cel4145,
All are entitled to our own opinions - but I don't agree.
Here's how it boils out in my mind.
Average Joe enthusiast buys a $200 sub, (or even a normal price $300 sub) They are 'happy" to have the 'improvement' in sound when compared to no sub, but from the first moment they've heard better at the theater, at a friends house, whatever. Depending on their personality or interest they already know they will likely need or want to upgrade at some point.
Average Joe enthusiast buys a $500-$750 sub (heavily weighted towards the $750 + side). Average Joe is very impressed. Given their average, small room, they've likely never heard better in a theater, or at a friends house. They are satisfied until they update the rest of their system or hear better at some future point. Often times this takes years for an upgrade, if ever. Many times they never revist the subwoofer forums because they are satisfied or even come back to say their $600 Outlaw is the best thing they've ever heard and they don't know how any sub could be worth the improvement in price over what they have now. etc.
That's a big difference in responses and from what I've seen - its typical.
By the way, the Klipsch RW-12D has been on sale about every other week or two for $300 - $350 dollars at newegg for nearly the last year.
Proof:
http://slickdeals.net/newsearch.php?forumchoice%5B%5D=9&q=Klipsch+RW-12D&showposts=0&archive=0&firstonly=1
It was a $700 sub and was middle of the pack when compared directly with other $700 subs in 2007 in the sound and vision shootout when compared to SVS, Velodyne, HSU, and Outlaw competitors -- all very respectable competitors.
http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/shootout-five-mid-price-subwoofers
The Klipsch certainly isn't the end all, but it's a darn good deal at that price.
http://www.avsforum.com/t/1390563/klipsch-rw-12d-omnimic-frequency-response-graphs/0_50
There were a couple people at the 2012 KC meet who thought the Klipsch subs sounded better than some of the actual entries that cost
significantly more.
I count myself among the many who followed the cheap sub to nice sub upgrade path. For a long time around here there used to be guys who advised skipping the cheapies and doing it 'right' the first time. I now fall among those ranks. The evidence is easily seen if you think about it. Thread after thread after thread.
bradman,
a threadcrapping troll? --- get lost man. I've learned a lot from this community over the years and given plenty back as well. My interest is to help here, and provide some balance to the other side of this purchase option. I guess there's a first for everything and I believe you are the first to call me a troll in this forum. I see from your post history you are in the market for a sub right now, and considering an S10.3 among others in hopes of upgrading from a sony 12". Fine. Instead of calling me a threadcrapper and ignoring my advice, perhaps you should pay some heed. I've heard multiple dozens of all manner of subs in the last couple years. Hosted two subwoofer meets, and attended a third. I really enjoy this hobby and am engrossed in it. That's not the definition of a forum troll. If there's a high end sub frequently discussed on this forum - I've made it my business to hear it. why? Because I have a real enthusiasm for subwoofers. I'd recommend seeing if there is anyone in your area with some quality subs and see what all the rave is about.
http://www.avsforum.com/t/1354149/the-ill-demo-my-subwoofer-for-other-enthusiasts-thread/0_50