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Completely lost when looking for new sub

2138 Views 45 Replies 12 Participants Last post by cel4145, Feb 24, 2014

Opentoe

Discussion Starter · Feb 21, 2014

My main speakers are PSB speakers. I have the T5 series. They sound great, but my current Klipsch sub has been really weak and I don't even know why I bought it in the first place. I want to accommodate what I have now with a Subwoofer that isn't too much, but not too little either. Unfortunately there are so many models and makes it is so confusing. I will be hooking the Subwoofer up to my Denon X4000 receiver which has around 125 watts output per channel. I only want to get one 12" Subwoofer. I don't really like a lot of low sounds, but do want my movies to sound better. Then comes the price. I've seen models going for $300 and then models going for $2000 and up. My price range is about $700-$1000. I figured I could get a decent 12" Subwoofer in that price range. Can someone point me in the right direction on which model(s) I should be looking to get? Of course some of my friends just say "Sunfire" but just because of their name and price tag doesn't mean I have to get one. I'm really looking for a decent, high quality sub that will work technically with my Denon receiver too. I wouldn't mind buying it online, but would like to get it local if I could so it doesn't have to flopped around in a truck when shipped to me. Gets flopped around anyway coming from the manufacturer enough. I really appreciate any feedback on this. Time to dump this Klipsch!

Thanks

1 - 20 of 46 Posts

eljaycanuck

· #2 · Feb 21, 2014

Quote:
... I only want to get one 12" Subwoofer. I don't really like a lot of low sounds, but do want my movies to sound better. ... My price range is about $700-$1000. I figured I could get a decent 12" Subwoofer in that price range. Can someone point me in the right direction on which model(s) I should be looking to get?

1. How low are the "low sounds" you don't like? And if you don't like them, why get a subwoofer?

2. You can get a lot more than "a decent 12" Subwoofer" for $700-$1,000.

That said, get something like the HSU VTF-3 MK4 (currently on sale for $659 + $99 shipping) and run it in open-port mode for maximum output (and reduced extension).

Reactions: 1

Opentoe

Discussion Starter · #3 · Feb 21, 2014

Quote:
Originally Posted by eljaycanuck /t/1519022/completely-lost-when-looking-for-new-sub#post_24387333

1. How low are the "low sounds" you don't like? And if you don't like them, why get a subwoofer?

2. You can get a lot more than "a decent 12" Subwoofer" for $700-$1,000.

That said, get something like the HSU VTF-3 MK4 (currently on sale for $659 + $99 shipping) and run it in open-port mode for maximum output (and reduced extension).

I never heard of HSU but will check them out.

My ears are very sensitive. I have exceptional hearing, which I mean I can hear really good. I'm just able to hear things other people can't. It is a curse, trust me. I hear every little tick, static, knock, how ever you want to say whatever they are, I hear them. When I'm driving I have to use ear protectors. So I think not liking the "lows" is just because my ears are sensitive but once in a while I do want to turn on the media player and play some of my MP3's while I clean the house, etc and I'd need a good subwoofer to get the sound I want. I was told to get a PSB Subwoofer since all my other speakers are PSB. I forgot what the word is, but its called something where you'd want to keep all the sounds similar I think...but with a subwoofer I wouldn't think it would matter. I guess it is time to do some subwoofer research!

Thanks

eljaycanuck

· #4 · Feb 21, 2014

Quote:
I was told to get a PSB Subwoofer since all my other speakers are PSB. I forgot what the word is, but its called something where you'd want to keep all the sounds similar I think...but with a subwoofer I wouldn't think it would matter.

The word might be "timbre-matching" but that usually refers to your front three speakers (most definitely) and your surrounds (recommended, but not as critical as the front three). You are correct that the sub does not need to be matched to the speakers.

Thank you for explaining what you mean about not liking lows. And I can see why you might want a sub with good sound but not necessarily tremendous output or extension.

HSU is a well-regarded brand. Some others are SVS (svsound.com), PSA (powersoundaudio.com), Rythmik (rythmikaudio.com). There are several more as well.

In your price range, and although it's quite a different type of sub from the VTF-3 MK4, the Rythmik F15 might be another good option for you. (It would be just over $1K, including shipping.)

Reactions: 1

Opentoe

Discussion Starter · #5 · Feb 21, 2014

Quote:
Originally Posted by eljaycanuck /t/1519022/completely-lost-when-looking-for-new-sub#post_24387419

The word might be "timbre-matching" but that usually refers to your front three speakers (most definitely) and your surrounds (recommended, but not as critical as the front three). You are correct that the sub does not need to be matched to the speakers.

Thank you for explaining what you mean about not liking lows. And I can see why you might want a sub with good sound but not necessarily tremendous output or extension.

HSU is a well-regarded brand. Some others are SVS (svsound.com), PSA (powersoundaudio.com), Rythmik (rythmikaudio.com). There are several more as well.

In your price range, and although it's quite a different type of sub from the VTF-3 MK4, the Rythmik F15 might be another good option for you. (It would be just over $1K, including shipping.)

Thanks for the suggestions. My friend told me to check out the Velodyne Impact 12" sub. I was expecting a huge price tag and it's only $499 MSRP. You think something like that is a little low on the quality scale I'm looking to get? That F15 looks like a monster! That may be a little too much/big for me. I'm not against paying for it, but of course want the best for my dollar.

I guess I shouldn't even take a ride to Best Buy. Do they even carry nice quality Subwoofers?

Thanks again.

eljaycanuck

· #6 · Feb 21, 2014

Quote:
My friend told me to check out the Velodyne Impact 12" sub. I was expecting a huge price tag and it's only $499 MSRP. You think something like that is a little low on the quality scale I'm looking to get?

It's a modestly-powered sub. For the same money ($499, including shipping), you might want to consider the well-rated SVS SB-1000. ( Here's a good review of the SB-1000 and its sibling, the PB-1000. ) SVS offers free return shipping within 45 days, so if you don't like the sub, return it and the in-home demo costs you $0.

Quote:
That F15 looks like a monster! That may be a little too much/big for me. I'm not against paying for it, but of course want the best for my dollar.

It sounds as though your needs are modest - nothing overly powerful, just some good, clean sound - so IMO you really don't need to spend a lot of money. The SB-1000 - or if you want to go a little higher up the chain, its bigger sibling, the SB-2000 ($699, shipped) - would likely suit your needs quite well. ( Here's a review of the SB-2000. )

Quote:
I guess I shouldn't even take a ride to Best Buy. Do they even carry nice quality Subwoofers?

They do carry some decent subs, but you won't get the same value-for-dollar as you will with an Internet-direct (I.D.) sub.

Hopinater

· #7 · Feb 21, 2014

I agree with everything Eljay has said. I think your money would be best spent looking at the sealed SVS subs that he mentions above (SB-1000 and SB-2000). I will also reinforce what the says about the free shipping and free in home trial so really you don't even have to take a risk.

basshead81

· #8 · Feb 21, 2014

Pick up a SB-2000 or a PSA XS15 call it a day.

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Reactions: 1

shadyJ

· #9 · Feb 21, 2014

I'd go for the VTF3. It lets you tune the sub's sound to your taste. You can taper down the lows by a slight amount from the Q control or more drastically by using open ported mode. You can also knock the lows down further by plugging a port and set the tuning control to two ports open, that is called overdamped mode. There are a lot of different ways of controlling the deep bass frequencies on the VTF3.

Reactions: 1

flickhtguru

· #10 · Feb 21, 2014

Ok OP it sounds like your needs are modest, BUT no one asked what size your room is. So what is the total cubic footage of the room and any area open to the room where the sub is? Once we know that we can more accurately give you advice for a sub.

wpbpete

· #11 · Feb 21, 2014

Quote:
Originally Posted by shadyJ /t/1519022/completely-lost-when-looking-for-new-sub#post_24388067

I'd go for the VTF3. It lets you tune the sub's sound to your taste. You can taper down the lows by a slight amount from the Q control or more drastically by using open ported mode. You can also knock the lows down further by plugging a port and set the tuning control to two ports open, that is called overdamped mode. There are a lot of different ways of controlling the deep bass frequencies on the VTF3.

+1 Totally agree, considering your hearing sensitivity, the versatility of the HSU may be huge factor. Where as most subs don't offer this kind of versatility, with the HSU you'll be able to almost infinitely customize it to your particular need.

cel4145

· #12 · Feb 21, 2014

Quote:
Originally Posted by Opentoe /t/1519022/completely-lost-when-looking-for-new-sub#post_24387403

My ears are very sensitive. I have exceptional hearing, which I mean I can hear really good. I'm just able to hear things other people can't. It is a curse, trust me. I hear every little tick, static, knock, how ever you want to say whatever they are, I hear them. When I'm driving I have to use ear protectors. So I think not liking the "lows" is just because my ears are sensitive but once in a while I do want to turn on the media player and play some of my MP3's while I clean the house, etc and I'd need a good subwoofer to get the sound I want. I was told to get a PSB Subwoofer since all my other speakers are PSB. I forgot what the word is, but its called something where you'd want to keep all the sounds similar I think...but with a subwoofer I wouldn't think it would matter. I guess it is time to do some subwoofer research!

Could be, too, with any bass sensitivity that bad, thumpy bass from budget subs would bother you more than a good, tight sounding accurate sub. So I think you are on the right track.

In this regard, the various Internet direct subwoofer vendors mentioned in this thread will definitely exceed what you could buy locally from a retail store by a significant SQ improvement.

Quote:
Originally Posted by basshead81 /t/1519022/completely-lost-when-looking-for-new-sub#post_24387833

Pick up a SB-2000 or a PSA XS15 call it a day.

+1

This would be my suggestion, too. My belief is that the best sealed subs in this budget range can give you a little better SQ experience over the best ported subs, whereas the ported subs would give you more max output and perhaps deeper extension. So unless your room is unusually large, I'd go with these two suggestions or a Rythmik sealed sub, but you would have to spend more for one of theirs.

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bear123

· #13 · Feb 21, 2014

My advice to you would be to purchase both an SVS PB-2000 and SB2000, demo them both in house for the 45 day trial period. Keep the one you are happy with and send the other back.

basshead81

· #14 · Feb 21, 2014

Quote:
Originally Posted by shadyJ /t/1519022/completely-lost-when-looking-for-new-sub#post_24388067

I'd go for the VTF3. It lets you tune the sub's sound to your taste. You can taper down the lows by a slight amount from the Q control or more drastically by using open ported mode. You can also knock the lows down further by plugging a port and set the tuning control to two ports open, that is called overdamped mode. There are a lot of different ways of controlling the deep bass frequencies on the VTF3.

Or you can buy a sealed sub and not have to mess with all that stuff.

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cel4145

· #15 · Feb 21, 2014

Quote:
Originally Posted by basshead81 /t/1519022/completely-lost-when-looking-for-new-sub#post_24389562

Or you can buy a sealed sub and not have to mess with all that stuff.

And the OP can let Audyssey XT32 in the Denon X4000 smooth out the frequency response, and those other features should not be necessary. Well, unless one wants to get into buying calibration mics and learn REW to further refine the in-room response, assuming XT32 doesn't seem to manage it.

shadyJ

· #16 · Feb 21, 2014

Quote:
Originally Posted by basshead81 /t/1519022/completely-lost-when-looking-for-new-sub#post_24389562

Or you can buy a sealed sub and not have to mess with all that stuff.

The point is it lets the user determine the performance, and it's nice to have it available whenever you want it. A sealed sub will get you one type of response which you are stuck with. A VTF3 lets you determine almost exactly how much deep bass output you want.

cel4145

· #17 · Feb 21, 2014

Quote:
Originally Posted by shadyJ /t/1519022/completely-lost-when-looking-for-new-sub#post_24389741

A VTF3 lets you determine almost exactly how much deep bass output you want.

That's not accurate. It allows you some flexibility. Personally, I think if those kinds of adjustments are important, better to choose between sealed and ported and get a Rythmik sub with it's fully functional PEQ amp feature.

shadyJ

· #18 · Feb 21, 2014

You get a lot of freedom in determining the low end of the VTFs. Between the Q control, and two ports, one port, sealed, and overdamped, that is a lot of flexibility to set the deep bass output. You would need to step up to the FV15HP to find that kind of control on a Rythmik sub. Rythmik gives you a lot of choices to filter deep bass electronically, but physically altering the tuning point is a much more potent tool in allowing and subtracting headroom.

cel4145

· #19 · Feb 21, 2014

Quote:
Originally Posted by shadyJ /t/1519022/completely-lost-when-looking-for-new-sub#post_24390049

You get a lot of freedom in determining the low end of the VTFs. Between the Q control, and two ports, one port, sealed, and overdamped, that is a lot of flexibility to set the deep bass output. You would need to step up to the FV15HP to find that kind of control on a Rythmik sub. Rythmik gives you a lot of choices to filter deep bass electronically, but physically altering the tuning point is a much more potent tool in allowing and subtracting headroom.

You can think what you want, but I think the PEQ controls that come on all the Rythmik models, other than the LV12R (I don't think it has it), are a more robust solution because it's a PEQ--it lets you choose the center frequency. The VTF does not have a full PEQ control.

shadyJ

· #20 · Feb 21, 2014

PEQs are nice but they do not change the actual headroom a sub has, except to limit it. They are really meant for taking out peaks, but since the OP has a AVR-X4000, that isn't going to be a concern. I agree that typically a PEQ is probably a bit more useful than a Q control, but not for the OP's purposes. Variable tuning is a much more powerful feature for controlling a sub's response than either.

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