Help me decide on a subwoofer.

[Zman2k2]

Okay, so my tax return is in, and I'm looking for an upgrade. My current sub is old and on some tracks lately, hasn't been up to what I would consider great output. It's time to retire it I think. So I'm looking for a new sub. I have around $700 US to play with, so here's what I'm thinking of. If there's any you can suggest, feel free, as I'd like as varied a choice as possible to start.

Elemental designs A2-300 sub.
Elemental Designs A3-300 sub.
HSU Research VTF-2 Mk 3

If you got suggestions, post 'em up. If you like one of the above, please tell me. I'm not sure which way to go right now.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by Zman2k2

Okay, so my tax return is in, and I'm looking for an upgrade. My current sub is old and on some tracks lately, hasn't been up to what I would consider great output. It's time to retire it I think. So I'm looking for a new sub. I have around $700 US to play with, so here's what I'm thinking of. If there's any you can suggest, feel free, as I'd like as varied a choice as possible to start.

Elemental designs A2-300 sub.
Elemental Designs A3-300 sub.
HSU Research VTF-2 Mk 3

If you got suggestions, post 'em up. If you like one of the above, please tell me. I'm not sure which way to go right now.

If WAF is an issue, buy HSU VTF-2. They make very attractive subs and they deliver very fast. If WAF is not an issue, buy two ED A2-300. Two subs will perform better than one sub in almost all cases.

[jaejw1]

Originally Posted by Zman2k2

Okay, so my tax return is in, and I'm looking for an upgrade. My current sub is old and on some tracks lately, hasn't been up to what I would consider great output. It's time to retire it I think. So I'm looking for a new sub. I have around $700 US to play with, so here's what I'm thinking of. If there's any you can suggest, feel free, as I'd like as varied a choice as possible to start.

Elemental designs A2-300 sub.
Elemental Designs A3-300 sub.
HSU Research VTF-2 Mk 3

If you got suggestions, post 'em up. If you like one of the above, please tell me. I'm not sure which way to go right now.

i see what you have chosen... but are you at all interested in any of the budget subs.. budget as in price not performance..

[Zman2k2]

WAF is A factor, buy it's not THE deciding factor. Do Hsu subs have decent output? I'm a little worried about spending this kind of money and then be left wanting. I kind of like the A3-300 for it's front firing design, but I don't know if that effects output, or is more the WOW factor of "wow, look at that cone move!"

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by Zman2k2

WAF is A factor, buy it's not THE deciding factor. Do Hsu subs have decent output? I'm a little worried about spending this kind of money and then be left wanting. I kind of like the A3-300 for it's front firing design, but I don't know if that effects output, or is more the WOW factor of "wow, look at that cone move!"

HSU sub are highly rated and have great output. There is really not any difference between front firing and down firing.

[jaejw1]

why not save urself some money.. and run dual budget subs.. it will help smooth out the bass response..

big daddy has reviewed the acoustic audio HD SUB12 (200bux each) and there is a thread on the premier acoustic pa120 (230 each).. im sure running dualls in anyone of these would put a smile on your face..

for the amount you want to spend you could buy 3.. and smooth out your bass response even further..

just my lil .02

[jomari]

Originally Posted by Zman2k2

WAF is A factor, buy it's not THE deciding factor. Do Hsu subs have decent output? I'm a little worried about spending this kind of money and then be left wanting. I kind of like the A3-300 for it's front firing design, but I don't know if that effects output, or is more the WOW factor of "wow, look at that cone move!"

i will reiterate what Big Daddy has mentioned, and yes, they do have the oomph you will be looking for.

how big is the room? if ever, i can also throw in some SVS for some pondering on. Personally, with that budget of around 700 clams, id save a tad more and get TWO SVS PB-10s for $429 plus some shipping cost. now THATS a great duet.

jae also brings up another point, in saving more money, heck even 15% when you switch to geico.



i feel a bit funny today, pardon my postings if you please.

[Driver_King]

I think you should go with dual A2-300's. A single A3-300 or single HSU is not going to be as pleasing as two subwoofers. I agree with Jomari about dual SVS subs, that is, only if WAF is the deciding factor. If not, dual A2-300's is what you should be looking to. The SVS PB-10 is close in performance to the A2-300, but the A2-300 is still better performance wise. The single HSU would be nice if you could only have one subwoofer, as would a single AV123 MFW-15.

[sokrman14]

I have the same HSU sub and I can tell you its rather delightful. Its big, but is also a beauty. It is a very clean sounding sub with a very deep bass extension. I have never listened to the other subs, but I can vouch that this sub is a keeper.

[Zman2k2]

Wow, thanks all. While dual subs would be a dream of mine, WAF is still a factor. I seriously doubt she would let me put two "boomboxes" in the living room.

I will do some looking into SVS subs as well, given that they were mentioned here.

Thanks for the opinion on the Hsu Sub sokrman14. Real user information is much better than any press release.

[Driver_King]

Here is that MFW-15 as well...

[Dase]

I have the PB12-nsd and it's just awesome in my room. SVS PB12-nsd or PC12-nsd are great. The new A3-300 looks awesome, as well as the HSU VTF-3 MK3. Also look at the Outlaw LFM-1 EX. Epik has a great sealed sub in the Vanquish. You really can't go wrong with any of these and they all are right there in your budget! Don't settle! Get the max output and extension for your $$.

I would not get dual 10's. Although dual 10's will give you a flatter response through the frequencies they output, they just won't dig as deep as a good 12. I have had many 10's before and they just haven't gone as low, size does matter.

I looked at all the above when I was deciding as my budget was the same as yours. Can't wait to hear what you decide to go with and congrats on the upgrade!

[CosmoKid]

I have gone from a HSU VTF2 MK1 to an HSU VTF3 MKIII.

The former was in my apartment and was an amazing performer. I got the upgrade bug when I moved into my house and upgraded to a VTF3. It was probably unnecessary.

My room is 16 x 15 with 2 openings that add a lot to the cubic footage. One opening is to the kitchen and dining area whcih is 30 x 19.

The other opens up to a foyer and center hall that are about 26 x 13 combined.

My VTF3s gain is set to about 4. The sub handles anything I throw at it and no matter the VTF2 or 3, you will NEVER be left for wanting more.

I think HSU subs get a lot less love on this site than they should. HSU has been around for a long time at this point and have always produced great subs. I can't say enough good things about them.

[teemacone]

For me, space was sort of an issue as I wanted a compact versatile sub that packed a punch. I ended up getting the Martin Logan Dynamo a couple years ago. It was under $600 with a ten inch driver and sounds awesome in my huge living room. I have it matched with some nice Energy Towers and Center channels for a good synergy of sound.

[JasonR]

Originally Posted by Driver_King

Here is that MFW-15 as well...

http://av123forum.com/showthread.php?t=40953

[StimpsonJCat]

Originally Posted by -dase-

I have the PB12-nsd and it's just awesome in my room. SVS PB12-nsd or PC12-nsd are great. The new A3-300 looks awesome, as well as the HSU VTF-3 MK3. Also look at the Outlaw LFM-1 EX. Epik has a great sealed sub in the Vanquish. You really can't go wrong with any of these and they all are right there in your budget! Don't settle! Get the max output and extension for your $$.

+1

[MacDaddyOJack]

My vote is for the SVS PC12-NSD. It is on sale right now too

http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-cyl-pc12_nsd.cfm

If your wife is really not going to go for a big sub, you can get the sealed version - also good, but it won't go quite as deep. That one is still in your budget as well at $649. This sub also has the better amp as it is in the plus category. 425W of yummy power

http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-sb12plus.cfm

[Aerodude73]

Originally Posted by MacDaddyOJack

My vote is for the SVS PC12-NSD. It is on sale right now too

http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-cyl-pc12_nsd.cfm

If your wife is really not going to go for a big sub, you can get the sealed version - also good, but it won't go quite as deep. That one is still in your budget as well at $649. This sub also has the better amp as it is in the plus category. 425W of yummy power

http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-sb12plus.cfm

Damn!! that 1st one is huge! I bet if I had the room, the $$$$, & more important than ever, didn't have a neighbor -- I'd have to seriously think about one of those puppies. That thing is sick lookin'

[Zman2k2]

Originally Posted by Driver_King

Here is that MFW-15 as well...

Thanks DK. It seems that all the MFW-15 models are "Sold Out" right now though.

Originally Posted by JasonR

http://av123forum.com/showthread.php?t=40953

I saw that too Jason. I wonder if that's why all the models are sold out right now?

Originally Posted by -dase-

I have the PB12-nsd and it's just awesome in my room. SVS PB12-nsd or PC12-nsd are great. The new A3-300 looks awesome, as well as the HSU VTF-3 MK3. Also look at the Outlaw LFM-1 EX. Epik has a great sealed sub in the Vanquish. You really can't go wrong with any of these and they all are right there in your budget! Don't settle! Get the max output and extension for your $$.

I would not get dual 10's. Although dual 10's will give you a flatter response through the frequencies they output, they just won't dig as deep as a good 12. I have had many 10's before and they just haven't gone as low, size does matter.

I looked at all the above when I was deciding as my budget was the same as yours. Can't wait to hear what you decide to go with and congrats on the upgrade!

Some great suggestions -dase-. Really appreciate it. I like the look of the SVS PB12 nsd sub, and yes, the A3-300 looks great. The styling does need to be considered, as this is in the living room as well. I agree with you too, that I need something bigger than a 10" sub. I have had one before, and felt it just didn't have what I wanted.

Ahh, choices.

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by MacDaddyOJack

My vote is for the SVS PC12-NSD. It is on sale right now too

http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-cyl-pc12_nsd.cfm

If your wife is really not going to go for a big sub, you can get the sealed version - also good, but it won't go quite as deep. That one is still in your budget as well at $649. This sub also has the better amp as it is in the plus category. 425W of yummy power

http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-sb12plus.cfm

I'd have to wonder if I would need to invest in seperates to power that thing. I feel my lil' 605 won't get the job done.