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post #8 of 13
4/27/07 at 7:55pm
Although mines hasn't arrived yet I second HSU. They were extremely helpful in helping me decide. I went with the VTF3 MK3, great company to deal with.
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post #9 of 13
4/27/07 at 8:46pm
My room is 14x23 and I was trying to figure out the same thing. Over on the Official HTIB Alternative thread I got some good advice from smarter audiphiles ended up deciding between HSU and SVS. I went with HSU VTF-1 for 399 (430 shipped) because thats what my budget would allow, but if you have $500, I would second the VTF2-3 - its what I really wanted anyway! If you dont mind SIlver or WHite - SVS has a deal on the PB-12 for $500.

For the record - my sub doesnt get here until Monday but cant wait to set it up to my PSB speakers, Panny 1080p front projector, 100"screen, Onkyo 505, HD-DVR, UpCOnvert DVD - my wife and kids arent likely to see me for a few days I think!
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post #10 of 13
4/28/07 at 12:36am
Hsu 3.3 is slightly higher than your target of $500 but it's a nice one. I have one for HT behind my couch.
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post #11 of 13
4/29/07 at 8:40am
Thread Starter 
Here's the subwoofer I currently have: Acoustic Energy AEGIS EVO Compact Sub (150W)..
I'm doing some searching on google, but does anyone have experience with this brand? It does seem to be well made, but I don't know much about it.
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post #12 of 13
4/29/07 at 10:05am
I am also in the market for the magical $500 subwoofer. I have done some looking on the HSU website, and all of their subs seem to have a maximum crossver of 90 Hz. I will be using the sub with sattelite speakers & need a crossover of 120 Hz.

If I use the LFE input & set the crossover on my Receiver to 120 Hz, will an HSU sub produce good sound from 90 Hz to 120 HZ? I don't see any frequency reponse data on the HSU website.
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post #13 of 13
4/29/07 at 10:57am
Thread Starter 
Well I spent about a half hour adjusting the levels of the sub between the knobs on the back of the sub itself, and my receiver settings - I got it sounding pretty good, but I could use another 100W or so.. I think I may just stick with what I have for now, and upgrade all my speakers over the summer.
I'll either stick with the HSU or SVS - can't seem to go wrong with either..
Now I just need a good brand of front, center, surround speakers that won't break me. Maybe Klipsch.. If anyone has suggestions there, I'd appreciate it..
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