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Best Powered Subwoofer in the $1,000 Range

Too Loud

Too Loud

Member
My system is:
NAD 106 Preamp
2) Hafler 9290 amps
SMSL SU-9 DAC
Cerwin Vega XLS-15 speakers
Klipsch R-100SW Sub

I realize the CV speakers I have are not audiophile grade, but they match my amps perfectly and I love the sound of them. I have done a lot of experimenting with the Klipsch sub and I have everything setup as optimally as I can get it and I an very happy with the sound. The music hits you like a wall of sound, playing with the sub I realized how important it is and I think I can do better than the Klipsch.

So now, I am looking for a better subwoofer and my budget is around $1,000. As with everything in the audio world, there are many good choices out there. I need some guidance on finding what I hope will be the final piece of my audio puzzle.

I have always loved the Cerwin Vega sound and I am curious if I should get am matching CV sub, like the XLS-15S which sells for $760 or the CVA-118 (specs below) for $900.

What other good options are out there in this price range. I would prefer to buy new, but used is not a deal breaker.

ETA: I play the music very loud at times.

Thanks, Andy

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For that money you could get an SVS SB 2000 Sub (and still have some change left). It's only 12" but goes satisfyingly low. It's what I have and is the third and surely the last subwoofer that I'll own. They have a newer series that has DSP and works with a cell phone app, but I actually prefer the slightly lower tech one that I have because it's not tied to cell phone tech that will surely change in a few years. I prefer the SB, non-ported style as the bass might not be quite as thunderous as the ported version, but is tighter and I have feeling that it sounds better in a wider variety of positions (place a ported one too close to a wall and it may sound muddy). Though I realize that it may have a lot to do with the speakers that you pair it with, but I must say that this sub sounds much more "integrated" with the speakers I have than did my old JBL sub, which wasn't really a bad one either. The SVS to my ears sounds dramatically better than the ported 12" JBL that I had, showing me that there are definite differences in these things.
 
The SVS SB-3000 looks very interesting, coming in right at $1,000.

What about the Klipsch SPL-150? Amazon has them in stock for $800 (specs below). Right now I have a Klipsch R-100SW, a budget sub, but I am very impressed with it.

What is the most important specs on a sub? I am looking at, in no particular order:

1. Size of the woofer, I understand that a lot can be done with a 12", or in the case of the SVS, 13" but my thoughts are that if you start with a 15" you need for work-arounds.

2. Wattage, I'm not sure I will ever use more than 400 watts.

3. Frequency range, the lower the better, correct?

4. Weight, the rule of thumb in the old days was that large speakers have to be heavy, if they aren't, they are typically sub-standard components. .

Thanks Again! Andy

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Rather than get one large expensive 15" or larger sub, buy two 12" subs. You can place them asymmetrically where they will tend to cancel out dips and peaks from each other.

Also, if using bookshelf speakers use the subs as stands. If they don't get the tweeters to ear height use short stands.
 
JoeESP9 said:
Rather than get one large expensive 15" or larger sub, buy two 12" subs. You can place them asymmetrically where they will tend to cancel out dips and peaks from each other.

Also, if using bookshelf speakers use the subs as stands. If they don't get the tweeters to ear height use short stands.
Click to expand...


something like this?
20161125_093526.jpg

oh, you probably meant today's bookshelf speakers, like this?
20191028_182332.png

or maybe stacked?
20150506_174331.jpg
 
JoeESP9 said:
Picture number two works for me.:thumbsup:

I'm not much of a fan of stacking speakers.
Click to expand...

I'm not either, only did it for the halibut one afternoon, you can see the box of Keystone in-wall speaker wire behind the right stack.

The Rock had just arrived and I wanted to test it out, the little lady was away so I pulled out a few extra amps, stacked the Heresys, and played a few records lol.

The Dayton/Jamo pairing are now part of the multi-channel setup in the media rm
20210627_081947.jpg
 
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I have a 10 year old SVS PC-2000 (cylinder type) that I bought new. I have very few complaints with it other than its footprint. It's tough to move that thing into the right spot without being intrusive. Its performance has been stellar. I'd recommend SVS without hesitation....in fact I'm thinking about getting two SB1000's to replace the 2000. Check their outlet section & you may be able to save a few bucks.
 
So, if I were to go with 2 smaller subs, what does that mean? Can I do to smaller ones for $1,000? If I go with 2 SVS 12" SB-1000 I see they have two choices, both Pro models and they seem identical, sealed for $500 and ported for $600. What are the pros and cons of ported vs. sealed?
 
Too Loud said:
So, if I were to go with 2 smaller subs, what does that mean? Can I do to smaller ones for $1,000? If I go with 2 SVS 12" SB-1000 I see they have two choices, both Pro models and they seem identical, sealed for $500 and ported for $600. What are the pros and cons of ported vs. sealed?
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Yeah, two would be around $1K & change. I'm only considering getting two because of room config, & the fact that I heard a buddy's system with two subs & liked it. A single SB-2000 may very well do it for you for less than $1k.
 
Too Loud said:
My system is:
NAD 106 Preamp
2) Hafler 9290 amps
SMSL SU-9 DAC
Cerwin Vega XLS-15 speakers
Klipsch R-100SW Sub

I realize the CV speakers I have are not audiophile grade, but they match my amps perfectly and I love the sound of them. I have done a lot of experimenting with the Klipsch sub and I have everything setup as optimally as I can get it and I an very happy with the sound. The music hits you like a wall of sound, playing with the sub I realized how important it is and I think I can do better than the Klipsch.

So now, I am looking for a better subwoofer and my budget is around $1,000. As with everything in the audio world, there are many good choices out there. I need some guidance on finding what I hope will be the final piece of my audio puzzle.

I have always loved the Cerwin Vega sound and I am curious if I should get am matching CV sub, like the XLS-15S which sells for $760 or the CVA-118 (specs below) for $900.

What other good options are out there in this price range. I would prefer to buy new, but used is not a deal breaker.

ETA: I play the music very loud at times.

Thanks, Andy

View attachment 2306690
Click to expand...
I use a pair of HSU ULS-15 IIs in my main audio system. They blend seamlessly with the ML Impression ESL11a speakers (29-23kHz+/-3dB) and give me that lowest octave that the MLs do not support. Each one comes in at $829 plus delivery and tax. In my system they are able to provide a -3dB point of close to 16Hz.
ULS-15 MK2 Subwoofer (hsuresearch.com)
 
I always opt for dual subs. It is much easier to place two than one.

All the subs I have used were DIY projects. The best drivers I have ever used were Dayton Reference from Parts Express. I have dual 12s and dual 10s in the house now. The 10s sound better because of their larger ported cabinets. The 12s are used for home theater.

I have used plate amps in the past but sold them and went passive. I like having flexibility with the amplification. My home theater was powered by a single two-channel Peavey CS-400 because that is what I was able to find at the time. A little underpowered. Now, a year later I have twin CS-800s. It only took a year to find them. I also like that I don't have to dissipate heat contained inside an MDF box.

1000 bucks would go a long way with the Dayton kits. They have sealed MDF enclosures in break-down form. High quality router work and a good design. Great value. You will need to come up with a finish. Bare MDF can be a hassle to get a "fine" finish. Easy to veneer, but that would get costly.

If I ever did another pair... I would suck it up and put a really nice finish on them. Round-over the edges prime the crap out of the MDF. Put a stylish and funky base coat down. Finish in modern lacquer and block sand and polish like a guitar body. A lot of work, but those would be killer subs for about 600 bucks, minus the amplification.

My 10s are twenty years old and ended up in cabinets intended to match Heresys, to which they are paired. Thin maple plywood that I found locally for veneer.

Someone else said. I would keep it simple since these subs will last decades. Computer code and smart phones will not.
 
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There is a HSU VTF-3 MK3 on Craig's List local to me for $350, I may look at that, it seems like a good deal.

I am getting close to deciding which way to go, I think the best way is to buy one great sub and buy a second of the same model when I can afford it. I'm looking at these subs:

1. Klipsch SPL-150, $795

2. HSU VTF-15H MK2, $970

3. SVS PB-2000 Pro, $900

I am leaning towards the HSU VTF-15H MK2 right now, but with shipping it's $1,152.
 
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