Think I Blew Out Energy Take Classic Subwoofer - Need Recommended Replacement (1 Viewer)

Hello all! It's been a while since I last posted here.


I recently noticed that my Energy Take Classic system was a bit lacking on the lower end, so I tried re-running Audyssey to see if something changed somehow. During the sound test, it got to my subwoofer, and I heard nothing. I checked to make sure that it was on (it was), and noticed that I could hear the slightest bump coming out of it during the sound test. I unplugged the RCA and tried again. Still, just a very faint beating noise during the test. I tried resetting the microprocessor a few times, and that provided the same results. I am assuming that I blew out the subwoofer at one point or another while playing video games or watching a movie. I am using a Denon AVR-1613, and all of the other speakers run fine and sound great.


With that being said, I am currently looking into a budget replacement subwoofer. I'd like to keep it around $100. With some research that I have done myself, it seems as though the Polk Audio PSW10 would be a good option. Is there any other choices that I should consider, or any reasons that I shouldn't get the PSW10?


Thanks ahead of time!

At $100, there isn't much else.

schan1269 said:

At $100, there isn't much else.

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What if I extended my budget to $200?

BIC F12
Dayton sub1500

Either of those is a monumental improvement over the sub you had...and the PSW10.

I, personally, wouldn't go any bigger/more powerful than those two until you buy larger main speakers capable of 80hz.

The bigger/better subs typically fall on their face trying to get up to 120/150hz.

This might be your best option for that kind of $$.


http://www.amazon.com/Sony-SA-W2500-Performance-Subwoofer-Version/dp/B000OL3QTW



I have the older version (10 years old now I think) and the little beast pumps out some nice deep base. Solid as a rock too.

I would look at these too if I were you. I agree with Sam that you don't want to get too big because you'll need the sub to go up pretty high because the mains won't get too low. This is why I focused on the smaller and less expensive subs.


MartinLogan Dynamo 300 $130


Dayton Audio Sub 800 $115


Polk PSW111 $160


Yamaha YST-SW216BL $130


Jamo Sub 210 $150

ArmSC said:

I would look at these too if I were you. I agree with Sam that you don't want to get too big because you'll need the sub to go up pretty high because the mains won't get too low. This is why I focused on the smaller and less expensive subs.


MartinLogan Dynamo 300 $130


Dayton Audio Sub 800 $115


Polk PSW111 $160


Yamaha YST-SW216BL $130


Jamo Sub 210 $150

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Would a BIC F12 or NX-BAS-500 be bad for a small system?

I don't think they would be bad if you're going for HT use. HT demands lower bass extension than most music so the larger subs would be better in that roll. However, just keep in mind how well those sub play in the upper xover region. The xover point you have set could really effect the experience you have with either of those subs.


For example the Energy Take classics low end is listed at 115Hz but they don't give a +/- so lets assume that's -6dB. What that means is you're really probably getting 120Hz usable which means you'll want your sub to come up to that level. This is pretty high for a larger budget sub. The smaller ones (think 8") shouldn't have too much of a problem with that high of a level.


So what I'm saying is that you could get a nice upgrade to your HT setup if either of those subs can reach up to the 120Hz mark and sound good doing it. Either of them might do very well reaching up that high. I don't know because I haven't looked into how they sound on the upper end of their range. I will tell you that the BIC is normally the go to budget sub for HT use and the NXG has gotten some good reviews on it's performance. It was said to be the best sub $400 unit a few months back by a credible source. What I don't know is how well they will integrate with your system.


I just noticed the price of the NXG is back to the $250 mark which might be above your budget of $200. Keep that in mind when making your decision. At $180 it was way more appealing.

The cheaper Polk sub I bought for my parents' entry-level HT sounds far better than the more expensive ones I've purchased for myself from Lava or Yamaha. I'm on the verge of getting a Polk for myself.

Malcolm R said:

The cheaper Polk sub I bought for my parents' entry-level HT sounds far better than the more expensive ones I've purchased for myself from Lava or Yamaha. I'm on the verge of getting a Polk for myself.

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I was actually impressed with the PSW111 for it's size. It punches above it's weight class especially if you factor in price IMO. It would be on my short list if I was the OP. The PSW10 not as much...I would rather get something else.