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Affordable Subwoofer

695 Views 14 Replies 11 Participants Last post by MaxM, Aug 21, 2000

MaxM

Discussion Starter · Aug 14, 2000

I have some small speakers that could you some help with the lower frequencies. I don't want to buy new speakers, because I like the ones I have now. A subwoofer is called for. If anyone has any suggestions on a good subwoofer or brand of speakers please let me know.

My budget is under $500 for the total package. I know this doesn't seem like a lot to work with, but I'm sure there is something good out there. The subwoofer can be anywhere from a raw-driver, to a commercial powered subwoofer.

thanks

-Max

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Will Gibbons

· #2 · Aug 14, 2000

You may want to check this thread, http://www.digitaltheater.com/cfb/in...TID/63720.cfm. You'll notice on the above thread that a fellow posts by the name of "TV". He is one of the owners of SVS, but he gives very good sub advice, and as you can tell by the postings, that includes other manufacturers. The SVS subs are a bit above your budget, but there appears to be tremendous value for the dollar there. I would suggest you check out the web site www.svs.com.

Good luck,

Will

bpm2000

· #3 · Aug 14, 2000

Oh boy my first post. By "raw driver" do you mean you would be willing to make your sub? I just finished up a DIY subwoofer myself, and it priced around $500. It was a 15" Dayton audio DVC driver aprrx $125. ( www.partsexpress.com ) in a 12cu ft. sonotube enclosure apprx $100. I bought a used Peavey CS800 that puts out 400W x 2 @4ohms for $200. For the driver, enclosure costs, and power, I have myself a GREAT subwoofer that extends deep into 20hz and below, with more than enough power for headroom, for about $500.

Adam Turnage

· #4 · Aug 15, 2000

I too have to vote for the Avatar Audio Shiva. Outstanding driver, excellent price. I built two, in seperate enclosures, with a Mackie M-1400i amp, can't be beat for the money IMO.

David Wallis

· #5 · Aug 16, 2000

Looking at the latest Widscreen Review Subwoofer buyers guide may be a good idea. One that got a stunning review for $499 was the HSU VTF-2.

Lots of Sub tests included in this mag.

DavidW

DaveN

· #6 · Aug 16, 2000

The MTX-PS15 is available for <$500. Great review in Widescreen Review.

Dave

Andy Lammer

· #7 · Aug 16, 2000

This may be a little over budget, but the NHT SubTwo sells new for about $750.

You get 2 10" drivers, 500 watts of Sunfire power, and an outboard controller. The controller is the deal maker. It has fully variable low pass & high pass filters, full 360 degress phase control, a flat mode and variable "video contour" mode that adjust the slopes, and a volume control (of course). It is a stereo controller, so you can add a second SubTwo (without controller) later on at a reduced price.

The cabinet is not ported - the bass is tight, low, and can go loud.

The rectangular box means you can stand it up or on its side.

There is one with "damaged" grilles at www.audioreview.com for $650.

My 2 cents - Andy

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MaxM

Discussion Starter · #8 · Aug 17, 2000

I have decided to build a subwoofer. I already own a 2.2 cubic foot sealed encloser with a cut out for a 12" subwoofer. I have been having trouble finding a good sub for this enclosure (since its so small).

Any suggestions. I have seen some stuff from Dayton, and Adire that might work.

-Max

DaveN

· #9 · Aug 17, 2000

The MTX is carried by http://www.soundpros.com

Check their web site for availability. I bought 2 SVS subs so I have a used one that I would be willing to sell.

Dave

Ian Wilson

· #10 · Aug 18, 2000

I'd definately recommend HSU's VTF2 as mentioned by an earlier poster. Real output all the way to 20hz unlike many other wanabees. www.hsuresearch.com

Ian

Will Binegar

· #11 · Aug 18, 2000

Just in case you'd still consider buying rather than building, I'd go with a PSB Stratus Subsonic 3i. I would think you could pick up a used or demo for around $400. This was PSB's top of the line sub until about two years ago (they followed with a model that has a remote). It has a 15" woofer and a 300 or 400 watt amplifier. (I don't remember which.) Even though it has a 15" driver, it's not all that big and it looks nice (especially with the piano black gloss top). I had one for a few years and was very happy with it.

Will

[This message has been edited by Will Binegar (edited August 18, 2000).]

TV

· #12 · Aug 19, 2000

>>>I have some small speakers that could you some help with the lower frequencies. I don't want to buy new speakers, because I like the ones I have now. A subwoofer is called for. If anyone has any suggestions on a good subwoofer or brand of speakers please let me know.

My budget is under $500 for the total package. I know this doesn't seem like a lot to work with, but I'm sure there is something good out there.<<<

Be sure to check the lower freq limits of your current speakers...you want to make sure the woof can extend at least as high as the lower bass limits of the sats. In fact, a bit of overlap would be good.

>>> The subwoofer can be anywhere from a raw-driver, to a commercial powered subwoofer.<<<

Raw drivers...

there's plenty of good long throw 10/12/15" drivers now.

HSU,AVATAR,ACI,PE...ect,ect.

woofs...

JBL D112(<$200 at onecall) is a real good $200 woof.

Mission 700,and the HSU VTF-2 are both great units for

$500. The Klipsch SW12 is a good one too.

TV

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DavidY

· #13 · Aug 19, 2000

I just got my Mission 700AS (first of two 700AS subs) a couple of days ago. Just currently breakin' it in. http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/smile.gif Both subs for about US$650 shipped here in Canada (from a well known Canadian dealer). A few reviews at Audioreview also had reported street prices as low as US$300 each.

In Sound and Vision May 2000 issue, T. Nousaine had tested five $500 subs. Best of the bunch were the Hsu VTF-2 and the Mission 700AS. IMO, the Mission 700AS is probably the better bang for the buck, ~US$325 shipped versus ~US$550 shipped for the VTF-2. Some of the Nousaine's test results: LFE, 102dB at 25Hz and average SPL, 108.1dB between 25 and 62 Hz (10% distortion, 2 metres). Not too shabby for a US$300 sub.

Good luck.

Dave

MaxM

Discussion Starter · #14 · Aug 19, 2000

To clarify how small my speakers are.

I have a 1" tweeter, 3" midrange, (2) 8" woofers (passive/active).

They aren't quite satelites.

I am now going for DIY.

thanks for everyones help!

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MaxM

Discussion Starter · #15 · Aug 21, 2000

Does anyone know the URL to Dayton Loudspeaker Co.?

1 - 15 of 15 Posts

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