[whiteboy714]

I know that Klipsch subs don't get a lot of love around here. But lets say my max budget is truly $650. No stretching.

This sub seems like the best option. Other options in this price range (a bit cheaper) are 10". And the 12" options are a good amount more. (thinking Monolith and SVS)

There is the HSU VTF-2 MK5, for me about $575 shipped. But it is also a 12".

I will be using the sub for about 50/50 HT and music. But I would like it to get low for movies. I currently have two RW10's, they are ok since they are the best I have ever had,
but I know a good sub could do a lot more.

The room is pretty big, vaulted ceilings open concept with the dining and kitchen area connected. Maybe 25'x20'.

I know for AVS standards many will say none of these options are enough for this room. But remember I said I am ok with the current setup, not that I don't want more (hence the upgrade)
But I will never have the cash to throw around like many do here so thats a moot point.

Someone want to talk me out of getting the 115sw?

I have been researching the DIY route. With time constraints, limited (if any) access to a shop, and waf I am hesitant to go down that road. Looking for commercial options here.

Thanks

 

[ratbuddy]

You could do much worse for $650. At full price that sub isn't really worth it, but the current sale/closeout price is tough to beat.

 

[MIX_MASTER_ICE]

From what I have read, supposedly Klipsch finally addressed the issue that had so many of their sub plate amps fail prematurely. I would still be hesitant to get one unless the deal was stellar, which $650 doesn't qualify. Considering the HSU VTF-2 mk5 is currently $577/shipped and has nearly the same output in 2 port mode as the R-115, I see no reason to get the Klipsch. The HSU is smaller, has tuning flexibility and can be operated in 3 different port modes, including sealed. I would pocket the $73 and go with the more reliable HSU.

 

[ratbuddy]

$650 is definitely stellar for that sub. Check camelcamelcamel - it's the lowest Amazon has ever sold it for. His space is huge, the HSU has less output and the fewer-ports/sealed mode are irrelevant given that huge amount of space he needs to fill.

 

[whiteboy714]

$650 is definitely stellar for that sub. Check camelcamelcamel - it's the lowest Amazon has ever sold it for. His space is huge, the HSU has less output and the fewer-ports/sealed mode are irrelevant given that huge amount of space he needs to fill.

Yeah I just did that and it seems like a great sale. I have a birthday at the end of october and would not be buying until then, so who knows what will be happening then.

 

[MIX_MASTER_ICE]

$650 is definitely stellar for that sub. Check camelcamelcamel - it's the lowest Amazon has ever sold it for. His space is huge, the HSU has less output and the fewer-ports/sealed mode are irrelevant given that huge amount of space he needs to fill.

I know Frys has had it for $500 or less on several occasions. If you look up the numbers on these two subs they are very similar in max output when the HSU is in 2 port mode. In 1 port mode the VTF-2 has a bit lower extension capability. He can buy whatever he wants, but if it were me there's absolutely no way I would pay more to get the R-115 than the VTF-2.5.

 

[whiteboy714]

I know Frys has had it for $500 or less on several occasions. If you look up the numbers on these two subs they are very similar in max output when the HSU is in 2 port mode. In 1 port mode the VTF-2 has a bit lower extension capability. He can buy whatever he wants, but if it were me there's absolutely no way I would pay more to get the R-115 than the VTF-2.5.

Don't kill me...everything else is Klipsch and I think they look great in a matching set.

Ha, HSU is one that has been on my list. I notice that the current price says summer sale so not sure what it may go back to. But I may go that route when the time comes.

 

[MIX_MASTER_ICE]

Don't kill me...everything else is Klipsch and I think they look great in a matching set.

Ha, HSU is one that has been on my list. I notice that the current price says summer sale so not sure what it may go back to. But I may go that route when the time comes.

It's not that the R-115 is a bad sub for performance, just a bad sub for reliability. If you want a copper coned sub to match your copper coned speakers, then that's understandable. Like I already mentioned, both the Klipsch and HSU subs are nearly the same output wise when the HSU is in 2 port mode, but the HSU does give you flexibility in how you run it that you don't get at all with the Klipsch. The VTF-2.5 is currently on sale, but HSU only discounts this sub by $30 and they do run a sale on it several times a year. Since you are waiting anyway, I would aim for Black Friday and see where the chips fall for sales that hit at that time of year.

 

[rhelliott2]

HSU VTF-2 mk5 FTW.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

 

[whiteboy714]

It's not that the R-115 is a bad sub for performance, just a bad sub for reliability. If you want a copper coned sub to match your copper coned speakers, then that's understandable. Like I already mentioned, both the Klipsch and HSU subs are nearly the same output wise when the HSU is in 2 port mode, but the HSU does give you flexibility in how you run it that you don't get at all with the Klipsch. The VTF-2.5 is currently on sale, but HSU only discounts this sub by $30 and they do run a sale on it several times a year. Since you are waiting anyway, I would aim for Black Friday and see where the chips fall for sales that hit at that time of year.

That is definitely the wiser choice. If I can hold off another month lol.

The flexibility of the HSU does sound like a neat option to have. And a failed amp would suck on the Klipsch if that happened.

 

[ratbuddy]

That is definitely the wiser choice. If I can hold off another month lol.

The flexibility of the HSU does sound like a neat option to have. And a failed amp would suck on the Klipsch if that happened.

Eh, the flexibility only matters in a much smaller room than yours, and the amp issue was resolved quite some time ago. Currently shipping subs are not affected.

 

[doni01]

That is definitely the wiser choice. If I can hold off another month lol.

The flexibility of the HSU does sound like a neat option to have. And a failed amp would suck on the Klipsch if that happened.

They did fix the amp issues but even if it goes, they will ship you a brand new one out that same day you call!! I personally as well love the look of the Klipsch and still have a R112sw along in my living room along with my two Mono12's

 

[whiteboy714]

They did fix the amp issues but even if it goes, they will ship you a brand new one out that same day you call!! I personally as well love the look of the Klipsch and still have a R112sw along in my living room along with my two Mono12's

I guess it's not that big of a deal but could be a pain. Someone is selling bstock models for a smoking deal right now but I'm but ready to pull the trigger. We'll see what happens in a couple months.

I do really like the look of the 115.

 

[arcticbowman]

I have two of those in my theater, and about to order a third for the rear. I'm very impressed so far with them after 2 years of heavy use. Apparently they make the SPL-150 now which I'm told is the same as the R115SW.


Try e-mailing Acoustic Sound Design in Las Vegas for a price. Mike will typically offer a better price than what is listed on the website. I used him for my 7.2.4 theater and am using him again to upgrade to 7.3.6.

 

[basshead81]

At that price I would get the HSU.

 

[gtgray]

I guess it's not that big of a deal but could be a pain. Someone is selling bstock models for a smoking deal right now but I'm but ready to pull the trigger. We'll see what happens in a couple months.

I do really like the look of the 115.

You need to make sure the seller is a Klipsch authorized reseller. No authorization, no warranty. Buying a R-115sw is a crapshoot. No way to know if it has the revised amp. The idea that you can count on Klipsch shipping out a replacement the same day does match my experience. I have a replacement amp on back order since early July. Best they could tell me was late August or sometime in September.

If you could buy the SPL-150 for that price I would say jump on it. Fry's had the R-115sw as cheap as $399.

 

[whiteboy714]

You need to make sure the seller is a Klipsch authorized reseller. No authorization, no warranty. Buying a R-115sw is a crapshoot. No way to know if it has the revised amp. The idea that you can count on Klipsch shipping out a replacement the same day does match my experience. I have a replacement amp on back order since early July. Best they could tell me was late August or sometime in September.

If you could buy the SPL-150 for that price I would say jump on it. Fry's had the R-115sw as cheap as $399.

Yeah thats what I am hearing the guy I have in mind is authorized. But he is selling B-Stocks for the price you listed at fry's. He is even doing some testing on them to check the amps. He said they usually go really soon, was that your experience?

Although since they are b-stock they carry a 90 day warranty. That seems pretty sketchy given all the issues, even if they are quick to deal with the problem a back ordered amp is no amp. At least while you wait. That would suck for someone like me that would just have 1 of them.

I might take a gamble if I could get it down towards $400. But if I am paying upwards of $600 I think I would just go with HSU.

 

[liffie420]

Don't kill me...everything else is Klipsch and I think they look great in a matching set.

Ha, HSU is one that has been on my list. I notice that the current price says summer sale so not sure what it may go back to. But I may go that route when the time comes.

Klipsch doesn't make bad speakers. Their low end line the R series, what you normally find in a vanilla Best Buy, are not well liked by some but the higher end RP series are usually well liked. Their subs are kind of the same, the smaller ones the 10 and 12 inch models aren't well liked because you can get a better sub at the same price from other brands. The 15 inch however is pretty universally liked.

 

[GatoGoat]

Yeah thats what I am hearing the guy I have in mind is authorized. But he is selling B-Stocks for the price you listed at fry's. He is even doing some testing on them to check the amps. He said they usually go really soon, was that your experience?

Although since they are b-stock they carry a 90 day warranty. That seems pretty sketchy given all the issues, even if they are quick to deal with the problem a back ordered amp is no amp. At least while you wait. That would suck for someone like me that would just have 1 of them.

I might take a gamble if I could get it down towards $400. But if I am paying upwards of $600 I think I would just go with HSU.

Is the 714 your area code? If you live in southern California , HSU has a listening room in Orange county that you can set up an appointment for a demo. The last Best Buy Magnolia I went to had the R115SW playing in a demo room , I was pretty surprised by how it sounded..how it compares to the HSU , im not sure...

 

[whiteboy714]

Is the 714 your area code? If you live in southern California , HSU has a listening room in Orange county that you can set up an appointment for a demo. The last Best Buy Magnolia I went to had the R115SW playing in a demo room , I was pretty surprised by how it sounded..how it compares to the HSU , im not sure...

It was but I left 5 years ago. Can't change the user name. I know the local BB has a 15" Klipsch. I should bring some demo material.