Subwoofer suggestion to match up with small bookshelf speaker setup? (1 Viewer)

I'm thinking of going with either the B&W 686 speaker or HSU Research HB-1 MK2 bookshelf setup? I would be going 7.1. To help in the bass dept, what are some subs that I could consider to handle bass duty?
The room is approx. 11x13 so not a very big room. I like a lot of punch in my bass.
I like the SVS series of subs. Any recommendations appreciated,
TroyH

You already mentioned SVS. You are looking at Hsu speakers, why not their subs? Power Sound Audio (a forum sponsor) is another very good choice. I like build my own subs.

I am using the HSU speakers in a 5.1 setup and could not recommend them more.

They do need a sub - but you can set the cross over point to the THX recommended 80 Hz (so you wont be able to locate the sub in the room) with no problem.

The frequency response of these "little" speakers: "60Hz – 20kHz +/- 2 dB"

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/hb-1.html

Also - if you go with a HSU sub - you can get a package deal on the entire set and save some money...

You didn't mention a budget - but for that small of a room size - you could get by with going for a 5.1 system.

Martin, since these are horn loaded speakers, do you ever feel they are ear fatiguing at times with the highs?
I use to own Klipsch Legend towers and really liked the way they sounded.
But I'm having to start all over and will be building from scratch.
The room I'm antipating being in, like I mentioned is not very big. So I thought bookshelf speakers all around and good thumping sub would work out nicely.
Too early right now before I actually get anything, but just starting the question and thought process of what I want to go with. The budget will be tight so nothing crazy for sure.

"Martin, since these are horn loaded speakers, do you ever feel they are ear fatiguing at times with the highs?"

I was worried about the horn speakers as well, and have listened to a few Klipsch horn loaded sets and didn't care for them - but do not have any issues with the HSUs. After reading several reviews on these speakers before buying them - with each review stating that is wasn't an issue:

"More impressive, it's the first horn-loaded speaker I've heard that didn't sound "shouty" at volume. In fact, the HB-1 MK2's high-frequency response is practically the very definition of smooth."

http://hometheaterreview.com/hsu-research-hb-1-mk2-bookshelf-loudspeaker-reviewed/?page=1

There is a money back return policy - but I am not sending mine back - love them...

Thanks for the feedback. I'll check out that review. I found out about these on youtube from Andrew Robinson's segment "5 speakers that are affordable and don't suck". I liked what he had to say about them.

I think with the small size of the room, I may go with a 5.1 setup
instead of 7.1. Did you go with the dedicated center channel speaker that is offered for the HSU's as well? Also, how big is your room and do these speakers fill it well? What sub did you go with ?

Thanks,

I have a Hsu STF-1 in a room just about the same size (12x13) and I find it useful. Sure you could "get by", but if you have the money it's definitely an improvement. (I'm using Axiom M22/VP100 for speakers.)

Guys, right now I'm just in the question and wanna know phase so I appreciate the feedback.

For my size room, 11' x 11/12', would it be overkill to go with either the SVS SB-2000 sub or , the SVS PB-2000 sub ? When pairing them with the HSU HB-1 MK2's ? Or heck , for that matter, going with two of them? Would that be just insanely too much overbearing for a room this size?

I've read most of the online reviews on them and both get high praise and marks for their bass reproduction. They kind of recommend going with the SB model if room is a smaller one less than 2000 cu feet and the PB model for larger rooms.
Would be used mainly for movies with occasional music listening.



Appreciate the two cents back,
TroyH

No system is over-bearing, provided you calibrate it.Subs have gain controls.Hell, put Thor's Hammer in there with a McIntosh MC1200 to power it.

Subs have volume controls, but I think it would be insane to put two subs in that room. Almost anything would be a better use of the money and space.

Even the xB-2000's are overkill, unless it'll eventually be used in a larger room. (Although the 2000's are more of a fun overkill!)

"Did you go with the dedicated center channel speaker that is offered for the HSU's as well? "

I went with the 5.0 speaker package - that does have the dedicated center channel speaker, with the 4 corners being the same:

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/speakerpkg.html

Also, how big is your room and do these speakers fill it well? What sub did you go with ?"

My light controlled and dedicated room is 15' X 35' - with a rather strange 10' non symmetrical ceiling. I am using a projector and 100" screen, I am enjoying my new room. Main seating distance is 12' from the screen.

The 4 corners are on identical speaker stands - so they are all at the same height level - with the tweeter being at ear height when sitting on my couch. The center speaker is on 2 of the same stands, but I cut them off so it will fit under the screen (think they are about 18" from the ground)...The center speaker comes with a built in "stand" (piece of wood with grooves in it) that allows you to angle it up/down -- that sits on top of the 2 cut down actual stands - I have the center speaker tilted a little bit up in my case.

The speakers are very efficient - and I have more then enough volume for my room, even with my rather lower powered refurbished receiver I am using (like I said, was on a tight budget).

For the Sub:

I was truly on a budget, and had a rather old phasetech 12" 400 watt sub lying around, so added that to the mix. (a "free" sub as you will) When I bought the thing, it was the winner of a magazine shootout for $400.00 subs. It is well over 15 years old, but is still working rather well. I have the cross over set for 80 HTz and the speakers set to "small" in the receiver. This will send all of the bass below 80 HTz to the speakers, and they are more of capable of reproducing these frequencies.

I was using the sub in a 2.1 channel bedroom system for a while, and am surprised how well it still works, and integrates well with the HSU speakers.

I have a new sub on the "equipment to be upgraded" list -- but am going to enjoy what I have for now.

Was looking to upgrade to one of these: http://www.powersoundaudio.com/products/xs15se

Maybe check out some ID companies that offer free return. The one that doesn't sound like a sub keep and the ones that sound like subs return. Might sound a little crazy but true. I've listened to a few of these highly recommend subs by forum members and most of them are not up to snuff in my book. Remember a good deal is not always a good deal. Demo as many subs as you can and you'll know which is the right one for you. Don't feed too much into a lot of hype, make your own decision and you'll be happy. IMO ID companies are really not that reasonably priced they just reap all the profit. That's just how I feel about ID companies. I run passive subs now>The subs I owned in the past the plate amps alone where over $500.00. Good subs don't come cheap and great subs are very pricey. If funds are not available now for a good sub I would wait.

Hey everyone, I appreciate everyone's thoughts on this thread so far.

One more question, I've heard going with 2 subs is better than one. Is it better to go with say... 2 - SVS SB-2000's or 1 larger beefier subwoofer for a room that measures say.....
11" x 12" w/ 8 1/2 foot ceilings , and is closed.

I like the idea of two subs but if going with a larger sized sub will be better , then I might go that route. I've just read that having two subs equalizes the bass frequencies smoother and obviously will get more slam as well. What are your thoughts?

Thanks,

Having two identical subwoofers can help eliminate nulls in the room, and it will give you greater headroom for additional SPL (volume) - but it won't go any "lower" than having one of the subwoofers.

For a room that size, I don't know that having two would be that beneficial. Your main listening position (sweet spot) will be somewhat small, so I don't know that you'll need to eliminate any nulls as long as you use due diligence (sub crawl) in placing the subwoofer for optimal performance for your main seating.

My personal opinion would be to get the biggest, beefiest subwoofer your budget allows. You can always dial it up or down to fit the room.

Thanks Jason for the advice. Will have to see where my budget falls. The cost of 2 - SVS SB-2000's will run me around $1400. I'll have to see what my other subwoofer options are for this price point if I wanna go with just one sub but deeper and louder.
Thanks.

Robert_J said:

You already mentioned SVS. You are looking at Hsu speakers, why not their subs? Power Sound Audio (a forum sponsor) is another very good choice. I like build my own subs.

Click to expand...

If you decide to audition a Power Sound Audio product I would look at our XS15se for this room size. Single is $799 and a dual package is $1499. This model has a high quality 15" driver, 500w amp with full DSP frontend, and a very nice cabinet finish I bet you would prefer over a vinyl wrap. Also, all of our products are Made in USA as well.

There are many good products out there to pick from but the XS15se are a tough to beat value in my biased opinion.. http://www.powersoundaudio.com/collections/subwoofers/products/xs15se

Tom V.Power Sound Audio