Best Bang-for-the-Buc Sub (Choices, Choices)

[jamison162]

Please advise....

1) 10"/250watt Infinity PS10 ($263)
2) 12"/300watt Infinity PS12 ($322)
3) 10" Titanic MKIII Kit ($350)
4) 10" Polk PSW404 ($400)
5) 10" HSU STF-2 ($425)
6) 10" SVS PB10-ISD ($470)
7) 12" Polk PSW505 ($500)
8) 10" Velodyne DLS-3750R ($500)
9) 10" HSU VTF-2 MK 2 ($525)

[This Guy]

there's a topic just like this down the page. read it cause this has already been covered.

[Woochifer]

I would add the Adire Rava and the Acoustic Visions MRS-10 to your list as well. Those are sealed subs, which might work better for you if you have a smaller room.

Rather than get too obsessive about which sub to choose, you should also get to know how to properly set the thing up and how to address room acoustical issues. As you get further into the lower frequencies, the room's influence over the bass increases dramatically. Some of the threads this week on the Behringer Feedback Destroyer (BFD) are a very good introduction to this topic. IMO, addressing room issues is every bit as important as which subwoofer you choose.

[shokhead]

svsubwoofer 25-31pci

[Shwamdoo]

The 10'' Titanic Mark III kit will outperform any of those subs and most that cost sugnificantly more. It is an easy and quick set up and I would definatly recomend it.

[shokhead]

Do a comparison spec sheet between the 25-31,the mark III and hus vtf and see how they do on paper.

[jamison162]

Sounds like a good idea, what specs should I really be keying in on? Not to experienced when it comes to great subs.


Shwamdoo: I take it you own, have owned, at least heard the Titanic?

[kexodusc]

Do a comparison spec sheet between the 25-31,the mark III and hus vtf and see how they do on paper.

The specs taken outside in a "quasi-anechoic chamber" are meaningless at best. One would have to decide if sound quality or bass extension is the determining factor for purchasing a sub first. Will it be used for HT or music primarily?

Port the Titanic and it's a whole new ballgame...seal the other two and see how they do. I'd personally be wary of anyone selling subwoofer based on specs alone. There is a world of difference in sound between ported and sealed designs. If you want added boom and extension at the expense of musical refinement, then I would recommend a ported sub.
There's some Sony speakers out there with better specs than Dynadio's...doesn't mean anything.

Jamison162: The best comparison I can give is my subjective opinion. I traded in a VTF-2 to buy a PW-2200, this was a fantastic upgrade. I later built my parents the 12" Titanic MKIII. It was a better sub than mine for less money.
You'll have to make a decision yourself though. SVS fans claim SVS subs are the best, Hsu Research fans haven't been impressed with SVS offerings. How many of these people have actually listened to different models at the same time in the same room? Probably very few.

Though I haven't heard the Rava, I have heard Dayton DVC subs which use the almost identical driver (built by the same manufacturer). The Rava's driver is a small step up on the DVC and by everything I've heard from installers/builders familiar with both, is a better value. With a nice oak veneered cabinet already included, I would tend to recommend this.

Given the wide variety of designs and personal tastes, it's doubtful a "best value" will emerge.

[Geoffcin]

Please advise....

1) 10"/250watt Infinity PS10 ($263)
2) 12"/300watt Infinity PS12 ($322)
3) 10" Titanic MKIII Kit ($350)
4) 10" Polk PSW404 ($400)
5) 10" HSU STF-2 ($425)
6) 10" SVS PB10-ISD ($470)
7) 12" Polk PSW505 ($500)
8) 10" Velodyne DLS-3750R ($500)
9) 10" HSU VTF-2 MK 2 ($525)

I don't have the review handy, but I remember the the PSB sub came out the winner. I've never heard that sub, but it won both the performance specs, and the listening tests. If I were in the market I would at least look them up.

[rod]

Velodyne.

[jamison162]

Do you think the Rava would be adequate for my room size and needs. 19' x 19' with 11' ceilings and hardwood floors. Not gonna be able to watch all our movies full-on. Yall know how woman are about bass and I have a 1.5 yr old to think about. Just wanna fill in whats missing in the low end with my Polk RTi Series system. I would like to feel a little rumble/vibration with say Jurassic Park, but I don't wanna knock any pictures off the wall or split the crown moulding.

[kexodusc]

I've done quite well with a PW-2200 in 2 rooms larger than yours. Unless you're really demanding 100+ dB of SPL consistently you shouldn't have much problem. Actually the Rava has a legit long excursion woofer, lots of air being pushed by that unit.
To be honest, if the Rava doesn't cut it in your room, I'm doubtful any 12" worth listening to at loud SPL's is going to be enough, in which case you're stuck looking at 15" subs (and increasing the budget) or adding a second sub.
Do you have a sub now, and if so how does it handle? Do you have an SPL meter to measure your typical listening volumes from your seating position?

I'd be shocked if any of the 12" units mentioned in this thread weren't sufficient for you.

[jamison162]

Currently no sub. I have been putting together a new system.

My previous HT experience: 1st system was a Sony HTIB, not bad but I soon wanted more; I remember those satellites and sub really sucked - but surround sound was cool.

I moved on to the Onkyo LSV-500C HTIB. A step in the right direction, however, I soon found that I did not like the Receiver/5 DVD player combo unit and starting having trouble with the player. The speakers weren't bad and the 8" downfiring sub (sealed enclosure I believe) was nice. I still had trouble with the wife on turning it up to take full advantage during action flix.

Anyways, I sold the Onkyo and have purchased a Denon AVR 1804 Receiver, Denon DVD 2200, and Polk Audio Speakers (RTi4 fronts, CSi3 center, and FXi3 surrounds). I also have a pair of JBL Northridge Outdoor Speaker on the screened porch.

Just need my sub. A 10" would prolly do it, but I can always turn down the 12" and have the extra punch if i ever want/need it. The Rava sounds great at $399.

Thanks all! I'll let you guys know how it works out!