Newbie Who needs help! (1 Viewer)

[michaelgwee]

Hi !


The following is my setup

-PS3
-Onkyo 560 Receiver + 5.0 Jamo Speakers (2 Front Standing)

Question I have is I need a Subwoofer and I'm really not good at all this stuff.

Hence I need expert advice.

Of course I won't but getting very high end Subwoofers.

I use my System in the following manner
60% for Movies
40% for Music and PS3 Game

My budget is between 200-400USD
I hope that I can get some alternatives to make a decision.

I live in Singapore but the choices are extremely limited and it costs around 300USD for a Yamaha-215 (I think) I'm not sure if thats a good one...

My Brother In Law's colleague is heading over to the states soon so I just want to check if he can get something for me.

 

[jakewash]

I fear the shipping charges are going to drain the budget. I would have suggested SVSound their PB10-nsd is a very good performer by all accounts, also look into Epik, Elemental Designs. I think buying a sub from these ID companies gives you a little better bang for the buck if you can afford the few extra dollars.

 

[michaelgwee]

Thanks Jakewash! I'm not concerned abt the shipping because my Brother In Law'a colleague will be bringing it back when he's back as he is there for a 3 week work commitment.

I expected more replies from others lol but your post really helped. Thanks! I'm checking out the SVS.

 

[David Willow]

In your price range you are looking at cheaper, less capable subs like Dayton or lower end Polks. If you can stretch your budget a little above $400, the SVS is the best "cheap" sub you can find.

 

[michaelgwee]

Thanks david, I've narrowed down to these few

1) SVS PB12-NSD ($599)

2) SVS PB10-NSD ($429)

3) SVS PC12-NSD ($549)

4) Elemental Designs - A3 - 300 Subwoofer ($475)
Model Name : A3-300 Powered Home Audio Subwoofer
Amplifier Power : 350w RMS
Subwoofer Driver Size : eD 12" Subwoofer - Kv.2 Platform
Cabinet Type : Vented / Downfire
Room Tuning : 20Hz FR - (18-100Hz +/-3dB)
In Room Avg SPL : 116.66 dB (10-100Hz Max Output Avg)
Shipping Weight : 86lbs

Questions I have are :
1) What's the difference between Cylinder and Box Subwoofers
2) Whats the issue about wattage on a subwoofer, e.g. 300 watt versus 250 watt.

In your opinion, which is more bang for the buck?

I'll most likely have to increase my budget slightly.

 

[David Willow]

1. Cylinder is cheaper and has a smaller footprint. It is also taller. Performance is similar to the equivalent box.
2. The sub maker matches the amp to the driver and design. More watts isn't necessarily better or worse.

Bang for buck, IMHO, would be the SVS PC12-NSD. I know Elemental Designs is becoming popular here, but I have never heard them. My biggest concern is the fact that they used to specialize in car audio. I keep envisioning a Civic bouncing down the street from the "boomy" subs in the trunk. Perhaps this is unfair, but that's what I think.

 

[Martino]

"I'm not concerned abt the shipping because my Brother In Law'a colleague will be bringing it back when he's back as he is there for a 3 week work commitment. "

SVS is a mail order company - so there isn't a store he can drop into and pick one up. If you wanted one, you would have to order it and ship it ahead of time - perhaps to his work site. Also note - these are not small - so I don't think he will be able to put them in the overhead compartment on the plane...

 

[michaelgwee]

LOL. I get what you mean. Thanks for the explanation.
I'm just concerned that the missus will kick up a fuss when she sees how big the PC12-NSD is. lol...

 

[michaelgwee]

Thanks Martino. I checked and it's difficult to get it via the plane. lucky i found some chaps who are doing mass orders from SVS to ship over here. I'll ride on the mass order.

Cheers and thanks all for your help!

 

[SHS]

I think most of us that have a female in the house have heard these or similar words...."does that thing have to be in here?"

I can pretty much guarantee she will kick up a fuss, that is unless you can hide it somewhere. However, if you are a decent subwoofer you most likely lose at hide and go seek every time.

I think this is one reason the IB fervor is increasing....that and the fact that they kick butt in output and clarity.

Good luck with your choice, SVS makes very good subs for the price.