$250 budget for a Sub - what are my choices?

[kurtlingle]

Ok,

I've been reading just about all the threads for a month or so, and I am ready to buy a sub. Currently I have a cheapo Yamaha (YST-SW50 - 70 watt) that I want to upgrade.

My budget is no more than $250. My room is 18x12x9. I have a Yamaha 663 and Sony speakers.

I'm leaning toward the PA-120. I'd like to make sure I'm not missing any models that are comparable (price). Here is what I think I need to choose from. Please add to the list if you know of one I am missing.

Premier Acoustics PA-120 (12 inch)
Bic America V-1220 (12 inch)
Audio Acoustics HD-SUB12 (12 inch)
Polk Audio PSW505 (12-Inch)

Are there any other choices? I don't want to go over $250/$260 (my original budget was $150). I'm open to spending less than $200 But I want a 1/2 decent sub.

I'm pretty sure I want the PA-120 - but please let me know if I'm missing any subs in that price range (the ED is to expensive - $250 is my limit).

BTW - thanks to all for a great subwoofer forum - Big Daddy - your threads are awesome.

[bluRazor]

i know you've clearly stated your $ limit but considering how close you are to the a2-300 price it might be worth it to consider saving up the extra $100. don't forget there's no tax on the ed either. it's 350.00 flat.

[tbizzle]

Don't discount HSU subs, they're excellent. But I have to agree with blu/razor, the A2-300 is the best bang for your buck. It's a very musical sub, and absolutely kicks ass in HT.

[callas01]

I would say that the best sub for you to look at is the PA-120. You get a good deal for the $230 you spend.

The AA is really loosing faith because of all the failing amps, I would avoid them. Most polk PSW subs aren't that good, I hear the 505 is decent, but I wouldn't take it over the PA-120 personally.

Bic would be the next logical choice, I don't know much about them but their reputation is good.

[kurtlingle]

Yes, I started looking at the AA - but as I read (there are like 150 pages) the thread - it seemed since the fall that there are quality problems. Great price for the AA - but there was a risk.

Originally Posted by callas01

I would say that the best sub for you to look at is the PA-120. You get a good deal for the $230 you spend.

The AA is really loosing faith because of all the failing amps, I would avoid them. Most polk PSW subs aren't that good, I hear the 505 is decent, but I wouldn't take it over the PA-120 personally.

Bic would be the next logical choice, I don't know much about them but their reputation is good.

[kurtlingle]

Originally Posted by blu/razor

i know you've clearly stated your $ limit but considering how close you are to the a2-300 price it might be worth it to consider saving up the extra $100. don't forget there's no tax on the ed either. it's 350.00 flat.

Well.... my limit was $150 - so taking it to $250 is stretching the $100... but I hear where you're coming from. Seems like the ED has alot of happy customers for the A2-300. But that's just to high for me. Thanks for the input. I just knew someone would mention the ED.

[kurtlingle]

Originally Posted by tbizzle

Don't discount HSU subs, they're excellent. But I have to agree with blu/razor, the A2-300 is the best bang for your buck. It's a very musical sub, and absolutely kicks ass in HT.

Yes, I looked at the HSU - but they cost even more than the ED. My top limit is $250.

[curse]

the BIC Acoustech PL-200 is $279 including shipping after applying the tv15 coupon code @ pl-200

however on the same website you can also find the h-100 which i can't personally vouch for but there are loads of reviews on it all over the internet. but its way cheaper


Also if you come around a vk-12 you can get that for the same price as the pl-200 however i dont know of any coupon for it.

look in the bic acoustech sub thread for more info if your interested or the avsforum thread

[Big Daddy]

For $300 plus free shipping, you can buy a 12" Cadence subwoofer.

http://www.cadencehometheaterspeaker...p?idCategory=2

Here are some reviews on Cadence subwoofers:

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/subwoofers/607.html

http://www.amazon.com/CSX-15-Active-.../dp/B000YQ45Z6

http://www.amazon.com/Cadence-Home-T.../dp/B000M7MY0K

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=946307

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=981834

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...=973971&page=2

[kurtlingle]

Thanks. Yes, I need to look at the BIC subs a little more before I pull the trigger.

Anyone do a comparison of these subs with the PE PA-120? Anyone own both?

Originally Posted by curse

the BIC Acoustech PL-200 is $279 including shipping after applying the tv15 coupon code @ pl-200

however on the same website you can also find the h-100 which i can't personally vouch for but there are loads of reviews on it all over the internet. but its way cheaper


Also if you come around a vk-12 you can get that for the same price as the pl-200 however i dont know of any coupon for it.

look in the bic acoustech sub thread for more info if your interested or the avsforum thread

[kurtlingle]

Hmmn.

I'll have to look at those too - though $300 is pushing me a bit higher (I started at $150 - and got to $250).

Thanks for the links - I'll read through them all. How would this one compare to the PA-120? Do you have one yourself? I know you have lots of subs!

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

For $300 plus free shipping, you can buy a 12" Cadence subwoofer.

http://www.cadencehometheaterspeaker...p?idCategory=2

Here are some reviews on Cadence subwoofers:

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/subwoofers/607.html

http://www.amazon.com/CSX-15-Active-.../dp/B000YQ45Z6

http://www.amazon.com/Cadence-Home-T.../dp/B000M7MY0K

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=946307

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=981834

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...=973971&page=2

[Big Daddy]

Another option is to buy a subwoofer from Parts Express. They have several options below $250. Parts Express has good customer care and will help you if you have a problem.

http://www.parts-express.com/wizards...AT&srchCat=620

[tootall82103]

Check out the BIC H100

http://www.sounddistributors.com/buy...red+Subwoofers

Add the coupon code tv15 and you can have it for $203..
It's a highly rated subwoofer and looks quite nice. I think you would be pleased with it.

[Yeha-Noha]

I'd get the PA 120 for $229. I bought two of them. The PA 120 will deliver incredible sounding tight, clean bass. After a couple weeks of break-in. it will truly amaze and astound you with overwhelming bass performance. I wasn't disappointed. In fact that's why I bought another one about a week after buying the first one. Two will help smooth out the bass response more evenly throughout the listening area if you have a larger room. Believe me. I can't image anyone on a budget like yours ever being disappointed after buying a well built, great sounding sub for just $229. For pics see my gallery.

[TigredelaJungla]

Originally Posted by tootall82103

Check out the BIC H100

http://www.sounddistributors.com/buy...red+Subwoofers

Add the coupon code tv15 and you can have it for $203..
It's a highly rated subwoofer and looks quite nice. I think you would be pleased with it.

What I would do is get in this website and check any of these subs (VK-12 or PL-200) they're very similar, once you made your choice click submitt your offer with the $250 you are willing to spend and you'll have an answer in about an hour, you have nothing to lose and the worst they can say is no.
I just ordered my second VK-12 and they did accept my offer. Good luck.

[jaejw1]

as an owner of dual PA-120's,myself, I have to say they were the best purchase for me and my large space...... I even purchased after going to HSU and demoing their subs......

[Generalfred]

Originally Posted by jaejw1

as an owner of dual PA-120's,myself, I have to say they were the best purchase for me and my large space...... I even purchased after going to HSU and demoing their subs......

For what it's worth, I just ordered a PA120. I looked at many different subs... HSU, Cadence, ED... I was only able to audition what was availabe at BB, so if this thing is better than any of those, I'll be happy. I was caught up in spending a little more, then a little more... Soon I was looking at $400 subs. From what I read, for the price, this sub can't be beat. I'll try to post my thought's when it arrives later this week.

[FreakyFraser]

Might be a little smaller than you want (8"), but you can get an Energy ESW-V8 for $225.00 (+ free shipping) through Amazon.com (or WorldWideStereo directly.) Almost half price.

[jaejw1]

Originally Posted by Generalfred

For what it's worth, I just ordered a PA120. I looked at many different subs... HSU, Cadence, ED... I was only able to audition what was availabe at BB, so if this thing is better than any of those, I'll be happy. I was caught up in spending a little more, then a little more... Soon I was looking at $400 subs. From what I read, for the price, this sub can't be beat. I'll try to post my thought's when it arrives later this week.

i got caught up in that game aswell.. "whats a good sub for 250bux... well if you spend a lil more you can get sub-x,, but if you spend even more you can get sub-y,, but in your room your either gonna need sub$$$$ or buy 2 sub?"

im glad i didnt go that route .. because for less than 450 bux i got 2 subs that fill my large room very nicely.. and i never have to play it at reference level either..

happy hunting

[95pgtproject]

BIC F12 is a great sub for the price. After lots of research I found 2 sites that have good deals on it.

http://www.gdielectronics.com/f12.html comes to just over $200 with shipping and they have them in stock (EDIT they are out of stock)

or you can get it for 181.76 with free shipping form here but they are on back order

http://www.shopblt.com/cgi-bin/shop/...er_id=!ORDERID!

Amazon has it for $350 just to compare and check reviews

http://www.amazon.com/BIC-America-F1...7668905&sr=8-1