Worth it to upgrade to an SVS CS 25-31? (1 Viewer)

[Matt Stone]

I'm currently using an Energy e:XL S8 that I bought a few years ago when I moved into this apartment. As I've watched all of my other components, I've been wary to upgrade my sub due to living in an apartment. Here's my current audio setup:

Sony DA3ES
Axiom M40 Fronts
Axiom VP150 Center
Axiom M3 Rears
Energy e:XL S8 Sub

I'm kind of strapped for cash right now, so I'm not exactly game to spend massive amounts of money...but I was thinking that this SVS may fill the the need for a better sub.

Anyway...any opinions on whether this would be worth upgrading, or whether it would be alright to use in an apartment?

 

[Lee Bailey]

Unless you have an amplifier sitting around, look at the 25-31Powered Cylinder. The CS models require a seperate amplifier to run. Yes, it is always worth upgrading to an SVS, IMO.

 

[Matt Stone]

I know the CS models need an external amp...but I don't have the money for a PC sub now. I had planned on just buying a cheap plate amp...would that be a bad idea?

 

[John Garcia]

I think it would be acceptable to buy an inexpensive plate amp, as long as it can handle the load. However, unless you are going to get a good price on the amp, I think you will still be only about $100 short of a 25-31PCi, in which case I would say just save a bit and get the PCi.

Is it worth it compared to your current sub? YES.
Is this overkill for an apartment? YES...these things are potent.
Is that OK? YES... (actually, I can't answer that for you)

You might consider the Adire Rava for a little less $$, but still supposed to be an excellent sub.

 

[Matt Stone]

Hmmmm, now I'm thinking I might just wait it out. I should be out of my apartment after graduation next May, and hopefully into a house. I suppose I would have more money for a bigger sub too

 

[BrianAe]

If you are tight on money, then wait or get a cheaper upgrade from another company. Especially if you live in an apartment.

 

[Bry_DD]

I went with the 25-31cs cuz I have an extra rec. around but after a while it wasn't cutting it so I purchase a plate amp from parts express 250w for little over $100 and its sounds awesome. I think it'll be worth the upgrade. goodluck!

 

[RichardH]

I say deal w/ what you got, save your pennies, then get like a PC+ next year !! What a graduation present, eh?

 

[Ryan Schnacke]

Yes, the SVS is worth it. I'd watch the Hardware For Sale section here at HTF. Seems like I've seen used CS models for sale with asking prices of $300 or less. Surely you can find an amp laying around somewhere that could be borrowed or scavenged until you can buy a plate amp or pro amp. You'd only need 50 watts or so to see a difference from your Energy sub.

If you can stand the wait, then its always worth it to get what you REALLY want, be it a PCi or CS+ or whatever. But if you just can't stand it then I'd buy a used CS and take comfort in the fact that you can always sell it later to upgrade. And since you bought used you'd take a very minimal loss.