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Help me decide on ~$800 sub - SB-2000, Rythmik L12, HSU VTF-MK3

1039 Views 7 Replies 6 Participants Last post by KidHorn, Oct 16, 2019

iaudio

Discussion Starter · Oct 15, 2019

System:
Setup includes Revel Concerta2 M16 speakers + (Anthem MRX 520, Denon X3600H or Marantz 7013) receiver

Room size:
Listening/living room space is one section (1/3rd) of the 1000 sq ft open space

Two subs are not an option due to $, space constraints and WAF
I have a decent size wall niche which will house TV and equipment. The SVS and Rythmik may go in there, but Hsu has to be outside due to height (will do if Hsu is so much better)

I haven't listened to any of the 3, but narrowed down based on price and what I've read on the forums.

Thanks in advance. The researching part of HT is time consuming but fun !

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macgallant

· #2 · Oct 15, 2019 (Edited)

You maybe setting yourself up for disappointment if your subwoofer location is already pre-determined. This rarely works for optimal placement/performance.

The HSU will provide a much better HT experience but not if your placement options are limited. If going with a smaller/sealed sub will allow you more flexibility in placement i would go that route.

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eljaycanuck

· #3 · Oct 15, 2019

macgallant said:
You maybe setting yourself up for disappointment if your subwoofer location is already pre-determined. This rarely works for optimal placement/performance.

+1.

That said, in that large a space like yours you'll get the best combination of overall output and extension with a ported sub like the VTF-3 MK5 HP.

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JimWilson

· #4 · Oct 15, 2019

iaudio said:
System:
Setup includes Revel Concerta2 M16 speakers + (Anthem MRX 520, Denon X3600H or Marantz 7013) receiver

Room size:
Listening/living room space is one section (1/3rd) of the 1000 sq ft open space

There are some competing circumstances it seems. You have small bookshelf speakers, are looking at small subwoofers yet there is a massive amount of space to consider. Assuming your room has the typical 8' ceiling height, that's 8000 ft^3 which has to be account for (rooms that size very rarely have 8' ceilings though so the total cubic volume is probably much greater). I know you said the living room is only 1/3rd of the space but a subwoofer does not see it that way I'm afraid. It only works with physical boundaries, not virtual ones, so it's going to try and pressurize the entire space. None of the subwoofers you're considering will come close to being sufficient I'm afraid. If you sat very close to it one seat might be OK, but other viewers would find the bass very lacking.

Eljay's suggestion of a 15" subwoofer is a better option but even that will fall short unfortunately. If this is going to be used for HT you won't find the experience acceptable with small speakers, a small subwoofer and a huge amount of space to fill.

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iaudio

Discussion Starter · #5 · Oct 16, 2019

JimWilson said:
There are some competing circumstances it seems. You have small bookshelf speakers, are looking at small subwoofers yet there is a massive amount of space to consider. Assuming your room has the typical 8' ceiling height, that's 8000 ft^3 which has to be account for (rooms that size very rarely have 8' ceilings though so the total cubic volume is probably much greater). I know you said the living room is only 1/3rd of the space but a subwoofer does not see it that way I'm afraid. It only works with physical boundaries, not virtual ones, so it's going to try and pressurize the entire space. None of the subwoofers you're considering will come close to being sufficient I'm afraid. If you sat very close to it one seat might be OK, but other viewers would find the bass very lacking.

Eljay's suggestion of a 15" subwoofer is a better option but even that will fall short unfortunately. If this is going to be used for HT you won't find the experience acceptable with small speakers, a small subwoofer and a huge amount of space to fill.

Much thanks guys. I didn't quite think of it this way - didn't consider the 'whole' room aspect - but your explanation totally makes sense. I'll start looking at Hsu's in that case and open up to the option of having to buy two. I fear the toddler and pet will ruin these. Oh, well, we'll see ;-

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macgallant

· #6 · Oct 16, 2019

iaudio said:
Much thanks guys. I didn't quite think of it this way - didn't consider the 'whole' room aspect - but your explanation totally makes sense. I'll start looking at Hsu's in that case and open up to the option of having to buy two. I fear the toddler and pet will ruin these. Oh, well, we'll see ;-

to protect you subwoofer from your child/pet you may want to consider a down-firing subwoofer.

PSA v1510DF/V1512DF
Outlaw X12/X13

the PSA offers the best value but the outlaw's will be slightly more "child proof" since both the port and driver are downfiring

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lizrussspike

· #7 · Oct 16, 2019

@macgallant, has a solid point. a down firing option removed the toddler factor. As @ JimWilson and @eljaycanuck have mentioned, you have a large space to fill, and one sub will struggle.

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KidHorn

· #8 · Oct 16, 2019

Buy one now and see how it goes and maybe get a 2nd later.

Lots of people have limited placement options for subs and make it work. So don't fret over it.

I would get a ported over sealed. Sealed are only better in small enclosed rooms where they can benefit from room gain. In a large open space, get ported. The only sealed I would get for a large open room would be ones with 2 drivers, but they're huge and expensive.

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