What's new

Can someone help a novice regarding subwoofer selection? (1 Viewer)

duncansfree

Auditioning
Joined
Jul 9, 2009
Messages
4
Real Name
Duncan Dickinson
I live in an apartment, listen mostly to classical, have a large room (open architecture) to fill though, because of neighbor's sensitivities and my own tastes as well, am looking for something to fill in the lows my Polk RTi-A1s can't fill in more than blowing someone away with my sub's power. I own a Harmon Kardon reciever with 50 watts per channel and am looking for something small, attractive looking if possible, with very clean, tight, reproductive bass.

I've considered Yahama's YST-FSW150BL though perhaps more for aesthetics than performance. I am attracted to low profile subs and would prefer such type.

I have a budget of $400.

Any suggestions from any of you here would be most appreciated.

By the way, I'm 60 and live in Charlotte, NC.

Thank you,

D
 

gene c

Senior HTF Member
Joined
Aug 5, 2003
Messages
5,854
Location
Bay area, Ca
Real Name
Gene
Yamaha subs are generally designed for their htib speakers. In other words, form over function. I'd avoid them. Here's a smaller alternative to the one Robert suggested (but he's the subwoofer expert). This is what PartsExpress.com has to offer. The ES8 looks pretty decent for $99 but you probably want something better.This one from Boston-Acoustics might look better than it performs but it's only $199. Here's a boatload of subs available from OneCall.com just so you can see what's out there. And, of course, there's always SVS and HSU.

Just a few others for you to look at.
 

MaxL

Supporting Actor
Joined
May 26, 2006
Messages
503
Real Name
Max Levine
i just recommended the martin logan dynamo on another thread. it was the best sounding sub i had heard at its price point when it was around $600. now it's on sale for $470 here. also $480 from audioadvisor.com. i think part of the reason i love the sound of this sub so much compared to its competition is that it is sealed. it sounds like a good speaker to me just lower, not like a low frequency noise making machine which is how i feel about many inexpensive subs.

i also like the monitor audio asw100 for $299 also form saturdayaudio.com sounds very good for it size and price.

that said, i don't think of either of these for really large rooms, but compromises will be significant at this price point. you can can have a loud $400 sub or a tight, clean $400 sub but not a clean, tight and loud $400 sub. so i guess the question becomes what is your priority, filling the room with loud bass or adding musical bass at moderate levels?

what kind of volume do you listen at and how big, exactly is the room?

i think a high quality low profile sub is out at this price point, but you've got some smaller cubes to look at.

anyway, good luck...
 

duncansfree

Auditioning
Joined
Jul 9, 2009
Messages
4
Real Name
Duncan Dickinson
Wish to thank all of you who replied. I'm considering the Polk PSW111 though (it hardly offers much from the esthetic standpoint) and will also look seriously at all of your suggestions.

Have also considered Audio Source AST Sub 10 (nicer from an esthetic POV) though no longer manufactured (?) and I'm a bit skeptical. No, there is nowhere in my area to hear a number of possibilities.

Again, thank you for your time and willingness to share.

D
 

David Willow

Babbling Idiot
Senior HTF Member
Joined
Jan 23, 2004
Messages
2,555
Location
Mechanicsburg, PA
Real Name
Dave
Polk, although decent speaker company, is not known for their subs either. Have a look at Robert's and Max's suggestions or check this one out: http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-10nsd.cfm - its just been redesigned. The original was quite a performer, can't wait to hear the upgrade.
 

Jeff Gatie

Senior HTF Member
Joined
Aug 19, 2002
Messages
6,531
Duncan, please note that although it is recommended all your speakers be from the same manufacturer and series, it is definitely not necessary to match your sub manufacturer to your speakers. Sub frequencies are much lower than your mains and surrounds, and timbre matching is not necessary (or even possible) because of this.
 

duncansfree

Auditioning
Joined
Jul 9, 2009
Messages
4
Real Name
Duncan Dickinson
I'm seriously considering the Martin Logan Dynamo. Assume you feel it is quite musical with excellent reproductivity for its' price range. That's what I wish versus earth shattering power. Will make a decision by Monday and thank you again for your advice.

D
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Latest Articles

Forum statistics

Threads
356,814
Messages
5,123,747
Members
144,184
Latest member
H-508
Recent bookmarks
0
Top