Which subwoofer under $250? - Blu-ray Forum

jc480 · 01-02-2009, 05:20 PM

Guys I need a subwoofer and I thought I'd get a Polk...but after reading everything in this forum, I'm having a hard time making a decision.

I'm going to sit this sub in the corner of my living room with a couch next to it.

So...what do you consider to be the best sub under $250? This is for a 7.1 system...I'd like to get "sound dispersion" (do they all have that?) and auto standby mode...powered of course

Thanks!

aramis109 · 01-02-2009, 05:34 PM

...and immediately someone comes in and asks you to stretch your budget.

Have you thought about the Cadence 12" for $299? http://www.cadencestore.com/ProductC...&idproduct=396

I don't have one, but it's what I'm leaning towards purchasing here in the coming weeks. It's gotten good reviews on hometheatreforum and AVS, and it's not as large as ye olde eD A2-300.

*edit* Here are some reviews.
AVS Review

Home Theater Forum review

Polk Audio forum review

Driver_King · 01-02-2009, 05:44 PM

Well, you could look at the A2-300 as a $250 sub with $100 shipping.

Rob J in WNY · 01-02-2009, 06:12 PM

I'm a big Polk Fan. You are probably looking at the Polk PSW110 (10" driver with downward-firing port), for around $250, which would be a decent choice.

The Polk PSW10 (again, 10" driver with front-firing port), for around $200, is not bad for the price, but in a live demonstration where really long excursion was applied to the driver, I could easily detect audible "port noise" (chuffing) emanating from the port opening, despite its flared design.

This said, I'm positive that the Cadence CSX-12 model recommended is well worth the extra $50!

Incidentally, my system has a Polk Audio PSW125 (12" driver with downward-firing port). I really like the sub, and I don't seem to have any of the boominess that is sometimes associated with it. Possibly because I am using the actual L/R stereo inputs instead of the single LFE input. The LFE input bypsses the onboard crossover control. I have my front main speakers crossed over at 90Hz, and my sub takes over at about 80Hz (give or take - it's a dial setting) and the sound is fairly seamless, without the mid-bass boom.

Equally as important as the choice of subwoofer (performance vs. budget) is its location. You can get phenominally better results by locating it where it will produce more perceivable subwoofer SPL from your viewing location. This may (and often likely) means it may not be in a "pretty" location in your home theater area.

I apologize for the extra information - my fingers just started flowing!

- Rob J

jc480 · 01-02-2009, 06:25 PM

Good stuff, guys. Thank you. Alot of the Polk part numbers don't seem to appear on their website. I'm guessing it's because they've been discontinued?

These forums are paralyzing my decision making

Every thread I read I learn something new which causes me to second guess my choices. Talk about too much information being a bad thing.

D1-2005 · 01-02-2009, 06:28 PM

I just purchased a Premier Acoustics PA-120 from ebay for about 230. I have not recieved it yet so I cannot comment on the performence, but it has some pretty good reviews on some other forums. It's supposed to be made on the same line as BIC.

Snowgod · 01-02-2009, 06:29 PM

Good Subwoofers cost money, but if you try you can get a good one for around $500. Check out hsuresearch.com for the most bang for you buck. Beware that your neighbors may not like a good subwoofer as much as you will.

mavlow · 01-02-2009, 06:50 PM

do your self a favor and do not get the polk...i love polk...all my speakers except my sub are polk...For what you are going to pay you can do better. look around at a few of the reviews on the psw10 and psw110...they are not very favoriable.

Premier Acoustics PA-120 would be a good choice and in your budget. Not a bad sub

if you stretch you budget just a little an ED A2-300 is bar none you best performance per dollar in the low end budget...but it is $350. Save up the Extra $100 and get this bad boy...

I have never heard the cadence people are suggesting...but i would suggest anything but the polk...

Big Daddy · 01-02-2009, 10:37 PM

If you are on a tight budget, try Parts Express. They have many models under $250.

http://www.parts-express.com/wizards...TOKEN=55685550

Driver_King · 01-02-2009, 10:54 PM

You could make yourself an amazing subwoofer for $250. I could point you in the right direction if you're willing to take the time to do so. You can probably make yourself a better sub than the A2-300 if you know what you're doing (or if you can follow directions

.)

bacot11 · 01-03-2009, 12:10 AM

This is what I went with.

http://www.amazon.com/BIC-America-F1...0944893&sr=8-5

Had the same kind of budget. It is truly a beast.

aramis109 · 01-03-2009, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bacot11

This is what I went with.

http://www.amazon.com/BIC-America-F1...0944893&sr=8-5

Had the same kind of budget. It is truly a beast.

Yeah, at this price point, BIC and Cadence are what I see coming up on forums. I was really looking at the BIC for awhile and it'd be another good choice I think. (Was looking at their older H-100).

FIDDYPOP · 01-03-2009, 03:16 PM

I really like my sub and it was cheap.

FIDDYPOP · 01-03-2009, 03:17 PM

use the difference of your budget to buy more Blu rays. My Ht sounds really cool in my opinion.

aramis109 · 01-03-2009, 03:17 PM

Oh hey, let's not forget the HSU Research STF-1! It's $254 and not only matches your budget but is probably one of the best buys around. The only downside is it may be too small for your space.

HSU STF-1

BigThree · 01-03-2009, 09:22 PM

Heres a link to a 2009 BIC they have more than one for sale.

http://cgi.ebay.com/BIC-Acoustech-H-...742.m153.l1262

Downhere · 01-03-2009, 10:39 PM

I bought a sub from The Speaker Company on Amazon. It's the ASW-10. I got it for my bedroom after reading that it was an Energy ESW-10 clone. It is a great sub for the money. I paid a little under $100 and now it's $150, but well worth it at that price as well. I'd look into it if I were you.

SDBlu · 01-03-2009, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Driver_King

You could make yourself an amazing subwoofer for $250. I could point you in the right direction if you're willing to take the time to do so. You can probably make yourself a better sub than the A2-300 if you know what you're doing (or if you can follow directions

.)

Hey Driver Crazy King! Watch your mouth! That would be an impossible feat

Squozen · 01-04-2009, 12:31 AM

I don't have anything useful to add - I'm saving for an SVS PB-13 Ultra. In my experience a cheap sub isn't worth the money, especially as my mains would put out more bass than a $250 sub could. I would recommend saving towards something more substantial, unless your other speakers are so puny that they don't put out any semblance of bass at all?

CrazyInBlack · 01-04-2009, 01:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarcosG

Hey Driver Crazy King! Watch your mouth! That would be an impossible feat

I wish I had a stereo store near me so I could try these things out

01-02-2009, 05:20 PM	#1
jc480 Power Member Member since:Nov 2008 Location:Detroit, MI Home Theater Gallery:28 4K collection:22 Blu-ray collection:747 DVD collection:10 Digital collection:882 Prime collection:2 Blu-ray reviews:15	Which subwoofer under $250? Guys I need a subwoofer and I thought I'd get a Polk...but after reading everything in this forum, I'm having a hard time making a decision. I'm going to sit this sub in the corner of my living room with a couch next to it. So...what do you consider to be the best sub under $250? This is for a 7.1 system...I'd like to get "sound dispersion" (do they all have that?) and auto standby mode...powered of course Thanks!

01-02-2009, 05:34 PM	#2
aramis109 Blu-ray Ninja Member since:Mar 2008 Location:Milwaukee, WI Home Theater Gallery:10 4K collection:4 Blu-ray collection:360 Trading Score:18	...and immediately someone comes in and asks you to stretch your budget. Have you thought about the Cadence 12" for $299? http://www.cadencestore.com/ProductC...&idproduct=396 I don't have one, but it's what I'm leaning towards purchasing here in the coming weeks. It's gotten good reviews on hometheatreforum and AVS, and it's not as large as ye olde eD A2-300. edit Here are some reviews. AVS Review Home Theater Forum review Polk Audio forum review Last edited by aramis109; 01-03-2009 at 02:56 PM.

01-02-2009, 06:12 PM	#4
Rob J in WNY Blu-ray Guru Member since:Dec 2008 Location:'Western' N.Y. State (MEMBER OF THE "ECPP")™ Home Theater Gallery:24 4K collection:30 Blu-ray collection:486 iTunes collection:1 Blu-ray reviews: 15	I'm a big Polk Fan. You are probably looking at the Polk PSW110 (10" driver with downward-firing port), for around $250, which would be a decent choice. The Polk PSW10 (again, 10" driver with front-firing port), for around $200, is not bad for the price, but in a live demonstration where really long excursion was applied to the driver, I could easily detect audible "port noise" (chuffing) emanating from the port opening, despite its flared design. This said, I'm positive that the Cadence CSX-12 model recommended is well worth the extra $50! Incidentally, my system has a Polk Audio PSW125 (12" driver with downward-firing port). I really like the sub, and I don't seem to have any of the boominess that is sometimes associated with it. Possibly because I am using the actual L/R stereo inputs instead of the single LFE input. The LFE input bypsses the onboard crossover control. I have my front main speakers crossed over at 90Hz, and my sub takes over at about 80Hz (give or take - it's a dial setting) and the sound is fairly seamless, without the mid-bass boom. Equally as important as the choice of subwoofer (performance vs. budget) is its location. You can get phenominally better results by locating it where it will produce more perceivable subwoofer SPL from your viewing location. This may (and often likely) means it may not be in a "pretty" location in your home theater area. I apologize for the extra information - my fingers just started flowing! - Rob J Last edited by Rob J in WNY; 01-04-2009 at 10:08 PM.

01-02-2009, 10:54 PM	#10
Driver_King Blu-ray Ninja Top contributor Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Tampa Bay, Florida Home Theater Gallery:96 Blu-ray collection:28 Trading Score:10	You could make yourself an amazing subwoofer for $250. I could point you in the right direction if you're willing to take the time to do so. You can probably make yourself a better sub than the A2-300 if you know what you're doing (or if you can follow directions.)

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01-02-2009, 05:44 PM	#3
Driver_King Blu-ray Ninja Top contributor Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Tampa Bay, Florida Home Theater Gallery:96 Blu-ray collection:28 Trading Score:10	Well, you could look at the A2-300 as a $250 sub with $100 shipping.

01-02-2009, 06:25 PM	#5
jc480 Power Member Member since:Nov 2008 Location:Detroit, MI Home Theater Gallery:28 4K collection:22 Blu-ray collection:747 DVD collection:10 Digital collection:882 Prime collection:2 Blu-ray reviews:15	Good stuff, guys. Thank you. Alot of the Polk part numbers don't seem to appear on their website. I'm guessing it's because they've been discontinued? These forums are paralyzing my decision making Every thread I read I learn something new which causes me to second guess my choices. Talk about too much information being a bad thing.

01-02-2009, 06:28 PM	#6
D1-2005 Senior Member Top contributor Member since:Aug 2007 Location:Kansas City Home Theater Gallery:12 4K collection:20 Blu-ray collection:298	I just purchased a Premier Acoustics PA-120 from ebay for about 230. I have not recieved it yet so I cannot comment on the performence, but it has some pretty good reviews on some other forums. It's supposed to be made on the same line as BIC.

01-02-2009, 06:29 PM	#7
Snowgod Active Member Member since:Jul 2007 Location:Central NH	Good Subwoofers cost money, but if you try you can get a good one for around $500. Check out hsuresearch.com for the most bang for you buck. Beware that your neighbors may not like a good subwoofer as much as you will.

01-02-2009, 06:50 PM	#8
mavlow Member Member since:Aug 2007 Location:OFallon Mo	do your self a favor and do not get the polk...i love polk...all my speakers except my sub are polk...For what you are going to pay you can do better. look around at a few of the reviews on the psw10 and psw110...they are not very favoriable. Premier Acoustics PA-120 would be a good choice and in your budget. Not a bad sub if you stretch you budget just a little an ED A2-300 is bar none you best performance per dollar in the low end budget...but it is $350. Save up the Extra $100 and get this bad boy... I have never heard the cadence people are suggesting...but i would suggest anything but the polk...

01-02-2009, 10:37 PM	#9
Big Daddy Blu-ray Champion Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Southern California Home Theater Gallery:79 Blu-ray collection:122 Trading Score:1	If you are on a tight budget, try Parts Express. They have many models under $250. http://www.parts-express.com/wizards...TOKEN=55685550

01-03-2009, 12:10 AM	#11
bacot11 Member Member since:Nov 2008 Home Theater Gallery:16 Blu-ray collection:23	This is what I went with. http://www.amazon.com/BIC-America-F1...0944893&sr=8-5 Had the same kind of budget. It is truly a beast.

01-03-2009, 03:16 PM	#13
FIDDYPOP Expert Member Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Chi-Town Home Theater Gallery:8 Blu-ray collection:444 Blu-ray reviews:1	I really like my sub and it was cheap.

01-03-2009, 03:17 PM	#14
FIDDYPOP Expert Member Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Chi-Town Home Theater Gallery:8 Blu-ray collection:444 Blu-ray reviews:1	use the difference of your budget to buy more Blu rays. My Ht sounds really cool in my opinion.

01-03-2009, 09:22 PM	#16
BigThree Member Member since:Aug 2007 4K collection:42 Blu-ray collection:506 Trading Score:14	Heres a link to a 2009 BIC they have more than one for sale. http://cgi.ebay.com/BIC-Acoustech-H-...742.m153.l1262

01-03-2009, 10:39 PM	#17
Downhere Power Member Member since:Sep 2007 Location:Central Florida Blu-ray collection:444 Blu-ray reviews: 2 Trading Score:8	I bought a sub from The Speaker Company on Amazon. It's the ASW-10. I got it for my bedroom after reading that it was an Energy ESW-10 clone. It is a great sub for the money. I paid a little under $100 and now it's $150, but well worth it at that price as well. I'd look into it if I were you.

01-04-2009, 12:31 AM	#19
Squozen Senior Member Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Melbourne, Australia Home Theater Gallery:17 Blu-ray collection:80	I don't have anything useful to add - I'm saving for an SVS PB-13 Ultra. In my experience a cheap sub isn't worth the money, especially as my mains would put out more bass than a $250 sub could. I would recommend saving towards something more substantial, unless your other speakers are so puny that they don't put out any semblance of bass at all?

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