Help with Choosing Sub(s) Please

[Scott_Summers]

Ok, I've read some of the threads on how in most cases dual subs are better than singles. My budget is under $250 and my HT is mostly used for watching blus - about 70% of the time, gaming - about 20%, and 10% for music. Could someone tell me if I should just get the PA-120 by itself or should I get 2 Polk PSW10s? Now sure which might sound better. Also, how do I know if my receiver is capable of having dual subs? I have a Harmon Kardon AVR254. Thanks!

[D1-2005]

I'll vote for the PA120, and all recievers with a sub out can do dual subs. You just need to buy two cables and a y splitter.

[erict]

I would also say you can't go wrong with the PA-120.

[Scott_Summers]

Thanks guys.

[Fors*]

Just once you get the PA-120, check for placement to get the best response from your sub. The reason 2 subs are usually used is for "voids" within the room that lack bass. You should do the "sub crawl", and that is place the sub in your primary seating position and move yourself throughout the room on your knees and listen to hear what sounds the best to you. The PA-120 is a very good sub for that price point, so it is the new "favorite" around here. If you think you have areas within the room really lacking bass, then you may want to look into 2 subs at that time.

If you then need 2 subs, a 1 male/2 female Y-splitter is used from your subwoofer out on the back of your Harman Kardan (I'm pretty sure you have one), and then you'll need at least one reasonably long audio sub cable and another audio sub cable to go to each sub from the splitter. The long cable is for the one sub that may be placed rather far in distance from the receiver, as this usually occurs with 2 sub set-ups.

[jaejw1]

Originally Posted by forsberg21

Just once you get the PA-120, check for placement to get the best response from your sub. The reason 2 subs are usually used is for "voids" within the room that lack bass. You should do the "sub crawl", and that is place the sub in many places through out the room, and get on your knees and listen to hear what sounds the best to you. The PA-120 is a very good sub for that price point, so it is the new "favorite" around here. If you think you have areas within the room really lacking bass, then you may want to look into 2 subs at that time.

If you then need 2 subs, a 1 male/2 female Y-splitter is used from your subwoofer out on the back of your Harman Kardan (I'm pretty sure you have one), and then you'll need at least one reasonably long audio sub cable and another audio sub cable to go to each sub from the splitter. The long cable is for the one sub that may be placed rather far in distance from the receiver, as this usually occurs with 2 sub set-ups.

I have dual PA-120's... I love it,,, I personally have no need to upgrade.... im good for aslong as the subs will last

[aramis109]

Originally Posted by Scott_Summers

Ok, I've read some of the threads on how in most cases dual subs are better than singles. My budget is under $250 and my HT is mostly used for watching blus - about 70% of the time, gaming - about 20%, and 10% for music. Could someone tell me if I should just get the PA-120 by itself or should I get 2 Polk PSW10s? Now sure which might sound better. Also, how do I know if my receiver is capable of having dual subs? I have a Harmon Kardon AVR254. Thanks!

I missed this?

I get to listen to a Polk PSW10 every weekend. My in-laws have it paired with some nice B&W's. This last weekend we watched Bolt on blu-ray. Pretty nice flick for LFE. This was the first time I watched it on their system- I'd watched it on ours a couple of times.

Hands-down, the LFE was not as dynamic, low or present as it was with my PA-120. I don't personally think even two will match the PA-120 in terms of output, low extension, or power. I'm not trying to diss anyone that has the PSW10, but it is just not as good as the PA-120. Given we're still comparing different setups, but I doubt there are many people that get to hear both as much as I do. His speakers are much more expensive, but for some reason he cheaped out on the subwoofer, and honestly it shows.

Do yourself a favor and go with the PA-120, or the AA sub. They're simply the best budget subs you can find. You'll be very happy with either choice.