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Best sub...one great one or two average ones?

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Old 11-28-00 | 01:27 AM
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From: Jor As, Texas
I have been trying to decied on which sub to get for my home system, I can't figure out what would sound better, two 150 dollar Sony subs or maybe one 300 dollar yamaha sub. I would like to know what someone else has. Thank you.
Old 11-28-00 | 09:23 AM
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quote:<HR>Originally posted by jayroach:
I have been trying to decied on which sub to get for my home system, I can't figure out what would sound better, two 150 dollar Sony subs or maybe one 300 dollar yamaha sub. I would like to know what someone else has. Thank you.<HR>


I would go with the Velodyne CT100 10" ($399 @ Circuit City), or I was also VERY impressed with the new PB series from JBL. PB-10 10" - $299 @ Best Buy and the PB-12 12" - $399 @ Best Buy. I am sure that they can be found cheaper online.

Of course I have had NO experience with the Sony or Yamaha, so I can't really comment on those, but I was impressed with the models listed above.
Old 11-28-00 | 10:13 AM
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One good sub will always perform better than two average subs. Setup will be infinitely easier, too. I do not like either the Sony or the Yamaha, and I would suggest you look at other brands with similar prices for comparison.
Old 11-28-00 | 04:38 PM
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If you can afford it go with a Miller Kriesel (M&K) sub. They are a bit more expensive but well worth the money. I have a very low end one that is 5 years old and sounds as good today as the day I bought it. Its a 12" and powered. I got mine for $499 in 1995. I won't be without a sub for obvious reasons and if I ever need to replace my current one another M&K will definitely be on the top of the list. Just my opinion....

Mark www.dvdtracker.com/~lastsho
Old 11-28-00 | 04:43 PM
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From: Jor As, Texas
Thanks for your info, I have been looking at some JBL that were referbs. So they were almost half off! Has anyone had any problems with referbed subs? Thanks, more suggestions would be great as well.
Old 11-28-00 | 07:26 PM
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quote:<HR>Originally posted by jayroach:
Has anyone had any problems with referbed subs? <HR>


I also looked into some of the refurb PSW series at one time, but read all of reviews at www.audioreview.com and decided to stay away from them - seems to be a problem with the amps. Also, when I demoed a couple of subs, the PSW series just did not seem to perform like the PB series does. Just my opinion of course...
Old 11-28-00 | 10:42 PM
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Definitely ONE good sub. In that price range look around the classifieds at Audiogon, Audioreview, and so on. You should be able to get an M&K, Velodyne, or NHT for an excellant price. Used doesn't always mean abused...
Old 11-29-00 | 12:15 AM
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From: Jor As, Texas
Thanks for the info, but I have deceided that I can only spend around 300 bones on a sub, and the idea of a used one sounds great! I will look around on the web, anyone have any ideas of what kinda of sub I can get for that price?

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Old 11-29-00 | 03:00 AM
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WHAT ABOUT KLIPSH SUBS?? I HEARD ONE OF THE 1O INCH POWERED SUBS AT A GOOD GUYS NEAY THE BEVERLY CENTER NEAR HOLLYWOOD. SOUNDED AWESOME
Old 11-29-00 | 08:01 PM
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Got a business license? If so, set up an account with dbldistributing.com and get the JBL PB-12 at wholesale for $240. Or get a Pinnacle babyboomer for $560! They also sell BIC subs dirt cheap.
Old 11-29-00 | 08:54 PM
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quote:<HR>Originally posted by jayroach:
I have been trying to decied on which sub to get for my home system, I can't figure out what would sound better, two 150 dollar Sony subs or maybe one 300 dollar yamaha sub. I would like to know what someone else has. Thank you.<HR>



One good sub is definitely better than two
average ones.

But, what you've listed above are two poor
subs, and one below average sub.

You should look into the Paradigm PS-1000
for $400. That's a very, very, good sub, and just one will definitely do the
trick.




There's more info on the PS-1000 here:
http://www.paradigm.ca/Website/Parad...rs/ps1000.html

Some PS-1000 product awards:










Old 11-29-00 | 10:19 PM
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I've always been partial to Boston Acoustics. I've got a CR400, 8" woofer, 75 watts. It sounds wimpy, but delivers a nice tight bass that isn't boomy. Its perfect for my apartment. I think the PV400 goes for $300. You ought to try it out
Old 11-30-00 | 12:54 AM
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There's a guy on Audiogon selling a Definitive Technology PowerField 15TL Sub (15" 350 Watt) beast for $400, odds are you can talk him down to $350 plus shipping. Incredible sub, maybe a little boomy, definitely not as tight as a Velodyne or Sunfire but very very good extension. For $400 total an excellant buy. There's also an NHT Supersub for $350 and a few other lookers.

Good luck -> I often monitor the classifieds, if you want me to keep an eye out e-mail me. I'm glad to help.
Old 12-01-00 | 12:19 AM
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Thanks man, my email is [email protected], if you find anything that is a good deal let me know. I don't know too much about great sounding subs, everyones help is greatly appreciated.

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Old 12-02-00 | 03:41 AM
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From: B.C., Canada
Here are some sub reviews by Tom Nousaine of Sound and Vision, May 2000:
http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/Sou..._cm_00,00.html

Of the five reviewed, Nousaine recommended the Hsu VTF-2 (US$475-$550 online) and the Mission 700AS (US$300-$350 street). FWIW, the 700AS is now replaced by the 700ASi (supposedly the same except for a larger 150W amp instead of 100W).

Here are some test measurements by Nousaine in his print version of the article (10% distortion, 2 metres in a large 7500 cu.ft. room):

Mission 700AS
Low Frequency Extension (LFE): 102dB at 25Hz
Average Sound Pressure Level (SPL): 108.1dB between 25-62Hz

In August 2000, I had purchased a pair of the Mission 700AS for around US$650 including 14% taxes and shipping. It's cheaper in Canada where it is listed at CDN$550 (approx. US$360) with street pricing between CDN$400-$450 (approx. US$260-$295).

IMO, this is one of the best bang for the buck subs currently available. Remember that this is a 10 inch sub with a 100W amp, measuring 16"x17"x18", and weighs in at about 35-40 pounds.

Dave

Old 12-02-00 | 07:01 PM
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quote:<HR>Originally posted by DavidY:
Here are some sub reviews by Tom Nousaine of Sound and Vision, May 2000:
<HR>



Not to sound harsh, but Stereo Review / Sound
and Vision is undoubtedly the most worthless
audio magazine in print -- they like everything.

Check out a more critical, and accurate,
magazine such as Stereophile Guide to Home
Theater.

If it's not a good value, they'll let you
know. They just trashed the new NAD DVD
player, where Sound and Vision would likely
just say it "was a fine performing player";
forgetting that there are a dozen players
that perform better, at half the cost.

SGHT is certainly not perfect, but they are
among the best HT resources out there.

$.02

Old 12-02-00 | 11:39 PM
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Hi all, I bought a Klipsch ksw-12 (12" sub) for $309 + shipping ($15) from www.brandnamez.com!! I tried to buy the 10" sub from a local place for that before I found brandnamez.... I don't think you could go wrong for the money
Old 12-03-00 | 03:15 AM
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Michael,

Did you actually read the review by Tom Nousaine? Generally, I would kinda agree that most reviews by Sound and Vision are often not very critical. However, I think that I would look more seriously at the test measurements by Nousaine on various subs. These tests are much more objective and therefore, more relevant for making comparisons between products such as subs. Furthermore, the reviews by Nousaine are IMO more critical than the reviews by the other Sound and Vision reviewers. In addition, I understand that he is a known bass fanatic. As such, if a sub doesn't perform to his expectations, I would think that he would NOT recommend it. Just my opinion of course.

Also, I often just post the test measurements to provide a more objective review of a sub than just subjective comments by the reviewer or a HT enthusiast such as myself.

Dave

Old 12-03-00 | 03:30 PM
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I HIGHLY recommend the Hsu Research Subs. I would also look into SVS.
Old 12-03-00 | 11:41 PM
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quote:<HR>Originally posted by DavidY:
Michael,

Did you actually read the review by Tom Nousaine? Generally, I would kinda agree that most reviews by Sound and Vision are often not very critical. However, I think that I would look more seriously at the test measurements by Nousaine on various subs.
<HR>



Hi Dave,

Nope, I gave up on those folks awhile ago.

But I'll take your word for it that this is
a solid review.

Measurements only tell half the story, though,
as they don't address how the sub will
sound in a room, or how it will integrate
with other the other speakers in a system.

This subjective aspect is what is either
missing completely, or very light in SR/S&V
reviews.

Apologies if my initial comments were harsh!


Old 12-04-00 | 12:06 AM
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Michael,

I would not say that the review by Nousaine was "solid". In your defence...it was fairly brief, actually just hitting the highlights of each sub, which is probably enough to give readers an idea what the subs are about. His reviews are not as detailed as say, Stereophile and are not IMO not as critical as those by Hardesty of WSR. However, I would likely trust Nousaine's review then those by Hardesty. I just find Hardesty's recommended sub setup tips to be somewhat questionable...like recommending a sub for each chanhel (except for the centre), located throughout the room instead of corner loading it like what Nousaine does.

Dave


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