[DukeNJ]

Hi Folks,


I finally got around to bringing my old Mirage PS-12-180 upstairs to connect to the new system (Pioneer SC-07, Mirage M5si speakers, new TV). This sub creates a lot of low rumble. Has the power to shake the room (24x17x catherdral ceiling - prob ~5500 cf). It has a problem in that the level rheostat isn't working well and it is hard to adjust. Right now its set too high - even my receiver's auto setup thinks so and there isn't much I can do about it at the moment.


So...here's the question. Lots of rumble, plenty of volume. What can be expected from a modern sub in terms of clarity and detail? I know that's a vague question.


I've read others hear that say there new....hsu/svs/ed/velo/ .... sub brings out more detail and clarity than they expected. They've heard things that they didn't no were present before.


Sounds great, but I don't know what I don't know and we're short on hifi stores to go see what's possible. From my perspective the local Magnolia demos aren't any better - meaning no particular detail in the bass, just lots of rumble.


What do you think? What would you recommend for a room my size? The Mirage 12", 180 watts gets more than loud enough. We usually listen at -30 to -15db. Rarely had the system up to -10, that's pretty loud. A nice veneer would be good since this is a family room and it will be in plain site, but value is more imporatant than finish.


Thanks as always.

 

[mojomike]

Did you you have an approximate budget and do you have a size preference?

 

[DukeNJ]

Budget. Well, I'd like to stay under $600, but I'm open. Question is what you get for the add'l $$$.


I don't have a size preference. Its a big room and its located in a corner. I think the current sub is 18x18x18. It can be a little bigger. Wouldn't want something 30 inches tall

 

[rick240]



Quote:
Originally Posted by DukeNJ /forum/post/15489336


Budget. Well, I'd like to stay under $600, but I'm open. Question is what you get for the add'l $$$.


I don't have a size preference. Its a big room and its located in a corner. I think the current sub is 18x18x18. It can be a little bigger. Wouldn't want something 30 inches tall

Lots of options from the usual suspects in that price range:


- SVS, PB12-NSD, PC12-NSD

- Epik, Knight

- HSU, VTF-2 MK3

- ED, A3-300 (add $50 to the budget and there's the A5-350)


Probably others, but any of those would make you happy.

 

[DukeNJ]

Thanks Rick,


How do they compare though? Strengths / weaknesses?


And what do you get as you go up the ladder - more volume, or more detail. Don't need the former, would like the latter.


Tough question I know - so much is subjective, but without being able to hear them....


Sorry for the question. I'm just not able to hear comparisons.


Thanks,

 

[Aaron Gilbert]

So if the PS12-180 could be fixed, would it still suffice for your needs, or are you really looking for something a bit more stylish, also? I am working on that exact model this week, and all it needed was some cleaning to the level and crossover potentiometers, and a handful of small capacitors replaced on the amplifier circuit board. This one also needed a new woofer, but you may not have that issue. I'm pretty curious to see how it compares, since I so seldom see this vintage Mirage subwoofer.One thing I don't like about it is the fact that it uses fiberglass stuffing and it's ported - I sure don't want fiberglass in my air.


The Martin Logan Dynamo is an excellent unit at $600, but I'm not sure how it compares to the others mentioned already.

 

[rick240]



Quote:
Originally Posted by DukeNJ /forum/post/15490579


Thanks Rick,


How do they compare though? Strengths / weaknesses?


And what do you get as you go up the ladder - more volume, or more detail. Don't need the former, would like the latter.


Tough question I know - so much is subjective, but without being able to hear them....


Sorry for the question. I'm just not able to hear comparisons.


Thanks,

Of those I've only actually heard the PB12-NSD.


I was recently shopping in a slightly lower price range then you and ended up with a Paradigm DSP-3100 (with PSB 5i and SVS PB10-NSD as the options). My choice was based on I would have been happy with any, the 3100 was $100 cheaper and I could have it today.


craigsub's review over at TCA (use this link ), it gives quite a bit of thought.


You can find threads here for each of those brands and peruse. Unless you have a really fine ear, and are comparing multiple subs in the same room at the same time, odds are with any of the subs suggested (including the ML) you'd be happy and can choose subjectively (size, finish, brand) and will be very happy and will find all kinds of people here who will congratulate you whichever you choose.


PS. I am no expert.