600 bucks from Dubya and I need a new Sub

[gburglax]

Hello all. I'm looking forward to that nice $600 check from the government to keep me happy and looking to spend it as immediately as I can. I've been running the same Velodyne CT-120 for about 6 or 7 years now and its been touchy for a while. The inputs are messed up and often go to a hum when played at a moderate volume. Plus the powersave mode has ceased to work. Nothing major but I figured it might be time to upgrade and move the old one to my bedroom.

I'm looking to spend in the $600 dollar range and was looking for some suggestions. I used to know way more about the current models but have fallen out of touch the past couple years. I've done some light searching looking at other Velodyne models, Paradigm (got Studio 20's V.3 as mains and the V.2 as surrounds), B&W, Sunfire, etc. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[RoadRunner6]

Stay away from the "mini" cube subs like the Sunfire unless you are really pinched for space and you need the smallest box possible, They are very nice but give up the lowest bass extention and the lowest distortion in turn for the small box. They need heavy magnets and huge amps to overcome the drawbacks.

Go for a traditional larger sub if you have the space for superior performance. From the local dealer brands the Velodyne's are excellent.

My recommendation is to look at the direct to end user companies. Their subs are excellent and the prices are great. Check out SVS, HSU and Outlaw Audio. Outlaw Audio subs are desgined with help from Dr. HSU and sort of HSU clones with some differences. I personally own the Outlaw LFM-1 Plus (replaced by the the LFM-1 EX). Here are a couple of possibilities. Be sure you read the reviews as listed at the websites.

http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-cyl-pcpow2.cfm

http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-pb12nsd.cfm

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-2-mk3.html

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-3-mk3.html

http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/lfmEX.html

The website photo of the Outlaw LFM does not do justice to the appearance. My wife loves the aesthetics in our living room. It is a satin black finish on the sides, front and rear with a gorgeous inlaid black plexiglass top.

RR6

[RoadRunner6]

PS Check out the weights on these subs and you will see we are talking about very serious subwoofers! The prices are amazing.

[RoyY51]

I'll second the Outlaw LFM-1. I've had mine for about a year now, and I still LOVE it! I auditioned a half-dozen subs before I bought the Outlaw, and nothing under $1000 can touch it.

[audio amateur]

Where is Dubya?

[gburglax]

Dubya is our fearless and most esteemed ruler, George W Bush. Anyway, thanks for the suggestions. Are you allowed to audition these at home since they are factory direct to the customer?

[audio amateur]

Dubya is our fearless and most esteemed ruler, George W Bush. Anyway, thanks for the suggestions. Are you allowed to audition these at home since they are factory direct to the customer?
Lol thanks for the exlanation. I thought you meant Dubai or something haha!
Check out the Dayton Titanic 15 kit from www.partsexpress.com
A couple members have it here and like it.

[Feanor]

Hello all. I'm looking forward to that nice $600 check from the government to keep me happy and looking to spend it as immediately as I can....
. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Were I buying a sub, I'd look very seriously at a Rythmic Audio "Direct Servo" (http://www.rythmikaudio.com/products.html) sub; I'm willing to do the DIY.

[audio amateur]

The Rythmiks look good, I have one of their amps (although make sure your driver is wired at 4 + ohms as I've managed to over-heat it several times).
If you can assemble a box yourself, I'd recommend the exodus shiva-x driver, available at www.acoustic-visions.com
You have many options to choose from, especially if you make your own box. You can find more amps at partsexpress.com and elementaldesigns.com

[gburglax]

Thanks guys, checking all these out now but not sure I want to be putting things together. I'm not the most talented person that way

[RoyY51]

Dubya is our fearless and most esteemed ruler, George W Bush. Anyway, thanks for the suggestions. Are you allowed to audition these at home since they are factory direct to the customer?
If I remember correctly, the Outlaw has a 30 day return policy. I can't recall if shipping is included or not. Given the value of this sub, I doubt if this option is exercised much.