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Sony SA-WX900 - aggregated info - a well kept secret? Great sub the price?

post #1 of 32
1/22/08 at 3:54pm
Thread Starter 
I have read for hours on this forums about subs. Unfortunately, all the affordable great subs (per Craigsub's list) are not available for immediate purchase (possibly not available for months). In my research, I discovered the Sony SA-WX900 - is this a diamond in the rough? An undiscovered killer sub? Few seem to know. I can purchase one for $639 shipped.

Here's what I've discovered:
- The Sony SA-WX900 gets great reviews here and here (not much, I know, but there's not much out there... yet?)
- User experiences and reviews all positive (very informative): AVForums 1, Agoraquest
- The IC Module (Hybrid IC) is the Bang & Olufsen ICE1000A - more on that here
- 1,000 watts and two 12" drivers, seems impressive.

So, does anyone have any thoughts, advice or recommendations? I need to buy something and I'd rather not wait, but I am on a budget and want to get the best bang for the buck as well. My HT room is 14'x16'x10'.

I won't be much good to anyone as a reviewer as I am an IT guy but relatively inexperienced to AV (relative to most on these forums), so please don't encourage me to buy for that reason (though I would report my subjective results, of course). Thanks in advance for your time.
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post #2 of 32
1/22/08 at 5:51pm
Long time Sony fan and owner here. Sony subwoofer for $639 delivered? No, I would not invest that much $$ on a Sony subwoofer IMHO. There are plenty of alternatives readily available for less and better.

Hsu, Outlaw, Velodyne, SVS 12" thumpers can be in your room in a week from the day you order. There are others (ED, EPIK, Sunfire....) out there that may not be as pretty or may take a little longer, but $639 for a Sony sub? no...NO...NO IMHO.
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post #3 of 32
1/22/08 at 5:53pm
It is a well kept secret. Definitely nothing like the other Sony subs. I read a while ago (maybe a month ago???) on another forum where the member preferred the Sony over his PB12 Plus. I'd say go for it, you'd get it way before any ED options.

I personally have heard one as well. Compared to a Sunfire Signature EQ. Sony digged deeper.
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post #4 of 32
1/22/08 at 6:54pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Spezzy View Post

I personally have heard one as well. Compared to a Sunfire Signature EQ. Sony digged deeper.

I really appreciate your input! This is great information, especially if you heard it personally. I just wonder how it would compare with what else is out there in the same price range and if I should wait. It's certainly a unique item and, I think, relatively rare this side of the pond.

I initially only wanted to spend $300 on a sub, but realized if I was going to get real "feel" from it, had to spend more, so I reset the threshold at $700+/- and am searching for most bang for buck sub that I can get relatively soon since I have nothing. I would almost go so far as to pay Craigsub to eval it, I'm so curious. I know it's a Sony, but I'm just looking at technical merits and performance ratio to $. I can't seem to get a single recommendation from anyone (understandably, but still... it would be nice). I don't have the $ to spend trying more than one out, so I must choose wisely.
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post #5 of 32
1/22/08 at 7:12pm
In the price range against ID direct brands it's hard to tell. My only references are the SVS Plus subs and I didn't get to do an A/B comparison. If I were you I'd look for lower prices on the Sony or get an Epik, SVS, or HSU. Better yet, go DIY. I've gone DIY, absolutely love my sub. Digs deeper and is just as musical as the JL F113, in my opinion.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aaaubY4MQus

Where are you located? There may be forum members that are local to you that may be willing to let you hear their setups, to give you some insight on how subwoofers perform in-room.
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post #6 of 32
1/22/08 at 7:18pm
Thread Starter 
I'd consider DIY if I knew exactly which one is best, if it had great documentation/plans here at AVSF, and if it was relatively easy. Do you have a specific DIY recommendation?

There are no other prices on the Sony, just one place to buy that I can find. I appreciate the recommendation of three different brands, but I am really trying to choose one specific sub... if you had to choose one, only one, what would you choose?
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post #7 of 32
1/22/08 at 7:58pm
I'd choose Epik. Musicality and extension. I definitely wouldn't consider the SVS or HSU options bad, nor the ED. ED has amazing products, minus the looks. SVS has great theater capabilities, not so great musicality, exception being the PB13 (but out of your range). HSU has a good product, I'm not a fan of their aesthetics though. Epik doesn't have bad looks, (not furniture grade like the SVS' however), but they are musical and dig deep from what I've read.

But, over all I would pick DIY.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...ht=easy+button
Those directions/diagrams with the Mach 5 Audio IXL 18.4 and a Behringer EP2500 and you will be beating the JL Audio F113 in output. Musicality will be superb as well. DIY is the way to go if you can handle larger enclosures.

With my RL-P18 from Sound Splinter in a 25 cu ft enclosure, I have strong output to 8hz. I'm thinking of upgrading soon.
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post #8 of 32
1/22/08 at 8:39pm
I think that guy lives in UK and thus even if Epik people ship him a sub it will not end up as such a bargain with the shipping to europe.
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post #9 of 32
1/22/08 at 8:47pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by CADOBHuK View Post

I think that guy lives in UK and thus even if Epik people ship him a sub it will not end up as such a bargain with the shipping to europe.

He did use the $ in his first post, so I kinda assume he's in the US somewhere, or Canada.
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post #10 of 32
1/22/08 at 9:11pm
Oh yeah he actually didnt state his location so probably somewhere in NA, I just got the wrong impression cause he linked to that british forum
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post #11 of 32
1/28/08 at 11:13pm
b8b, I have the SA-WX700 (which is the little brother to the 900) and am immensely pleased with it. I have not compared in my system to high-end subs, but I would describe this as very musical, clean, fast and tight. I have heard many boomy subs which do not sound realistic at all as the Sony does. I would buy three more of these in a heart-beat if I could find them.

Please tell me where you can purchase the 900, since I have been searching for one myself.
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post #12 of 32
1/29/08 at 7:02am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hamlet00 View Post

Please tell me where you can purchase the 900, since I have been searching for one myself.

If the mods will allow, THIS is the only place that seems to sell it stateside.
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post #13 of 32
1/29/08 at 9:29am
That place doesn't look appealing. A quick search doesn't reveal much about their service. I wouldn't buy from there, myself. With your budgeted ~$700, you can get better subs than the Sony. There's the AV123 MFW15 (wood veneers) w/ current discount that ends 31st, there's the Epik Knight or even Caliber. I understand about the long waits on some, but the ones above shouldn't be that long. Just something to consider.
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post #14 of 32
1/29/08 at 9:40am
Quote:
Originally Posted by b8b View Post

I initially only wanted to spend $300 on a sub, but realized if I was going to get real "feel" from it, had to spend more,

No, no you don't...
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post #15 of 32
1/29/08 at 10:06am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by mather View Post

That place doesn't look appealing. A quick search doesn't reveal much about their service. I wouldn't buy from there, myself. With your budgeted ~$700, you can get better subs than the Sony. There's the AV123 MFW15 (wood veneers) w/ current discount that ends 31st,

Is that discounted price the $599 for the black and $699 for the wood veneers ($100 shipping as well)? If so, what will it go up to?


Quote:
Originally Posted by Splicer010 View Post

No, no you don't...

Heh, well I wanted to spend as little as possible, which I am in terms of price/performance
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post #16 of 32
1/29/08 at 10:27am
Quote:
Originally Posted by b8b View Post

Is that discounted price the $599 for the black and $699 for the wood veneers ($100 shipping as well)? If so, what will it go up to?




Heh, well I wanted to spend as little as possible, which I am in terms of price/performance

For you question on the MFW15 w/ discount, black ~$671 (Mar-Apr ETA), wood veneers ~$748 (1 week?-Mar/Apr ETA depending on type of veneer). After Jan, assuming no other sale/promo, tack back on 10% on top of above estimates. The greatest savings is based on dual subs, there's additional discount but for your room, probably don't need to spend that much.
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post #17 of 32
1/29/08 at 10:47am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by mather View Post

For you question on the MFW15 w/ discount, black ~$640 (Mar-Apr ETA), wood veneers ~$730 (1 week?-Mar/Apr ETA depending on type of veneer). After Jan, assuming no other sale/promo, tack back on 10% on top of above estimates. The greatest savings is based on dual subs, there's additional discount but for your room, probably don't need to spend that much.

Where are you seeing these discounted prices and how do you get them? I can't believe I missed this!

Update: I just spoke with AV123 and they said they only have gift certificate discounts (5% up to $1k, 10% over) he said I missed the pricing before the holidays ($100 less - Doh!). I'd like to get one for $640 (is that shipped?). Please advise. Thanks.
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post #18 of 32
1/29/08 at 3:20pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by b8b View Post

Where are you seeing these discounted prices and how do you get them? I can't believe I missed this!

Update: I just spoke with AV123 and they said they only have gift certificate discounts (5% up to $1k, 10% over) he said I missed the pricing before the holidays ($100 less - Doh!). I'd like to get one for $640 (is that shipped?). Please advise. Thanks.

Oops, my fault, I was using the >$1000 10% discount to come up with those prices because I'm getting two and it was stuck in my head. I corrected my original post, for a single sub, it "should" be ~$671 black and ~$748 veneers, shipped.

See Mark's first post with the tiered savings.
http://av123forum.com/showthread.php?t=28415

I don't want to screw things up any further.
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post #19 of 32
1/29/08 at 3:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by b8b View Post

If the mods will allow, THIS is the only place that seems to sell it stateside.

Thanks for the response, but unfortunately I have already tried ordering the sub from that company. They actually do not have it in stock, and I'm not sure why they keep the status as being available. I have searched endlessly in the US and have had no luck finding either the WX700 or WX900. There are a few sources in Europe for the WX900, but I have not priced the shipping costs.

Can anyone point to another dual driver "push-pull" type sub that they have heard and think has similar characteristics to these Sonys?
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post #20 of 32
1/29/08 at 4:04pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hamlet00 View Post

Thanks for the response, but unfortunately I have already tried ordering the sub from that company. They actually do not have it in stock, and I'm not sure why they keep the status as being available. I have searched endlessly in the US and have had no luck finding either the WX700 or WX900. There are a few sources in Europe for the WX900, but I have not priced the shipping costs.

Can anyone point to another dual driver "push-pull" type sub that they have heard and think has similar characteristics to these Sonys?

Only other sub that I know of that is a pushpull design that is commercially available is the M&Ks like the MX-5000 and the little brothers.
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post #21 of 32
1/29/08 at 4:09pm
I'm pretty doubtful that sub can hold a candle to any of the ID $600 subs. If you come to this forum might as well get your money's worth from an ID brand and forget about sony.
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post #22 of 32
1/29/08 at 7:14pm
This Sony sub gets great reviews. YES It should be compared to eD,SVS,HSU and Epik.

Some prefer it to SVS,big deal.There are people who would prefer a Cerwin Vega bass bin to an Epik,as the bass bin pounds like a hurricane in the range it covers.

But CNET reviews..of subs... to the audio world. CNET reviews are as trusty
as my old finished B&D drill.

Listen to it,if you buy make sure there is a return policy.
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post #23 of 32
1/29/08 at 8:58pm
I have heard the SA-WX700 in the same room as the lowest end 8" Velodyne...

To say the Velodyne walked all over the Sony is the understatement of the century, there just wasn't anything in the Sony... they were selling it at 40% retail to get rid of it as the stock just didn't move. I had read the reviews, I walked into the store to audition the sub... dual 10" drivers and 250watts on tap... sounded like it should do some damage (I was only going to use it in a 2channel music setup in the dining room). I was completely underwhelmed. Needless to say I did not buy the Sony. At full gain the Sony was about as loud as the Velo at 35%, but had no feel in your gut (the Velo wasnt all that impressive in that department either but it was miles ahead of the Sony).

I've no idea how the SA-WX900 compares, but I do know the Velodynes don't hold a candle to the newer ID subs so very much doubt the Sony is even in contention, but I'd be happy to be proven wrong.
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post #24 of 32
1/30/08 at 2:58pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by hdkhang View Post

I have heard the SA-WX700 in the same room as the lowest end 8" Velodyne...

To say the Velodyne walked all over the Sony is the understatement of the century, there just wasn't anything in the Sony... they were selling it at 40% retail to get rid of it as the stock just didn't move. I had read the reviews, I walked into the store to audition the sub... dual 10" drivers and 250watts on tap... sounded like it should do some damage (I was only going to use it in a 2channel music setup in the dining room). I was completely underwhelmed. Needless to say I did not buy the Sony. At full gain the Sony was about as loud as the Velo at 35%, but had no feel in your gut (the Velo wasnt all that impressive in that department either but it was miles ahead of the Sony).

I've no idea how the SA-WX900 compares, but I do know the Velodynes don't hold a candle to the newer ID subs so very much doubt the Sony is even in contention, but I'd be happy to be proven wrong.


I have read others say that they were dissapointed by the impact of this sub also. I am more concerned with clean musically accurate bass rather than any chest pounding impact. I love the fact that this sub blends into my mains perfectly without ever calling any attention to itself, just adding more weight to the low end, giving a sound as if the band/musicians are playing right in my room. A lot of other subs that I've heard are indeed louder, but instead put out muddied bass and give a sound like the band is playing in the room next door. Bass instruments sound about as realistic as I've heard them, from the trailing pluck of a string bass to the quick tight punch of a kick drum.
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post #25 of 32
1/30/08 at 3:07pm
I had the smaller Sony SAWX700 sub and while its a great sub for the money (around $200 at Circuit City about 2 years ago) once I switched to a HSU STF-2 there was no comparison. One day the Sony just quit working so I decided to upgrade and went with the HSU based on the recommendations of the many people here. Even my wife was impressed with the HSU replacement it went deeper (lower) and was WAY louder. The Sony was smooth and tight (like most sealed designs), but the HSU crushed it with much stronger punch and more power. For the money the HSU is well worth it (and then some)... on paper the Sony looks like the winner but your ears will quickly tell you the HSU is the real deal

BTW Agoraquest is a Sony owners forum, so there is no doubt the sub gets good reviews over there.
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post #26 of 32
1/30/08 at 5:05pm
I have the 700 in my Setup, its corner loaded and I feel no need to upgrade.
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post #27 of 32
1/30/08 at 9:19pm
I rely on CNET to tell me what toothbrush to buy,what diapers to avoid and what piece of audio gear is good or not ! Yeah CNET is a very credible source for audio. Ahem yeah woohoo lets all take their word for it,and read the five liner reviews with pertinent tests! Yes ahem.

Go CNET Go may the force be with you.Luke I am your father. NOOOOO
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post #28 of 32
1/30/08 at 10:45pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by JMII View Post

I had the smaller Sony SAWX700 sub and while its a great sub for the money (around $200 at Circuit City about 2 years ago) once I switched to a HSU STF-2 there was no comparison. One day the Sony just quit working so I decided to upgrade and went with the HSU based on the recommendations of the many people here. Even my wife was impressed with the HSU replacement it went deeper (lower) and was WAY louder. The Sony was smooth and tight (like most sealed designs), but the HSU crushed it with much stronger punch and more power. For the money the HSU is well worth it (and then some)... on paper the Sony looks like the winner but your ears will quickly tell you the HSU is the real deal

BTW Agoraquest is a Sony owners forum, so there is no doubt the sub gets good reviews over there.

I appreciate your feedback on the comparison between your old Sony and your new HSU. Just as the prior reviewer, you said that the compared to sub was louder than the Sony (and you said deeper too). Power aside, I am interested in your comments on which one you thought sounded more accurate or realistic for music? How much music vs. movies do you listen to/watch? What situations or material would you listen to, if any, where you think that the Sony would perform better to your ears? Thanks.
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post #29 of 32
1/31/08 at 1:37pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hamlet00 View Post

I appreciate your feedback on the comparison between your old Sony and your new HSU. Just as the prior reviewer, you said that the compared to sub was louder than the Sony (and you said deeper too). Power aside, I am interested in your comments on which one you thought sounded more accurate or realistic for music? How much music vs. movies do you listen to/watch? What situations or material would you listen to, if any, where you think that the Sony would perform better to your ears? Thanks.

For music the Sony was pretty good, it had what sounded like a very flat response. In comparison to my previous sub (an Infinity 8" w/150 watts) the Sony was very impressive in its low-end... but then I got the HSU and it was on a whole different level. It all depends on what your used to for reference... if you have some little bookshelf speakers or really small sub the Sony would sound fanastic. Then stepping up to the HSU was a similar jump in performance.

Ported designs normally sound too "punchy" to me, but the HSU is tuned fairly low (25Hz) so it gets plenty deep and with authority thus making it a great sub for movies. For listening to music at low levels in a small space the Sony is an excellent choice (especially for the money).

I'd say I'm 70/30 in movie/music mix thus the HSU seems like a better fit for me.
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post #30 of 32
2/1/08 at 4:37pm
As mentioned before, I've only experienced the SA-WX700 and IMO, if it is musicality you are after, go with floorstanding speakers. Not only will the integration be better (there is none ehehe) but many floorstanders will walk all over the Sony.

Of course this advice is useless if your only option is to buy a sub.
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