Help me choose the BEST Subwoofer under $1000

[sunnyny2000]

Hello. My 200W powered Aperion subwoofer has been bottoming out lately. I want to upgrade to a more capable one. My budget is up to $1000 max. So far I have narrowed down to the following contenders:

SVS PC-12 Plus
Elemental Designs A5 - 350
Epik Dragon
HSU VTF-3 MK3

I am open to other model suggestions as well. Which one would be the best? I'm planning to get one within two weeks along with a TV upgrade (Pioneer KRP-500M) .

Edit: I forgot to put 'other' in the poll option. Please feel free to post your recommendation.

[ZIPPO]

I vote for the SVS PC-12 PLUS or its predecessor which is on clearance at $200 cheaper ( http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-cyl-plpow2.cfm ).

[sunnyny2000]

Originally Posted by ZIPPO

I vote for the SVS PC-12 PLUS or its predecessor which is on clearance at $200 cheaper ( http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-cyl-plpow2.cfm ).

Thanks! Do you know if there's any significant performance difference between the current and the older model?

[ZIPPO]

PC12-PLUS upgrades include: a PEQ( Parametric Equalizer ) has been added to the amp section, using new version 12.4 woofer instead of version 12.3, using stronger quad-leg baseplate instead of tri-leg baseplate found on the 20-39 PC PLUS. " The new mid-sized PC12-Plus is an evolutionary step ahead in every regard, even considering its legendary predecessors. Borrowing liberally from the phenomenally successful big brother, the PB13-Ultra, we've brought new tuning modes, proprietary free-breathing vent flares, and made parametric EQ standard too, even the stronger quad-leg baseplate migrated over. "

According to SVS they perform the same: " The outgoing 20-39PC+ would be just $799 while supplies last. Truth be told, while tricky to build in large quantities, the current Plus 12.3 woofer performs nearly as well as the new guy, so those customers snagging the last of these third generation PC+ subs are getting a doubly good deal. "

[sunnyny2000]

Thanks Zippo. I'm gonna look into that as well. BTW, the PC-12 plus is now on sale for $949. So thinking if its worth the $150 extra...

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by sunnyny2000

Thanks Zippo. I'm gonna look into that as well. BTW, the PC-12 plus is now on sale for $949. So thinking if its worth the $150 extra...

SVS make incredible subs. The cylinder subs have a smaller footprint, and thus you can move them around the room more easily to find the best spot for it, and they look just insanely awesome! I love my PC12-NSD, so the +plus is all the more incredible. Considering the amp is 525 watts, and the thing weighs 60 lbs with its 40" frame, and you got performance and looks. At that price point too, it SVS all the way! (It even helps the WAF and aesthetics, because it simply doesn't look like a sub, so my wife actually liked it more once she saw it than our previous sub.)

[SammyG]

I'd go with the SVS or the Epik, you can't go wrong with either choice.

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by SammyG

I'd go with the SVS or the Epik, you can't go wrong with either choice.

Sammy, that AV123 is no slouch either! If it wasn't for those amp issues, I probably would have gotten one instead of my SVS, especially considering that price point!

[SammyG]

I'm glad I got mine when they were released, no problems with shipping or amp issues!

[sunnyny2000]

Thanks guys. Honestly, I was leaning toward the SVS also... It was on top of my list. Now I feel more confident about it. So most likely I will be ordering the PC-12 plus. I'd also like to see Bid Daddy's thoughts on it and his sub-$1000 subwoofer recommendation.

[Steve]

Of the four you have listed, I would go with the SVS. Something about the cylinder subs is intriguing to me, and I like their small footprint. My second choice would be the Epik because I've never seen a single negative comment about an Epik subwoofer. Having said all that, I don't think you would be disappointed with any of them.

[Big Daddy]

In addition to the subwoofers mentioned above, I recommend a Direct Servo Subwoofer from Rythmik Audio.

This link explains the Direct Servo Technology. Click on the pictures to see the animation.

They also sell separate Direct Servo Drivers and Amplifiers.

[sunnyny2000]

WOW those F12 Direct Servo subwoofer looks GORGEOUS! If you were to choose between this and the SVS PC-12 Plus, which would you go for? Also, would the 15" driver D15 with the same amp be a better option for $100 more?

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by sunnyny2000

WOW those F12 Direct Servo subwoofer - Signature EditionF12 Direct Servo subwoofer - Signature Edition[/URL] looks GORGEOUS! If you were to choose between this and the SVS PC-12 Plus, which would you go for? Also, would the 15" driver D15 with the same amp be a better option for $100 more?

I am in favor of Direct Servo technology. Buy the 15" if you have the room for it. You can always buy two 12" and go broke in the process.

Driver: 12", high excursion with custom sensing coil
Driver materials Black or silver anodized aluminum with rubber surround
Amplifier: 370w RMS class A/B patented servo controlled
Dimensions: 15-3/4"(W) x 15-3/4" (H )x 17"(D) - (18-1/2" D with grille)
Shipping Weight: 80 lbs
Frequency Response: 14 - 100 Hz (-2 dB @ 14 Hz)

Driver: 15", high excursion with custom sensing coil
Driver materials Black or silver anodized aluminum with rubber surround
Dimensions: 19"(W) x 19 " (H )x 20 "(D) - (21-1/2" D with grille)
Shipping Weight: 90 lbs

[sunnyny2000]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

I am in favor of Direct Servo technology. Buy the 15" if you have the room for it. You can always buy two 12" and go broke in the process.

Thanks so much for your input. I will seriously consider this sub before making the final decision .

[Steve]

Those are indeed some beautiful subs, and the price is in line with everything else. You couldn't go wrong with one IMO.

[Paranormal]

i have the d15 se from rythmik and its a beauty for sure. there are pics in my gallery under "bedroom setup"

its esp great if you have a small child they cant stick there fingers in the driver.

also has very little footprint.


people have compared the SQ to the JL fathom so that should tell you something

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by Paranormal

i have the d15 se from rythmik and its a beauty for sure. there are pics in my gallery under "bedroom setup"

its esp great if you have a small child they cant stick there fingers in the driver.

also has very little footprint.


people have compared the SQ to the JL fathom so that should tell you something

That is interesting looking for sure, and it does remind me of a fathom too. In that one pic in your bedroom, it looks like your son is about to take a 2X4 to it....LOL!!

[Steve]

Originally Posted by forsberg21

That is interesting looking for sure, and it does remind me of a fathom too. In that one pic in your bedroom, it looks like your son is about to take a 2X4 to it....LOL!!

He's just making adjustments with a precision instrument for optimum sound.

[Paranormal]

lol yeah hes def a hands on person. luckily its just the styro foam that the sub came with