Need advice about purchasing a subwoofer

[sfric]

I have been doing a lot of research on subwoofers and I keep coming back to a couple of things. First, my room size which is on the large size at about 18X15X12 and I sit about 10 ft from the "front stage". My house is attached to another (I live in San Francisco) and I want to be respectful to my neighbors as I plan on being there a while . Based on everything I've read, I should probably go with a 12" sub. However, given the details I've provided thus far, would something like a eD A2-300 be overkill since I don't need/want to shake the foundation? Second, a co-worker has offered to sell me her Velodyne CHT-10 with very, very "low mileage" for $130, I've seen it and it looks brand new (she bought it right before a divorce 6 yrs ago and used it for about 4 months and now she just wants it out of her house.) I know this is an older sub but the reviews from users have been very positive including this one from Home Theater Magazine:

http://www.hometheatermag.com/subwoofers/177/

I don't really know if subwoofer "technology" has advanced enough since this Velodyne was manufactured to not consider it - so given that, would the Velodyne be a good deal? And would it be an upgrade from my Sony SA-W2500?

Obviously, I don't know much about subwoofers but I know enough that I want to upgrade the Sony. I use my HT for 60% movies and 40% music.

Here's what the rest of my system consists of:

Yamaha RX-V663
Polk Monitor 60's
Polk Monitor 40's
Polk CS2

Thanks for reading this long post and would really like to hear what other might suggest/think.

[Driver_King]

For your application, comparatively, the eD will likely be more musical, will have better extension, and will be able to keep up without running out of juice over the Velodyne. I'm sure the Velodyne is an excellent deal at $130, but if you're looking to spend more, absolutely get the A2-300 of those choices.

Originally Posted by sfric

I have been doing a lot of research on subwoofers and I keep coming back to a couple of things. First, my room size which is on the large size at about 18X15X12 and I sit about 10 ft from the "front stage". My house is attached to another (I live in San Francisco) and I want to be respectful to my neighbors as I plan on being there a while . Based on everything I've read, I should probably go with a 12" sub. However, given the details I've provided thus far, would something like a eD A2-300 be overkill since I don't need/want to shake the foundation? Second, a co-worker has offered to sell me her Velodyne CHT-10 with very, very "low mileage" for $130, I've seen it and it looks brand new (she bought it right before a divorce 6 yrs ago and used it for about 4 months and now she just wants it out of her house.) I know this is an older sub but the reviews from users have been very positive including this one from Home Theater Magazine:

http://www.hometheatermag.com/subwoofers/177/

I don't really know if subwoofer "technology" has advanced enough since this Velodyne was manufactured to not consider it - so given that, would the Velodyne be a good deal? And would it be an upgrade from my Sony SA-W2500?

Obviously, I don't know much about subwoofers but I know enough that I want to upgrade the Sony. I use my HT for 60% movies and 40% music.

Here's what the rest of my system consists of:

Yamaha RX-V663
Polk Monitor 60's
Polk Monitor 40's
Polk CS2

Thanks for reading this long post and would really like to hear what other might suggest/think.

[titogap]

Sfric, sorry about my question, but how much money do you plan to invest in the sub?
With that kind of measures and these speakers, I suggest you consider to buy a good sub woofer.
HSU Research have a Special Sale up to 15% off.
I buy mine last week, set it and is a huge difference.
You can see it on my gallery...good luck

[callas01]

I would say that you have a good option here with both suggestions.

The Hsu subs are very good subs and I like them very much, there is a sale going that doesn't happen all the time.

The eD that DK spoke about is a very good sub too. I got the eD over the Hsu VTF-2.3 because it was as good of a performer just less expensive. The VTF2.3 has some additional features, but to me I didn't really need them. I recently just calibrated the eD and it mixes very well with my speakers and the room, and I can say that you can have it as loud or quiet as you want. I don't like extreme bass in everything I watch, but when there is the need for it, I want it. So I tuned the eD that way to fit my tastes.

The Hsu and eD would both be excellent choices. I would say better perhaps then the Velodyne, but your going to pay a little more, but I think the performance would be better overall too.

Hsu subs are known for being musical subs with great HT applications. The eD is probably more known for being a HT subs with a great musical applications. I can say that the eD I use has made me very happy and I don't regret that I didn't get the Hsu. I would say I am 60-70% HT and 30-40% music, so I understand you application.

Either subs would be a great addition to your setup.

[GregBe]

I would go with the eD sub over the Velodyne. Your room is not small, and I would go with the more powerful eD sub. Even at moderate volumes, in that sized room, you might run the risk of the smaller sub not sounding right. I certainly recognize that you have neighbors, but if you are going to go with a sub at all, go with one that fits the room. Calibration will take care of the rest.

[sfric]

Yeah, I left out the budget part - the top of my budget range is the cost of the A2-300 ($365, with the cost of those little hourglass feet for my floor). I also forgot to mention if I went with the Velodyne, saving a couple hundred bucks would go a long way toward making my wife happy!

Considering that I would not come close to pushing the sub anywhere near its limits, should I dismiss the Velodyne all together?

[kurtlingle]

Will your friend/co-worker let you demo the sub woofer?
If so, I'd try it out for a couple of weeks and see if you like it. Maybe even offer $100 for it (not sure what it's really worth).

As long as you can demo it, you can always return it and get better one.
Have you look at the PA-120? I'm leaning to that one - it's $229+shipping (some people get it for $223 shipped).

Originally Posted by sfric

Yeah, I left out the budget part - the top of my budget range is the cost of the A2-300 ($365, with the cost of those little hourglass feet for my floor). I also forgot to mention if I went with the Velodyne, saving a couple hundred bucks would go a long way toward making my wife happy!

Considering that I would not come close to pushing the sub anywhere near its limits, should I dismiss the Velodyne all together?

[sfric]

I did look into the PA-120 and the BIC PL-200 but I called both their sales departments and left a message a few days ago with no call back yet. So, if I can't get their sales people to call back I probably don't have a chance getting their tech support people if needed, that was a quick turn-off for me.

Actually, I just spoke with my co-worker and she has absolutely no problems with me taking it home and giving it a test spin before I buy but she's firm on the $130. I think I'll go that route... worst case scenario is I'll hate it and get the A2-300.

A 12" Hsu is out of my price range.

[Yeha-Noha]

Originally Posted by sfric

I have been doing a lot of research on subwoofers and I keep coming back to a couple of things. First, my room size which is on the large size at about 18X15X12 and I sit about 10 ft from the "front stage". My house is attached to another (I live in San Francisco) and I want to be respectful to my neighbors as I plan on being there a while . Based on everything I've read, I should probably go with a 12" sub. However, given the details I've provided thus far, would something like a eD A2-300 be overkill since I don't need/want to shake the foundation? Second, a co-worker has offered to sell me her Velodyne CHT-10 with very, very "low mileage" for $130, I've seen it and it looks brand new (she bought it right before a divorce 6 yrs ago and used it for about 4 months and now she just wants it out of her house.) I know this is an older sub but the reviews from users have been very positive including this one from Home Theater Magazine:

http://www.hometheatermag.com/subwoofers/177/

I don't really know if subwoofer "technology" has advanced enough since this Velodyne was manufactured to not consider it - so given that, would the Velodyne be a good deal? And would it be an upgrade from my Sony SA-W2500?

Obviously, I don't know much about subwoofers but I know enough that I want to upgrade the Sony. I use my HT for 60% movies and 40% music.

Here's what the rest of my system consists of:

Yamaha RX-V663
Polk Monitor 60's
Polk Monitor 40's
Polk CS2

Thanks for reading this long post and would really like to hear what other might suggest/think.

The Velodyne CHT-10's -3 db down point (f3) at 32 Hz is about the highest f3 you'd want for movies. The reviewer seems to have given it a high rating more for its accuracy in reproducing music rather than for HT. In that case, f3 = 32 Hz is ok for music. However for movies, a lower f3 like around 20 HZ to 25 Hz would be much better happier medium. The eD A2 300 (f3 = 18 Hz) would be nirvana. If you don't need that much bass at louder levels, then the Velodyne CHT-10 would seem to be right for you. Also you stated that 40% of the time you'd be listening to music. In that case for $130, Velodyne CHT-10 seems to be just what you need. Or is it really?

As for me, I would neither pay $500 for that sub new nor even $130 used. It's a bit overpriced compared to a real HT subwoofer like the eD A2 300 which doesn't cost much more. The eD sub is also good for music too.
If you get a good sub, you don't have to run it hot. They even sound great at lower listening levels. If you ever move into a private home, then you'd wish you had bought the eD A2 300. Believe me!

The choice is yours. But if it were me, the Velodyne CHT-10 would be the wrong choice.

[sfric]

Rwoj,

That's a very logical and intelligent comparison, exactly what I was looking for... actually, very convincing too. I just placed an order for the A2-300. Looks like I'll have to wait about 6 weeks, though. I just had to promise my wife not to turn it up too loud.

As always, thanks everyone for your input!

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by sfric

Rwoj,

That's a very logical and intelligent comparison, exactly what I was looking for... actually, very convincing too. I just placed an order for the A2-300. Looks like I'll have to wait about 6 weeks, though.

As always, thanks everyone for your input!

Congrats sfric, like my Dad always told me......figures never lie, but liars figure.....that eD will do you justice for both movie watching and with music. You should learn as much as you can by checking out the eD subwoofer thread here.

[progers13]

Originally Posted by sfric

Rwoj,

That's a very logical and intelligent comparison, exactly what I was looking for... actually, very convincing too. I just placed an order for the A2-300. Looks like I'll have to wait about 6 weeks, though. I just had to promise my wife not to turn it up too loud.

As always, thanks everyone for your input!

Cripes, is the wait up to 6 weeks now? I know they've been extremely busy lately. We have been seeing about 25 ~ 28 day turnaround (from order to delivery) over the last month or so. About 2 weeks ago they said the wait was up to 28 ~ 32 days just for production, not including shipping. Guess they're doing the best they can to keep up with the demand.

Congrats on your purchase. I think you made a great choice, and once you get it you'll be very happy that you chose this option. Just be sure to post your pics, thoughts, and impressions in the eD subwoofer thread.

Edit: Fors beat me to the link. That guy does a great job promoting the product; maybe eD has a refer a friend program or something that I don't know about?

[sfric]

Yeah, I spoke to Alex there and that's what he quoted. And yes, they actually answered the phone!

[progers13]

Originally Posted by sfric

Yeah, I spoke to Alex there and that's what he quoted. And yes, they actually answered the phone!

Yes they do. They usually answer on the first ring. One thing I can say about Alex and Brett, is they offer some of the best customer service you'll ever see.

[Yeha-Noha]

Originally Posted by sfric

Rwoj,

That's a very logical and intelligent comparison, exactly what I was looking for... actually, very convincing too. I just placed an order for the A2-300. Looks like I'll have to wait about 6 weeks, though. I just had to promise my wife not to turn it up too loud.

As always, thanks everyone for your input!

Congrats! Your new eD A2 300 is an awesome sub. I'm glad you didn't think of it as an overkill. It will deliver top performance even when listening at low levels. When your neighbors aren't home you can always turn it up see what she's got. I know you will be thrilled just as many others have been. I hope you don't have to wait 6 weeks. It'll be worth it if you do. In the mean time visit the eD sub owners thread. Join in on the discussions and have fun.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by sfric

Rwoj,

That's a very logical and intelligent comparison, exactly what I was looking for... actually, very convincing too. I just placed an order for the A2-300. Looks like I'll have to wait about 6 weeks, though. I just had to promise my wife not to turn it up too loud.

As always, thanks everyone for your input!

well congrats, eD makes really nice subs, I have mine only turned up 1/4 of the way up and at normal movie watching levels, it can get you what you need. Sorry you need to wait 6 weeks, hopefully it will go by very quickly.

There are rules too... let me see if I get them right....

1 pics
2 Skidoosh
3 Piss off the wife (due to size and power)
4 order a second sub.

[Yeha-Noha]

Originally Posted by callas01

well congrats, eD makes really nice subs, I have mine only turned up 1/4 of the way up and at normal movie watching levels, it can get you what you need. Sorry you need to wait 6 weeks, hopefully it will go by very quickly.

There are rules too... let me see if I get them right....

1 pics
2 Skidoosh
3 Piss off the wife (due to size and power)
4 order a second sub.

[GregBe]

Great choice...congrats. I have found that for moderate to lower level listening, the bigger better sub is typically the one that I recommend. I know that seems a bit couterintuitive, but I have found that when you don't have enough sub for a room, you want to run it really hot to overcompensate. It is almost like the sub has the confidence to play well and not try so hard to be loud.

[KingLeonidas300]

Originally Posted by sfric

Rwoj,

That's a very logical and intelligent comparison, exactly what I was looking for... actually, very convincing too. I just placed an order for the A2-300. Looks like I'll have to wait about 6 weeks, though. I just had to promise my wife not to turn it up too loud.

As always, thanks everyone for your input!

Congrats and welcome to the a2-300 club.. You and I have pretty much the same setup except for the receiver and I can say I love my a2-300. I will be placing an order in the next few weeks to get a second one.

[Scooby Blu]

My not so talked about Velodyne Optimum 12 will rock on and on and on and on!