timabe

Passive in-wall sub opinions

I am building a HT in my basement. The diminsions are 18' X 15' and the ceiling will be 7'8". My amp is the Pioneer Elite VSX-94TXH that will push 140 watts X 7.1. Front and center speakers are Phase Tech PC 3.1-II. I need to purchase a new sub and am considering a 10" in-wall passive sub made by Moderno (Best Buy - ugh!). The in-wall installation is attractive but I don't know what to expect. Thus, I am asking the experts. Thanks in advance!

JohnRice

Re: Passive in-wall sub opinions

I think you already know what you will get. Ugh!

Go with a good powered (not in-wall) model instead. BTW, you can't get a good sub at Best Buy.

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It represents the dreams we hold

Philip Hamm

Re: Passive in-wall sub opinions

If your home theater borders on an unused storage area and you have some basic woodworking skills and equipment, you should consider an "Infinite Baffle" subwoofer.

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Check out the forum: "Cult of the Infinitely Baffled"Hear The Bass, Not The Box The definitive online resource for Infinite Baffle subwoofer projects since 1999 - Login .

I have an IB with two 15" Parts Express Dayton drivers and the thing completely vibrates my whole house. It's awesome. It sounds unbelievable, considerably better and more natural than any box or tube I've ever experienced.

Philip Hamm
Moderator Emeritus

Lew Crippen

Re: Passive in-wall sub opinions

Both John and Philip give good advice.

Passive subs are almost always a dissapointment.

¡Time is not my master!

timabe

Re: Passive in-wall sub opinions

Thanks guys. I kind of figured it was a bad idea but I thought I would ask! Phillip, thanks for the info about IB. From what I read on the link, it seems I have the perfect location for an IB. For starters I'll purchase a sub, but I see an IB project in my future!

Given my room dimensions, what sub would you recommend? I'd like to stay below 500.00 if possible. Thanks!

JohnRice

Re: Passive in-wall sub opinions

You might consider the IB first. $500 is kind of minimum for a decent powered sub. If your room is ideal for it, you can probably do quite well with an IB for $500.

We give to you a disc of gold
It represents the dreams we hold

Robert_J

Re: Passive in-wall sub opinions

Four 15" IB drivers from AE Speakers and a surplus 500w NHT amp directly from their former head engineer will total $500 plus shipping and give you "world class" bass. Much better quality and output than you could get from a traditional sub.

-Robert