Hi, all. New to the forums, this is my first post. Building my first HT system, and getting to the subwoofer selection.
My question is more theoretical, rather than individual sub selection.
My listening room is (will be, not completed) about 18' x 22' x 8' (approx. 3,000 cubic ft). TV will be along the long wall, and expected seating position(s) will be about 14ft or so back from that.
The same wall the TV is on has a passthrough to another room (currently no door, but may be). There is an opening to the stairwell leading upstairs.
Room is not going to be dedicated to HT. It will be a basement family/living/TV room. Usage is probably going to be about 60% general TV/sports viewing, 30% movies and 10% other.
I have bought a Yamaha RX-A800 receiver and a Boston Acoustics "Classic" speaker set - eventually will add 2 more speakers to get to 7. (Don't necessarily expect that either the AVR or speakers are there until they die...)
So, the question is this - many forums extole the virtues/advantages of purchasing Internet Direct subs - generally because they offer 20Hz (or lower) extension and tend to be cheaper than at brick and mortar stores.
I also understand that many movies now have sub-20 details in them.
But, I live in Atlantic Canada and getting many of these ID subs is actually more costly because of the duties and the fact the companies charge you crazy shipping outside the 48. Crossing the border for pickup is possible, and saves cash, but also means about 4hrs worth of driving and gas money. So, on the whole, I would say that this decision in Canada is not as easily the no-brainer that it is if you live in the US.
I can go to the local box store and get some "good" subs (with 25 or 28Hz ratings, maybe even 23 if I go for a 15") for the same or cheaper, or even get Paradigm local for as much as what some ID subs would eventually cost me.
So, for someone who a) currently doesn't have any subwoofer, b) will generally be using the system for TV viewing and c) has a toddler, so earthshaking bass is not the goal, is the extra performance of an ID sub (SVS, eD, Rythmik, HSU, Outlaw) going to be worth the extra cash (over some lesser subs) or hassles (ie. driving over the border to save the shipping)??
Please note, I have done a lot of research and read many threads here and elsewhere on comparisons between various particular subs. If I go ID, I have it narrowed down to a short list. I'm not looking for suggestions on particular subs (at least not now....)
The real question is whether in my room with my listening habits, will I ever get the true "benefits" of having a sub with under-20Hz performance?
I am sure this will generate some "spirited" discussion - thanks in advance.
My question is more theoretical, rather than individual sub selection.
My listening room is (will be, not completed) about 18' x 22' x 8' (approx. 3,000 cubic ft). TV will be along the long wall, and expected seating position(s) will be about 14ft or so back from that.
The same wall the TV is on has a passthrough to another room (currently no door, but may be). There is an opening to the stairwell leading upstairs.
Room is not going to be dedicated to HT. It will be a basement family/living/TV room. Usage is probably going to be about 60% general TV/sports viewing, 30% movies and 10% other.
I have bought a Yamaha RX-A800 receiver and a Boston Acoustics "Classic" speaker set - eventually will add 2 more speakers to get to 7. (Don't necessarily expect that either the AVR or speakers are there until they die...)
So, the question is this - many forums extole the virtues/advantages of purchasing Internet Direct subs - generally because they offer 20Hz (or lower) extension and tend to be cheaper than at brick and mortar stores.
I also understand that many movies now have sub-20 details in them.
But, I live in Atlantic Canada and getting many of these ID subs is actually more costly because of the duties and the fact the companies charge you crazy shipping outside the 48. Crossing the border for pickup is possible, and saves cash, but also means about 4hrs worth of driving and gas money. So, on the whole, I would say that this decision in Canada is not as easily the no-brainer that it is if you live in the US.
I can go to the local box store and get some "good" subs (with 25 or 28Hz ratings, maybe even 23 if I go for a 15") for the same or cheaper, or even get Paradigm local for as much as what some ID subs would eventually cost me.
So, for someone who a) currently doesn't have any subwoofer, b) will generally be using the system for TV viewing and c) has a toddler, so earthshaking bass is not the goal, is the extra performance of an ID sub (SVS, eD, Rythmik, HSU, Outlaw) going to be worth the extra cash (over some lesser subs) or hassles (ie. driving over the border to save the shipping)??
Please note, I have done a lot of research and read many threads here and elsewhere on comparisons between various particular subs. If I go ID, I have it narrowed down to a short list. I'm not looking for suggestions on particular subs (at least not now....)
The real question is whether in my room with my listening habits, will I ever get the true "benefits" of having a sub with under-20Hz performance?
I am sure this will generate some "spirited" discussion - thanks in advance.