Good small subwoofer under $350?

I'm looking for a small sub (8" or 10") to match my Polk Audio RM7600
satellites and center. The obvious question is why not go for Polk PSW303 or
PSW404 (both are in the $300 range). My constraint is that there isn't a lot
of placement option for the sub, the only slot that I could fit a sub
is about 12"W and 16"D, Height is not an issue here. The PSW303 just
barely fit, it's my default choice but I'm hoping experts here may suggest
alternatives.

I'm looking for a decent quality sub with clear bass and low distortion mostly
used for music.Ideally it can go to 30Hz or lower. I don't need a lot of power
since the listening area is just about 13'x13', a 100W RMS sub should be
sufficient.So far I have tried the PSW303, and PSW550, and found both meet my
sound requirement. (PSW550 sounds better but it doesn't fit the physical
and price constraint).

The following speakers also fit the physical requirement, but I don't know
their sound quality. Does anyone have experience with them?

Infinity PS8
JBL Northridge EP150

Is it worthwhile for me to look into these subs at all?(bring one home and try
to match) Or should I just stay with the PSW303? Appreciate any other sub
recommendations or ideas. Given there are hundreds of sub vendors, there gotta
be more than 3 subs that can fit the bill....
Thanks in advance.

If you like the sound of more expensive subs.. don't compromise. Save your money and get what you really want, especially if you have a limited budget. No sense in buying something that you will want to upgrade the moment you get it in the door.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by remmib

I'm looking for a small sub (8" or 10") to match my Polk Audio RM7600
satellites and center. The obvious question is why not go for Polk PSW303 or
PSW404 (both are in the $300 range). My constraint is that there isn't a lot
of placement option for the sub, the only slot that I could fit a sub
is about 12"W and 16"D, Height is not an issue here. The PSW303 just
barely fit, it's my default choice but I'm hoping experts here may suggest
alternatives.

I'm looking for a decent quality sub with clear bass and low distortion mostly
used for music.Ideally it can go to 30Hz or lower. I don't need a lot of power
since the listening area is just about 13'x13', a 100W RMS sub should be
sufficient.So far I have tried the PSW303, and PSW550, and found both meet my
sound requirement. (PSW550 sounds better but it doesn't fit the physical
and price constraint).

The following speakers also fit the physical requirement, but I don't know
their sound quality. Does anyone have experience with them?

Infinity PS8
JBL Northridge EP150

Is it worthwhile for me to look into these subs at all?(bring one home and try
to match) Or should I just stay with the PSW303? Appreciate any other sub
recommendations or ideas. Give there are hundreds of sub vendors, there gotta
be more than 3 subs that can fit the bill....
Thanks in advance.

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http://www.hsustore.com/stf1.html

Give this one a try..

You can try the sub kits at PartsExpress. I hear they're pretty good for the money.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 46minaudio

http://www.hsustore.com/stf1.html

Give this one a try..

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The spec., price, reviews and all look good on paper.
I don't mean to judge the book by its cover, the website of hsuresearch isn't
quite as nicely done as some other well known names like Polk, Paradigm,
or Velodyne, etc...

Anyone in this forum actually has one or has experience with the STF-1?
Can you share your experience?

I own one and they can produce nice and clear bass, excellent for HT or music. Velodyne seems ready to discontinue their CHT lines so you can get them for less than $200 at 6th ave.com or JnR.com. If the size fits your room, I'm sure you will like it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by remmib

The spec., price, reviews and all look good on paper.
I don't mean to judge the book by its cover, the website of hsuresearch isn't
quite as nicely done as some other well known names like Polk, Paradigm,
or Velodyne, etc...

Anyone in this forum actually has one or has experience with the STF-1?
Can you share your experience?

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I have not heard the STF-1 but I have heard the STF-2 and it was great. I am sure you will be very impressed by the STF-1.

I personally made my own subwoofer enclosure and used Adire Audio speakers but if I were buying a subwoofer it would definitely be a Hsu Research or an SVS. SVS is out of your price range.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JeffKnob

I have not heard the STF-1 but I have heard the STF-2 and it was great. I am sure you will be very impressed by the STF-1.

I personally made my own subwoofer enclosure and used Adire Audio speakers but if I were buying a subwoofer it would definitely be a Hsu Research or an SVS. SVS is out of your price range.

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Thanks for everyone's input, after reading surfing the web quit a bit, there seems to be
lots of positive comment about the Hsu subwoofer. I am leaning toward getting
the STF-1. Unfortunately buying online is the only way since there doesn't seem to be a local dealer I can just go visit, listen and pick it up. Buying without being able to hear it first is a risky thing. Although they have a 30 days return policy, repacking and shipping isn't really something one would look forward to... ..

Quote:

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Originally Posted by remmib

Thanks for everyone's input, after reading surfing the web quit a bit, there seems to be
lots of positive comment about the Hsu subwoofer. I am leaning toward getting
the STF-1. Unfortunately buying online is the only way since there doesn't seem to be a local dealer I can just go visit, listen and pick it up. Buying without being able to hear it first is a risky thing. Although they have a 30 days return policy, repacking and shipping isn't really something one would look forward to... ..

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Check and see if you have a local compusa.They sell HSU...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 46minaudio

Check and see if you have a local compusa.They sell HSU...

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Went there yesterday, they don't carry the STF-1, and they charge 15% restocking
fee :(

Went to compusa to listen to the HSU STF-2. Customer service was horrible, no one was working in the Home Theatre area. I tried to go up to the customer service desk but all 6!!!!!! of the compusa people were helping 1!!!! person. Since so many people have talked so highly of this sub company I will go back and try to get a listen on another day. However I can only imagine that bad customer service will hurt the company as I'm sure many people don't know a lot about the subs. There were other more well-known manufacturers represented. Don't understand why a company with a good product would try to sell in a computer store but hey, if it works.