[jjjuser47]

Hi, long time lurker and finally able to put in a theatre room! Wondering what sub you would pick? Budget is about $700 total and I’d like 2 subs. I’m between Klipsch R-120SW or REL HT/1003 which would both be in budget (with some deals I’ve found). Also open to other suggestions. Room is a dedicated room that is 23x14.
Thanks for any and all suggestions!

 

[jamiesaun85]

Interesting question, I'd like to know what more experienced members think as well, as I am still very new to all of this.

Personally, I went for one big sub, with the idea of getting another big sub later. So pay more for one big sub or less but get two smaller subs. Curious to know which route is better.

 

[spyboy]

Hi, long time lurker and finally able to put in a theatre room! Wondering what sub you would pick? Budget is about $700 total and I’d like 2 subs. I’m between Klipsch R-120SW or REL HT/1003 which would both be in budget (with some deals I’ve found). Also open to other suggestions. Room is a dedicated room that is 23x14.
Thanks for any and all suggestions!

Between the Klipsch R-120SW and the REL HT/1003, I would get a pair of the REL HT/1003. Also take a look at the $400 SVS SB-1000 in black ash, in the outlet with no damage.

 

[rekbones]

Unless your willing to DIY and build your own via maybe flat packs $700 isn't going to get you 2 "new" very good subs. If DIY is out put the $700 towards one sub and save up for the second one later. If you buy 2 cheap subs I can almost assure you that you will be replacing them eventually and you will loose your initial investment.

 

[eljaycanuck]

... finally able to put in a theatre room! ... Budget is about $700 total and I’d like 2 subs. ... Room is a dedicated room that is 23x14. ...

Assuming an 8' ceiling you've got a 2,576 cu.ft. space. I'd definitely look at one good sub now and another one later on.

For ~$700, options include:

• an HSU VTF-2 MK5 (currently on sale for $759, shipped)
• an SVS Outlet Special PB-2000 (there's one available right now for $600, shipped);
• an SVS Outlet Special PB-1000 Pro (none currently available)
• a Monoprice Monolith M-10 V2 ($650, shipped, but can be had for under $600, shipped, when on sale)

 

[jamiebosco]

Neither
Stretch the budget (may as well do it right the first go around,it'll save you money in the long run) and get a single HSU VTF3 mk5, and then save up over the next year or so for a second
A single VTF3 will have more output than duals of either of your choices, and will leave you in a MUCH (!!) better position to be happy in the long run

 

[dpc716]

Duals of either sub you're considering would be better than nothing, but neither are particularly good home theater performers. A couple of things to consider during the purchase decision is getting something that will be in line with the rest of your system as well as your listening goals. It would make little sense to buy $5000 subs to go along with a cheesy satellite system, or to get wimpy kleenex box sized subs to pair with decent tower speakers.

As far as listening goals consider the experience you're after. Do you want a system that just sounds good, or has a "fun factor" included? Do you want an earthquake you're watching on screen to sound like one, or seem like one?

It may well be the duals you're considering would work out fine for you, or perhaps you really want something better. There's no one size fits all with this... what I would do isn't necessarily right for you.

If after some consideration you fear your goals are outrunning your budget try scouring the used market. Most places there are subs available for pennies on the dollar at least as good, and often better, than what you're looking at. These can tide you over until you have an opportunity to splurge for something better.

Good luck!

 

[derekmoore]

Another vote for NEITHER!

I'd add the new RSL to the list of suggestions already mentioned above. Speedwoofer 12S Coming Soon - RSL Speakers Get a 2nd one later as funds allow.

I think Hsu VTF2.5 would be a good start as well.

 

[BASSAHOLIC]

Interesting question, I'd like to know what more experienced members think as well, as I am still very new to all of this.

Personally, I went for one big sub, with the idea of getting another big sub later. So pay more for one big sub or less but get two smaller subs. Curious to know which route is better.

If you know with certainty a second big sub is on the agenda, then a single big sub now makes sense.

 

[jamiesaun85]

That's what I was thinking. Two smaller woofers doesn't really make sense to me, unless its a small room. Then it does.

 

[Spunky Noodle]

I got the Polk Monitor XT12, I am personally pretty happy with it.

 

[eljaycanuck]

I got the Polk Monitor XT12, I am personally pretty happy with it.

XT12

• 12" driver
• 50W (RMS/continuous) amp
• "delivers bass almost to the edge of human hearing—down to 24Hz" +/-??dB

Might not be ideal for the OP's situation.

 

[jamiesaun85]

XT12

• 12" driver
• 50W (RMS/continuous) amp
• "delivers bass almost to the edge of human hearing—down to 24Hz" +/-??dB

Might not be ideal for the OP's situation.

50w? Did you mean 500w?

 

[Spencer J]

50w? Did you mean 500w?

50 watts RMS, 100 peak

 

[T1G8RS_FAN]

Duals of either sub you're considering would be better than nothing, but neither are particularly good home theater performers. A couple of things to consider during the purchase decision is getting something that will be in line with the rest of your system as well as your listening goals. It would make little sense to buy $5000 subs to go along with a cheesy satellite system, or to get wimpy kleenex box sized subs to pair with decent tower speakers.

As far as listening goals consider the experience you're after. Do you want a system that just sounds good, or has a "fun factor" included? Do you want an earthquake you're watching on screen to sound like one, or seem like one?

It may well be the duals you're considering would work out fine for you, or perhaps you really want something better. There's no one size fits all with this... what I would do isn't necessarily right for you.

If after some consideration you fear your goals are outrunning your budget try scouring the used market. Most places there are subs available for pennies on the dollar at least as good, and often better, than what you're looking at. These can tide you over until you have an opportunity to splurge for something better.

Good luck!

^^^THIS!

@jjjuser47,

Without a solid plan in place, you, like most of us, are going to wind up costing yourself more money in the long-run, because you'll more than likely be underwhelmed with purchases made without first being diligent in the research prior to spending, which will also help in understanding the right questions to ask, because as you can see already, just by asking a basic question regarding Sub A vs. Sub B, you're going to get a bunch of different responses that can/will cause some to get a bit overwhelmed, which also leads to what we call "Analysis Paralysis", and trust me...that doesn't help at all.

I say this, because without first knowing what it's going to take to reach a particular goal, you're just aimlessly throwing money at something that you don't have the proper understanding of the performance that it will give you. Meaning, if you like to listen at louder volumes (not necessarily at reference volumes, but louder) and you're only planning to use an AVR to power them, you'll want to take a speaker's sensitivity rating into consideration (as well as listening distance from them), because the higher it is, the less power it will take to drive them to higher sound pressure levels. If you want a greater impact level from your low end, meaning subs, and you want to FEEL those explosions or the pounding footsteps of a T-Rex and Kong, then you'll need bigger, better subs in order to achieve that goal. Not to mention having the extra headroom necessary to prevent driving the subs to their limits in critical moments where peak levels can get pretty high sometimes with those explosions in movies, or just wanting to jam out on some bass heavy content in music.

The things I've mentioned will also help give you a better understanding of what your realistic budget should be, so this is why I will always try to encourage folks that are new to the hobby to exercise some patience and do their proper due diligence prior to making any purchase decisions, because like I mentioned before, it can wind up costing you more money in the long run by having to upgrade and losing $$ in the process by having to sell the old gear at a loss. This also goes for learning what it will take to set things up and integrating it properly.

That being said, as @dpc716 stated, you can keep some of the costs down by looking into the used market. I actually did this with my first system and saved a boatload of money...but you still have to be patient and wait on the good deals. Lol

Basically, it all boils down to the 'ol adage around here, which is, "Buy once. Cry once!", as well as, "It's not a sprint. It's a marathon, so enjoy the journey.", because these practices in mindset will not only save you some cash in the long-run, but it will give you the best possible experience based on set budget and proper integration.

A little long winded and a lot to digest here I know, but we all started out exactly where you are, and a vast amount of us on here learned these things the hard way...some even worse than others. Lol

Anyway, I hope this helps, and please share your thoughts/experiences with us once you're able to get your system put together.


Cheers! And welcome to the rabbit hole...errrr...FORUMS!!

TF

 

[jamiesaun85]

50 watts RMS, 100 peak

Huh, thats crazy

 

[Snausy]

For someone in your situation it always ends up being better to just get the biggest best sub you can now and then add another one at a later date when you have more money.

If you get two smaller or less capable subs it's likely you will be back a couple years down the road to spend more money.

 

[jamiesaun85]

^^^THIS!

@jjjuser47,

Without a solid plan in place, you, like most of us, are going to wind up costing yourself more money in the long-run, because you'll more than likely be underwhelmed with purchases made without first being diligent in the research prior to spending, which will also help in understanding the right questions to ask, because as you can see already, just by asking a basic question regarding Sub A vs. Sub B, you're going to get a bunch of different responses that can/will cause some to get a bit overwhelmed, which also leads to what we call "Analysis Paralysis", and trust me...that doesn't help at all.

I say this, because without first knowing what it's going to take to reach a particular goal, you're just aimlessly throwing money at something that you don't have the proper understanding of the performance that it will give you. Meaning, if you like to listen at louder volumes (not necessarily at reference volumes, but louder) and you're only planning to use an AVR to power them, you'll want to take a speaker's sensitivity rating into consideration (as well as listening distance from them), because the higher it is, the less power it will take to drive them to higher sound pressure levels. If you want a greater impact level from your low end, meaning subs, and you want to FEEL those explosions or the pounding footsteps of a T-Rex and Kong, then you'll need bigger, better subs in order to achieve that goal. Not to mention having the extra headroom necessary to prevent driving the subs to their limits in critical moments where peak levels can get pretty high sometimes with those explosions in movies, or just wanting to jam out on some bass heavy content in music.

The things I've mentioned will also help give you a better understanding of what your realistic budget should be, so this is why I will always try to encourage folks that are new to the hobby to exercise some patience and do their proper due diligence prior to making any purchase decisions, because like I mentioned before, it can wind up costing you more money in the long run by having to upgrade and losing $$ in the process by having to sell the old gear at a loss. This also goes for learning what it will take to set things up and integrating it properly.

That being said, as @dpc716 stated, you can keep some of the costs down by looking into the used market. I actually did this with my first system and saved a boatload of money...but you still have to be patient and wait on the good deals. Lol

Basically, it all boils down to the 'ol adage around here, which is, "Buy once. Cry once!", as well as, "It's not a sprint. It's a marathon, so enjoy the journey.", because these practices in mindset will not only save you some cash in the long-run, but it will give you the best possible experience based on set budget and proper integration.

A little long winded and a lot to digest here I know, but we all started out exactly where you are, and a vast amount of us on here learned these these the hard way...some even worse than others. Lol

Anyway, I hope this helps, and please share your thoughts/experiences with us once you're able to get your system put together.


Cheers! And welcome to the rabbit hole...errrr...FORUMS!!

TF

Huh, nobody told me to slow down. Yall tripled my budget in less than 3 days. lol

Wife is still pissed. But like I said, I'm prettier, so its fine.

 

[Kothoga]

Big room, save until you can get at least one ported 18", or go with that 50W Polk.

 

[derekmoore]

Hi, long time lurker and finally able to put in a theatre room! Wondering what sub you would pick? Budget is about $700 total and I’d like 2 subs. I’m between Klipsch R-120SW or REL HT/1003 which would both be in budget (with some deals I’ve found). Also open to other suggestions. Room is a dedicated room that is 23x14.
Thanks for any and all suggestions!

As already mentioned your room is on the mid to larger size so bigger is better for subs. But if you just cant wait for duals, then I would suggest a pair of these Shopping Cart (chanemusiccinema.com) plus a miniDSP 2x4HD for Active Crossovers: miniDSP 2x4 HD and a umik Acoustic Measurement Tools: UMIK-1 (minidsp.com)

You'll be all-in for right around $700 after shipping is factored in and you'll have the least amount of loss reselling when you are ready to step up to a pair of 15" or bigger. Also you'll get the benefit of learning REW and how to properly integrate subs into your room/system. The miniDSP and Umik will stay will you for every upgrade you make from there forward too. Bonus!