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Another Subwoofer recommendation thread

mhedges

mhedges

Super Member
I am looking to add a subwoofer to my two channel mostly music system. The goal is to reduce some major room related suckouts (most noticably at 40 hz and it's multiples) by distributing the bass. Some details:

Budget: $300; could maybe go a little higher if really worth it
Room size: 19'x17', flat 8' ceiling
Main speakers: NHT Classic Fours

I am OK with buying used. Kind of tempted to look for an older NHT Classic sub since it would match my speakers, but they are ported and I'm wondering if a sealed unit might be better for me. What do you guys think?
 
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Around here, NHT subs show up on craigslist quite often way below your price point. I run an SW1P with a MA-1 amp with a pair of Super Zeros in the guest room and have been very happy. It's a vented 8" with external 80w amp. Response is into the mid 30s. The 10" version (IIRC) reaches to 22hz.

Mike
 
I second the Dayton recommendation but for $20 more go for the 1200 12" model. It reaches down to 25hz and for the price your still under budget even if you buy two (highly recommended).
 
Thanks for the feedback. So I'd be better off with two cheaper subs, rather than one more expensive one? Would I run them in mono or stereo?
 
It's not that the Dayton's are cheap, but rather a good bang for the buck especially considering you limited $300 budget.

As far as stereo or mono it depends on who you ask. Some like them in stereo while others like them in mono. I'd suggest you try it both ways and see what sounds best to you.
 
Add the Polk PSW10 to the mix. I bought one to add to my system to play with distributed bass and am quite pleased with it and the results. You should be able to get two of them for under your budget. IMO, you would be better off with two $150 subs than one $300 sub.
 
Forgot to also mention that I would really like to connect these wirelessly. I see Parts Express has a deal going - the 12" sub plus the wireless kit for $159. The kit alone is $70. So I'm thinking of getting that plus another 12" unit. Think that would be a good place to start?

How big of a deal are phase controls? These have a 0 or 180 switch. More expensive units have a continuously variable control.
 
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The continuously variable phase control is one of the things that set the better subs apart from the rest. Another, and more important feature IMO is servo control, but now we're talking way above your budget for one sub, let alone two.

With the AVR's today offering their own control of the sub's parameters it's been eliminated from most subs now. For us vintage guys this sucks as the variable phase makes it so much easier to blend with the mains. Adding a second sub actually makes this task at the same time more complex and easier if this makes any sense. The initial setup will take more time, but reaching low extension nervana should be easier, eh?
 
mhedges said:
I've been browsing AudiogoN and came across this velodyne. I like the idea of the auto EQ. Seems like a decent deal, and I could always add another one later:

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/su...2015-02-19-home-theater-34741-kissimmee-fl--2

I'm not saying the parts express unit is bad, but art of me would rather buy one nicer unit, then add another layer, rather than buying two cheaper units. Am I being stupid?
Click to expand...

These retail for $899, seems like a steal. Velodynes are a highly respected sub but I have no experience with this model. Could be it's riding on the coat tails of Velodine subs of old, only someone with more personal experience with this sub and the Dayton could tell you if it's better than just one of the Daytons never mind two.
 
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The bass EQ room correction will help with your "suck outs," that is for sure. Otherwise I would recommend a cheap used big sub that goes very low, used in conjunction with a behringer feedback destroyer to tune it to the room.
 
If WAF is a hang up with the bucket sub this Dayton Reference flat pack kit from PE paired with an Yung SD200 or 300 is a good option. Blows away my Bob Carver Sunfire and Velodyne for music. Total with the plate amp would be within budget.

The flat pack is an easy glue together. The Yung plate amp used outboard needs a simple drop in open frame but stacked picture frames might be an nice looking easy option.

Another feature I love about the bucket sub and the Dayton is their outboard amp allows placement anywhere. You're not restricted by having to be near an AC outlet and the controls are accessible since the amp is located in the rack.

P7300001.jpg
 
FWIW, I have been fooling with a Hsu 12" STF-3 Sub that I have owned for years but never really used. I have been trying to integrate it with a pair of Hornshoppes with what I'd call mediocre success. The problem is that the Horns are very quick and the Hsu is not. I can get great integration with test tones down to 25 HZ. But with music it doesnt work so well because the Hsu seem to smear the sound if they are providing any bass.

I think the bucket sub would work better and I built one but the Dayton plate amp was dead out of the box and I haven't been able to replace it yet.

I just offer the above FWIW. A subwoofer can certainly extend the low end of the system but whether it "works" well is a different issue when music is involved instead of test tones! :)
 
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Poultrygeist said:
If WAF is a hang up with the bucket sub this Dayton Reference flat pack kit from PE paired with an Yung SD200 or 300 is a good option. Blows away my Bob Carver Sunfire and Velodyne for music. Total with the plate amp would be within budget.

The flat pack is an easy glue together. The Yung plate amp used outboard needs a simple drop in open frame but stacked picture frames might be an nice looking easy option.

Another feature I love about the bucket sub and the Dayton is their outboard amp allows placement anywhere. You're not restricted by having to be near an AC outlet and the controls are accessible since the amp is located in the rack.
Click to expand...

I can't do the bucket sub. Sorry guys. But the PE kit looks interesting. Which one is it? They have a couple on their website.
 
Poultrygeist said:
http://www.parts-express.com/dayton...es-ho-subwoofer-and-cabinet-package--300-7090

http://www.parts-express.com/yung-s...ofer-plate-amplifier-module-no-boost--301-504
Click to expand...

Thanks.

I see they have a 10" and 12" unit model in the same line for only a little more $$.

It was always my plan if I ever needed a subwoofer to do one of these kits. But now that I'm in the market for one I'm just not sure I have the time, with three young kids and some other projects already in queue.
 
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