Sub: Polk or Velodyne? (1 Viewer)

[Brent Moonen]

Pretty much a newbie here...

Trying to decide between a Polk PSW350 and a Velodyne CHT-10. I listened to both, the Polk seemed pretty "punchy" while the Velo seemed "boomier".

I'm about 90% HT, 10% music. Budget is no more than $400 unfortunately.

Any opinions?

Thanks!

 

[BryanZ]

I'd either go with the Velo or, if you have something other than your primary receiver to power it with, the SVS 25-31CS. May also want to consider the Adire Audio Rava.

 

[John Geelan]

I would say you can't beat a Velodyne subwoofer!
I have 2 of them in my system. Quality product.
JohnG

 

[Brian Bowles]

I HAD a Velodyne. It sounded better than the Polk. I took it back and got dual SVS CS+. They are a lot more and it really is not a fair comparison. The Velodyne was ok. It was just real boomy for music. I had the CT-10

 

[Vin]

Well, if you're waiting for a vote for the Polk you'll have to wait a little longer......my vote between those two subs goes to the Velo. OTOH, I think Bryan's suggestion is an excellent one! Decisions, decisions.....
Good luck,
Vin

 

[Brent Moonen]

From what I have read about the SVS subs, I would love to go with one. However I have a few problems. I'm using a Denon 1602 and don't have the $$ to buy the SVS and an amp to drive it. Also, my SO won't like the asthetics of the SVS sub.

Thanks for everyone's input so far.

 

[Dan Joy]

Brent I too am inn a similar boat. How much for the velo?

 

[Brent Moonen]

Dan,

I saw it at my local Circuit City store (I know, probably not the best deal around). It was on sale for $387.99 (through 2/28 the guy said). Their web site lists it at $399.99 normally. Not much of a sale huh?

I'd look for it online, but shipping for something like that has to be $$ becuase of its size. Probably would end up costing about the same anayway. This way I can return it easily if I don't like it too.

Brent

 

[Steve Stogel]

I've got an SVS and love it. Don't discount the looks so quickly, either. My wife likes it a lot. It just sits in the corner, and the nice velvet(like?) fabric is pretty easy on the eyes. As far as the money, you can power it with pretty inexpensive amps (like plate amps from partsexpress), and a 25-31CS would be a healthy upgrade, IMO. If you want to try an SVS, keep your eyes peeled in the Hardware for Sale/Trade section. I picked up a 31CS for $250, and you could easily find an amp to power a CS in the $150 range.

If the looks are a dealbreaker, I'd consider the Hsu VTF-2. Seems to be a very popular sub and at a very reasonable price.

Steve

 

[Jeremy Anderson]

I've got the Polk PSW350, and it's not a bad unit. It has done me right for some time now. It has pretty nice output down to 25Hz, but after that it drops off pretty quick.

Sure, in three weeks I'm ordering a SVS 20-39CS+ to replace it (due to upgraditis and reading all these damn SVS reviews)... but it's still not a bad sub. The Velodyne gave a bit more down-deep rumble for HT when I auditioned it, but the Polk seemed better with music to me, which is why I bought it. My torture test for subs is usually Erykah Badu's RIMSHOT, the first track from the album Baduizm. The PSW350 holds up nicely on that track and there's a clear delineation of individual tones, even down deep.

I don't think you can go wrong with either sub. My opinion would be to get the Polk if you listen to music and HT about equally, or get the Velodyne if you are leaning more toward HT.

 

[Vin]

Sure, in three weeks I'm ordering a SVS 20-39CS+ to replace it (due to upgraditis and reading all these damn SVS reviews).

Join the club Jeremy (SVS-a-holics)! I currently own a Velo CT-120 and I'm about to do the same thing for the same reasons....
Vin

 

[Marcelo T]

I have a velo ct-100 in a very small room (10x10) and the bass is nice for HT. For music this sub kinda sux, it´s muddy and boomy. I listen to metal, and in the fast double bass drum runs in the music the sub tends to mix all the drums strokes in one mushy rumble. Compared to my fosgate car sub its a no-contest.

I´m waiting to the arrival of my svs 20-39+ late next month (coming by sea), and if you have the means, go for it.

 

[Thomas_A]

First off.. I live my velodynes..I have two (diff. rooms). I have the CT150 in the main..and a cht80 in the den. Both excellent subs for music as well as HT!

Most people complain about subs not being tight or quick with music.. unfortunatly..they were not designed for that. Your mids are what actualy is doing the kick part..that nice tight thump... not the sub....

I have my velo cut at 60hz..and let mys system do the rest. Dont blame a sub for muddy kicks..thats your mids..

oh well..

 

[Marcelo T]

Thomas, I know what you mean, but when I made the test, I disconected the speakers in the HT and in the car, leaving only the sub on, with the crossover set to 80hz. I can tell you that the fosgate put up a more pleseant presentation of the kick sound than the velo.

Just, my opinion though.

 

[felix_suwarno]

"Your mids are what actualy is doing the kick part"

thats why i am contemplating to replace my paradigm cinema mains with a pair of boston vrm50. i get no kick on music with my current system.