The Official Acoustic Audio Subwoofer Owners Thread

[jaejw1]

yes for sure.. thats why i keep bouncing around... i either buy a good sub and use as single for now.. or i can buy dual budget subs...


i just read this thread here.. and he just got flamed to death... i do understand where he is coming from but hs delivery wasnt PC.. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...ghlight=svs+ed

i am looking for a particular sound though.. but i will keep on researching until i find what im looking for..

[kndy]

Hehe....Somehow...it all just started with just upgrading my receiver...then all of a sudden I have upgraded my fronts, centers and rears in the last three days. All I needed was a subwoofer, but I figured...I have a good (unpowered) subwoofer I had with me for the last decade I could wait. I spent too much already...but sure enough, I had to visit this thread.

After going through many subwoofer threads, as much as I liked how everyone recommended these $500-$1,000 subwoofers, I've already spending so much... I figured it was time to get a powered subwoofer and Big Daddy's posts and everyone else on here sold me. $198 for a subwoofer (Glad to see there was no tax too!) and BD's recommendation, I was sold.

Hope it gets here before the Easter holidays!

[Peanuthead]

What is the difference in the new ultra linear one and the HD sub that you know of?

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by Peanuthead

What is the difference in the new ultra linear one and the HD sub that you know of?

Acoustic Audio and Ultra Linear are two different companies. Although I don't have any experience with Ultra Linear subwoofers, the specifications indicate that they are good value.

[jomari]

Originally Posted by kndy

Hehe....Somehow...it all just started with just upgrading my receiver...then all of a sudden I have upgraded my fronts, centers and rears in the last three days. All I needed was a subwoofer, but I figured...

This is the main reason when we make suggestions, we try to think of it as investments, avoiding to spend on a certain pair of speakers, then end up upgrading to a better performing set. You couldve used for example $150 worth of fronts, and put them towards buying a good pair of speakers at lets say $500. That $150 would never be completely 'reinvested' into the $500. Sort of future proofing a HT setup. (yes i know, there is no such thing as future proofing anything).

I have a good (unpowered) subwoofer I had with me for the last decade I could wait. I spent too much already...but sure enough, I had to visit this thread.

After going through many subwoofer threads, as much as I liked how everyone recommended these $500-$1,000 subwoofers, I've already spending so much... I figured it was time to get a powered subwoofer and Big Daddy's posts and everyone else on here sold me. $198 for a subwoofer (Glad to see there was no tax too!) and BD's recommendation, I was sold.

There is a big difference between a powered subwoofer and a unpowered (or technically speaking passive) subwoofer, no matter what brand/kind you purchase. The speaker is being driven by its own amplifier, and depending on the power rating and/or quality of the speaker, you get a better sound.

To balance this thread, Ive always considered a good quality sub that should last you a long time, avoiding upgrades in the future, unless it either breaks apart, and/or just cant handle your current fronts. HSU, SVS, and Ed are proven companies (the first two more importantly, in my book anyways), and are great ID companies with excellent customer support. Yes im sure there is a great difference in regards to a $100 dollar subwoofer from a mainstream company like Polks PSW-10 and a SVS PB12, but we can consider this as comparing apples to oranges. In regards to this subwoofer in particular, the considered investment is well worth looking into. Heck its like the Insignias NS-B2111. Not the most expensive, nor is it the worlds greatest speakers, but have been fairly accepted by the HT enthusiast as a superb starting point, for both stock and DIYers in the field.

They way i see it, as BD mentions, buying an amp alone, the enclosure, and/or the baffle and consider making a sub on your own would already go over the $200 mark, on even just ONE component. not to mention the time and the effort to clearly make such a great subwoofer is exponential compared to a pre-made one.

For those who demand quality subwoofers, and find true sense in investing for their setups, feel free to check out the sticky BD has posted. There are tons out there who might find a good subwoofer starting at $300 or so.

Heres another link to throw a monkey wrench in the works...

subwoofer summary review page

For those who may want to experiment, and would find any sub comparitively less than $300, this is definitely worth your while.

BD is still wondering if i bought this or not...

[jstutman]

anyone have the info on where to register there sub for warranty? I figured I would go ahead and register just to be on the safe side.

[erict]

BD, what is the big difference if any between the Acoustic Audio PSW-12 and the Acoustic Audio HD-SUB12? Which one would you recommend? I have an Energy ESW-10 sub I purchased but I don't have my system hooked up yet. I'm now just wondering if the Energy sub will be enough and should consider one of these subs instead. My room is 12x16 with one open wall to the kitchen. This sub will be paired up with Energy speakers. Since I already have a sub I really don't want to invest more then I already have but this seems like a good ban for the buck sub that I might be happier with. Who knows, I could always hook both subs up but would only prefer one. I have also looked at the PA-120 which looks decent as well. Any help would be appreciated.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by jstutman

anyone have the info on where to register there sub for warranty? I figured I would go ahead and register just to be on the safe side.

A piece of paper is included in the box with the cables. There is a web address on it to register your sub. I did not register mine. Send a private message to Callas. He registered his.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by erict

BD, what is the big difference if any between the Acoustic Audio PSW-12 and the Acoustic Audio HD-SUB12? Which one would you recommend? I have an Energy ESW-10 sub I purchased but I don't have my system hooked up yet. I'm now just wondering if the Energy sub will be enough and should consider one of these subs instead. My room is 12x16 with one open wall to the kitchen. This sub will be paired up with Energy speakers. Since I already have a sub I really don't want to invest more then I already have but this seems like a good ban for the buck sub that I might be happier with. Who knows, I could always hook both subs up but would only prefer one. I have also looked at the PA-120 which looks decent as well. Any help would be appreciated.

The major differences are that the PSW is down-firing and comes only in black. The HD-SUB is front-firing, comes in three colors, and has a slightly stronger amplifier. I don't believe you will hear major sound difference. I experimented with the 8" PSW model and it was great. Of course, the HD-Sub is more attractive. If you have a kid or a pet in the house, get the down-firing. If money is not a problem, get the HD-Sub.

Two subwoofers will give you much more even bass sound across the room. You need to experiment with their position and calibrate them properly. Read the two guides that have sticky in the subwoofers section.

[erict]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

The major differences are that the PSW is down-firing and comes only in black. The HD-SUB is front-firing, comes in three colors, and has a slightly stronger amplifier. I don't believe you will hear major sound difference. I experimented with the 8" PSW model and it was great. Of course, the HD-Sub is more attractive. If you have a kid or a pet in the house, get the down-firing. If money is not a problem, get the HD-Sub.

Two subwoofers will give you much more even bass sound across the room. You need to experiment with their position and calibrate them properly. Read the two guides that have sticky in the subwoofers section.

All my speakers are black but the doesn't mean a cherry or maple sub wouldn't look good as well. Your right about the WAF and would most likely get the HD-sub12. Have you ever heard the PA-120? I wonder how it stacks against this sub.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by erict

All my speakers are black but the doesn't mean a cherry or maple sub wouldn't look good as well. Your right about the WAF and would most likely get the HD-sub12. Have you ever heard the PA-120? I wonder how it stacks against this sub.

WAF is the most important factor on earth. Imagine if she stops talking to you or gives you attitude.

No, I have not heard PA-120. I know Aramis has one and he says good things about it.

[erict]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

WAF is the most important factor on earth. Imagine if she stops talking to you or gives you attitude.

No, I have not heard PA-120. I know Aramis has one and he says good things about it.

Thanks for your advise BD It will be another good month before I have a chance to hook up my system (wife projects must come first ) so I'm not sure if I should just pick one up now or if I wait I have a chance of missing out on this deal

[parkerwilson]

Just recieved my RW sub 10. How much space do I need between the sub and the carpet? I have carpet floors, should I put something under the sub?

[PhooNami]

Finally got my HD-12! Well to make it short...wow Not bad for the price...actually it's awesome! I love how it has that faux kevlar look to the woofer,if it was yellow it would have mated with my CDM's.Here's the pic:

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by parkerwilson

Just recieved my RW sub 10. How much space do I need between the sub and the carpet? I have carpet floors, should I put something under the sub?

If you put it on something or build a riser for it, it may sound a lot better. Check Post #2 in the Repairing & Building Subwoofers thread and many of the posts by other people on page #6 and later. The thread has a sticky in the Subwoofers Section.

Also keep it a couple of feet away from the wall. Turn the crossover dial all the way up to its maximum point (you set the crossover in the receiver) and turn the volume on the back of the sub to around 50%, no higher than 75%. Calibrate it throught the receiver.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by PhooNami

Finally got my HD-12! Well to make it short...wow Not bad for the price...actually it's awesome! I love how it has that faux kevlar look to the woofer,if it was yellow it would have mated with my CDM's.Here's the pic:

Congratulations. It is a very good looking sub.

Since the port of this sub is in the back, keep it at least a couple of feet away from the wall and experiment with its position in the room. Also read the previous post.

[PhooNami]

Thanks BD, I already moved it a bit forward and it sounds better in that position.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by erict

BD, what is the big difference if any between the Acoustic Audio PSW-12 and the Acoustic Audio HD-SUB12? Which one would you recommend? I have an Energy ESW-10 sub I purchased but I don't have my system hooked up yet. I'm now just wondering if the Energy sub will be enough and should consider one of these subs instead. My room is 12x16 with one open wall to the kitchen. This sub will be paired up with Energy speakers. Since I already have a sub I really don't want to invest more then I already have but this seems like a good ban for the buck sub that I might be happier with. Who knows, I could always hook both subs up but would only prefer one. I have also looked at the PA-120 which looks decent as well. Any help would be appreciated.

Erict, Do you live at my house??? I have the same living room configuration as you and the same speakers it seems like... What Energys do you have? I have the C-300s and C-C100 (you can see my sig too) I am using the HD-Sub10 and it is enough for my whole setup and I know that the Energys can be powerful on their own, so a good sub is important, I think you would be happy with either the Energy sub or the AA sub, I do have to say that I am really impressed with the way the AA sub compliments the Energys though....

POST PICS, I want to make sure my living room doesn't show up Just kidding.....

But seriously, don't go into my gallery and save the pics and repost, that would freak me out... lol

[erict]

Originally Posted by callas01

Erict, Do you live at my house??? I have the same living room configuration as you and the same speakers it seems like... What Energys do you have? I have the C-300s and C-C100 (you can see my sig too) I am using the HD-Sub10 and it is enough for my whole setup and I know that the Energys can be powerful on their own, so a good sub is important, I think you would be happy with either the Energy sub or the AA sub, I do have to say that I am really impressed with the way the AA sub compliments the Energys though....

POST PICS, I want to make sure my living room doesn't show up Just kidding.....

But seriously, don't go into my gallery and save the pics and repost, that would freak me out... lol

I don't have any pic's yet but will in the near future. I have the C-300/C-C50/C-R100/ESW-10. I'm thinking about the HD-10 or HD-12. These sub choices drive me nuts

[Peanuthead]

Originally Posted by PhooNami

Thanks BD, I already moved it a bit forward and it sounds better in that position.

About how far do you have it from the wall?