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Sony SA-WX900 - aggregated info - a well kept secret? Great sub the price?

10067 Views 31 Replies 11 Participants Last post by Hamlet00, Feb 29, 2008

b8b

Discussion Starter · Jan 22, 2008

I have read for hours on this forums about subs. Unfortunately, all the affordable great subs (per Craigsub's list) are not available for immediate purchase (possibly not available for months). In my research, I discovered the Sony SA-WX900 - is this a diamond in the rough? An undiscovered killer sub? Few seem to know . I can purchase one for $639 shipped.

Here's what I've discovered:

- The Sony SA-WX900 gets great reviews here and here (not much, I know, but there's not much out there... yet?)

- User experiences and reviews all positive (very informative): AVForums 1 , Agoraquest

- The IC Module (Hybrid IC) is the Bang & Olufsen ICE1000A - more on that here

- 1,000 watts and two 12" drivers, seems impressive.

So, does anyone have any thoughts, advice or recommendations? I need to buy something and I'd rather not wait, but I am on a budget and want to get the best bang for the buck as well. My HT room is 14'x16'x10'.

I won't be much good to anyone as a reviewer as I am an IT guy but relatively inexperienced to AV (relative to most on these forums), so please don't encourage me to buy for that reason (though I would report my subjective results, of course). Thanks in advance for your time.

1 - 20 of 32 Posts

sterankoman

· #2 · Jan 23, 2008

Long time Sony fan and owner here. Sony subwoofer for $639 delivered? No, I would not invest that much $$ on a Sony subwoofer IMHO. There are plenty of alternatives readily available for less and better.

Hsu, Outlaw, Velodyne, SVS 12" thumpers can be in your room in a week from the day you order. There are others (ED, EPIK, Sunfire....) out there that may not be as pretty or may take a little longer, but $639 for a Sony sub? no...NO...NO IMHO.

Spezzy

· #3 · Jan 23, 2008

It is a well kept secret. Definitely nothing like the other Sony subs. I read a while ago (maybe a month ago???) on another forum where the member preferred the Sony over his PB12 Plus. I'd say go for it, you'd get it way before any ED options.

I personally have heard one as well. Compared to a Sunfire Signature EQ. Sony digged deeper.

b8b

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jan 23, 2008

Quote:
Originally Posted by Spezzy /forum/post/12901141

I personally have heard one as well. Compared to a Sunfire Signature EQ. Sony digged deeper.

I really appreciate your input! This is great information, especially if you heard it personally. I just wonder how it would compare with what else is out there in the same price range and if I should wait. It's certainly a unique item and, I think, relatively rare this side of the pond.

I initially only wanted to spend $300 on a sub, but realized if I was going to get real "feel" from it, had to spend more, so I reset the threshold at $700+/- and am searching for most bang for buck sub that I can get relatively soon since I have nothing. I would almost go so far as to pay Craigsub to eval it, I'm so curious. I know it's a Sony, but I'm just looking at technical merits and performance ratio to $. I can't seem to get a single recommendation from anyone (understandably, but still... it would be nice). I don't have the $ to spend trying more than one out, so I must choose wisely.

Spezzy

· #5 · Jan 23, 2008

In the price range against ID direct brands it's hard to tell. My only references are the SVS Plus subs and I didn't get to do an A/B comparison. If I were you I'd look for lower prices on the Sony or get an Epik, SVS, or HSU. Better yet, go DIY. I've gone DIY, absolutely love my sub. Digs deeper and is just as musical as the JL F113, in my opinion.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aaaubY4MQus

Where are you located? There may be forum members that are local to you that may be willing to let you hear their setups, to give you some insight on how subwoofers perform in-room.

b8b

Discussion Starter · #6 · Jan 23, 2008

I'd consider DIY if I knew exactly which one is best, if it had great documentation/plans here at AVSF, and if it was relatively easy. Do you have a specific DIY recommendation?

There are no other prices on the Sony, just one place to buy that I can find. I appreciate the recommendation of three different brands, but I am really trying to choose one specific sub... if you had to choose one, only one, what would you choose?

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Spezzy

· #7 · Jan 23, 2008

I'd choose Epik. Musicality and extension. I definitely wouldn't consider the SVS or HSU options bad, nor the ED. ED has amazing products, minus the looks. SVS has great theater capabilities, not so great musicality, exception being the PB13 (but out of your range). HSU has a good product, I'm not a fan of their aesthetics though. Epik doesn't have bad looks, (not furniture grade like the SVS' however), but they are musical and dig deep from what I've read.

But, over all I would pick DIY.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...ht=easy+button

Those directions/diagrams with the Mach 5 Audio IXL 18.4 and a Behringer EP2500 and you will be beating the JL Audio F113 in output. Musicality will be superb as well. DIY is the way to go if you can handle larger enclosures.

With my RL-P18 from Sound Splinter in a 25 cu ft enclosure, I have strong output to 8hz. I'm thinking of upgrading soon.

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CADOBHuK

· #8 · Jan 23, 2008

I think that guy lives in UK and thus even if Epik people ship him a sub it will not end up as such a bargain with the shipping to europe.

Spezzy

· #9 · Jan 23, 2008

Quote:
Originally Posted by CADOBHuK /forum/post/12902796

I think that guy lives in UK and thus even if Epik people ship him a sub it will not end up as such a bargain with the shipping to europe.

He did use the $ in his first post, so I kinda assume he's in the US somewhere, or Canada.

CADOBHuK

· #10 · Jan 23, 2008

Oh yeah he actually didnt state his location so probably somewhere in NA, I just got the wrong impression cause he linked to that british forum

Hamlet00

· #11 · Jan 29, 2008

b8b, I have the SA-WX700 (which is the little brother to the 900) and am immensely pleased with it. I have not compared in my system to high-end subs, but I would describe this as very musical, clean, fast and tight. I have heard many boomy subs which do not sound realistic at all as the Sony does. I would buy three more of these in a heart-beat if I could find them.

Please tell me where you can purchase the 900, since I have been searching for one myself.

b8b

Discussion Starter · #12 · Jan 29, 2008

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hamlet00 /forum/post/12964381

Please tell me where you can purchase the 900, since I have been searching for one myself.

If the mods will allow, THIS is the only place that seems to sell it stateside.

mather

· #13 · Jan 29, 2008

That place doesn't look appealing. A quick search doesn't reveal much about their service. I wouldn't buy from there, myself. With your budgeted ~$700, you can get better subs than the Sony. There's the AV123 MFW15 (wood veneers) w/ current discount that ends 31st, there's the Epik Knight or even Caliber. I understand about the long waits on some, but the ones above shouldn't be that long. Just something to consider.

Splicer010

· #14 · Jan 29, 2008

Quote:
Originally Posted by b8b /forum/post/12901770

I initially only wanted to spend $300 on a sub, but realized if I was going to get real "feel" from it, had to spend more,

No, no you don't...

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b8b

Discussion Starter · #15 · Jan 29, 2008

Quote:
Originally Posted by mather /forum/post/12967501

That place doesn't look appealing. A quick search doesn't reveal much about their service. I wouldn't buy from there, myself. With your budgeted ~$700, you can get better subs than the Sony. There's the AV123 MFW15 (wood veneers) w/ current discount that ends 31st,

Is that discounted price the $599 for the black and $699 for the wood veneers ($100 shipping as well)? If so, what will it go up to?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Splicer010 /forum/post/12967628

No, no you don't...

Heh, well I wanted to spend as little as possible, which I am in terms of price/performance

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mather

· #16 · Jan 29, 2008

Quote:
Originally Posted by b8b /forum/post/12967878

Is that discounted price the $599 for the black and $699 for the wood veneers ($100 shipping as well)? If so, what will it go up to?

Heh, well I wanted to spend as little as possible, which I am in terms of price/performance

For you question on the MFW15 w/ discount, black ~$671 (Mar-Apr ETA), wood veneers ~$748 (1 week?-Mar/Apr ETA depending on type of veneer). After Jan, assuming no other sale/promo, tack back on 10% on top of above estimates. The greatest savings is based on dual subs, there's additional discount but for your room, probably don't need to spend that much.

b8b

Discussion Starter · #17 · Jan 29, 2008

Quote:
Originally Posted by mather /forum/post/12968153

For you question on the MFW15 w/ discount, black ~$640 (Mar-Apr ETA), wood veneers ~$730 (1 week?-Mar/Apr ETA depending on type of veneer). After Jan, assuming no other sale/promo, tack back on 10% on top of above estimates. The greatest savings is based on dual subs, there's additional discount but for your room, probably don't need to spend that much.

Where are you seeing these discounted prices and how do you get them? I can't believe I missed this!

Update: I just spoke with AV123 and they said they only have gift certificate discounts (5% up to $1k, 10% over) he said I missed the pricing before the holidays ($100 less - Doh!). I'd like to get one for $640 (is that shipped?). Please advise. Thanks.

mather

· #18 · Jan 29, 2008

Quote:
Originally Posted by b8b /forum/post/12968434

Where are you seeing these discounted prices and how do you get them? I can't believe I missed this!

Update: I just spoke with AV123 and they said they only have gift certificate discounts (5% up to $1k, 10% over) he said I missed the pricing before the holidays ($100 less - Doh!). I'd like to get one for $640 (is that shipped?). Please advise. Thanks.

Oops, my fault, I was using the >$1000 10% discount to come up with those prices because I'm getting two and it was stuck in my head. I corrected my original post, for a single sub, it "should" be ~$671 black and ~$748 veneers, shipped.

See Mark's first post with the tiered savings.
http://av123forum.com/showthread.php?t=28415

I don't want to screw things up any further.

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Hamlet00

· #19 · Jan 29, 2008

Quote:
Originally Posted by b8b /forum/post/12966034

If the mods will allow, THIS is the only place that seems to sell it stateside.

Thanks for the response, but unfortunately I have already tried ordering the sub from that company. They actually do not have it in stock, and I'm not sure why they keep the status as being available. I have searched endlessly in the US and have had no luck finding either the WX700 or WX900. There are a few sources in Europe for the WX900, but I have not priced the shipping costs.

Can anyone point to another dual driver "push-pull" type sub that they have heard and think has similar characteristics to these Sonys?

Spezzy

· #20 · Jan 30, 2008

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hamlet00 /forum/post/12971973

Thanks for the response, but unfortunately I have already tried ordering the sub from that company. They actually do not have it in stock, and I'm not sure why they keep the status as being available. I have searched endlessly in the US and have had no luck finding either the WX700 or WX900. There are a few sources in Europe for the WX900, but I have not priced the shipping costs.

Can anyone point to another dual driver "push-pull" type sub that they have heard and think has similar characteristics to these Sonys?

Only other sub that I know of that is a pushpull design that is commercially available is the M&Ks like the MX-5000 and the little brothers.

1 - 20 of 32 Posts

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