Shopping for a subwoofer

Meloski

Active Member

• Aug 1, 2015

• #1

I am currently looking into adding a subwoofer into my system. The bass from my Martin Logan Motion 40 speakers in my medium size room (16x14) is very good but I think adding a sub would richen the sound a bit, adding texture and depth. I wanted to know if anyone could offer any suggestions or comments about some of the subwoofers that they enjoy, while I research in finding the right sub for me. I would like to budget around $500.00 - $600.00

Cheers,

 

Last edited: Aug 1, 2015

enginedr

Super Member

• Aug 1, 2015

• #2

I tried one now I have two . Do some research .

 

finnbow

The Dude Abides

• Aug 1, 2015

• #3

Dayton Titanic 10", either in kit form or assembled (I'd get the easy-to-assemble kit and save considerable bucks).

http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-t1004k-10-titanic-mk-4-subwoofer-kit--300-760

 

Meloski

Active Member

• Aug 1, 2015

• #4

What differences should I expect from a enclosed vs. a open ported sub?

 

dc270

Now Off the Reservation

• Aug 1, 2015

• #5

Meloski said:

What differences should I expect from a enclosed vs. a open ported sub?

Click to expand...

A vented sub will have a sharper low end cut off, depending on the model at hand and its amplifier. The sealed type have a much slower "decay" as it were but the cut off freq can be higher. Listen to both if you can. If you can find a good HSU sub (used) or an older Velodyn like a CT150 they sound pretty good.

Bad thing about Velodyn newer stuff is that the amp go south usually inside a couple of years-poor quality.
DC

 

Gang-Twanger

Resident Wharfedaliophool

• Aug 1, 2015

• #6

HSU is a company that SPECIALIZES in subwoofers. It's all they make. JL Audio is another.

And there's always Velodyne. They've been making subs for decades.

 

BeerCan

Tá mé ar meisce.

• Aug 1, 2015

• #7

If you can do DIY Rythmik audio is good. I also think their complete systems are a good value as well.
http://www.rythmikaudio.com/products1.html

 

sealy

Addicted Member

• Aug 1, 2015

• #8

SVS or Hsu.

 

N

N8Nagel

AK Subscriber

Subscriber

• Aug 1, 2015

• #9

SVS, Hsu, Rythmik, all good. I'll just add that I'm enjoying my Outlaw sub quite a bit.

Sent from my 0PJA2 using Tapatalk

 

S

seminole54

AK Member

• Aug 1, 2015

• #10

Excellent audio sub and seller is not that far from you.

https://app.audiogon.com/listings/f...-2015-07-22-speakers-93908-9467-salinas-ca--2

 

Hajidub

AK Subscriber

Subscriber

• Aug 2, 2015

• #11

Gang-Twanger said:

HSU is a company that SPECIALIZES in subwoofers. It's all they make. JL Audio is another.

And there's always Velodyne. They've been making subs for decades.

Click to expand...

I'm confused, who makes their other dozens of model speakers (non-sub)? +1 on the Hsu or Dayton.

 

saabracer23

AK Subscriber

Subscriber

• Aug 2, 2015

• #12

Id go DIY and get more for your money. It would be nice to know if you have a limit to the size of cabinet you could go with. For $600 I'd go with a pair of Dayton reference HF 12s or 15s in sealed cabinets. If you want to keep it closer to $500 then a pair of the Dayton 12" or 15" DVC series sub which do sound very good and give you huge bang for your buck. Those you could go sealed or ported, just depends how big of box you wanted. Pair either of those offerings with a now on clearance Crown XLS2500 and you be able to out preform any commercially made sub for the money.

I used to have a single Velodyne HGS-15 and while it sounded very good I was able to sell it for enough to pay for 4 18" SI drivers when they were on sell and a peavey IPR2 7500 which has enough power to power them all. I only needed to come up with extra money to pay for the cabinet building materials. No comparison, I'd never go back.

Dan

 

hnash53

AK Subscriber

Subscriber

• Aug 2, 2015

• #13

Since you already have ML speakers, why not get a ML subwoofer?

 

Meloski

Active Member

• Aug 2, 2015

• #14

hnash53 said:

Since you already have ML speakers, why not get a ML subwoofer?

Click to expand...

Leaning in that direction.

 

teebee

Well-Known Member

• Aug 2, 2015

• #15

ML Dynamo series!
Very flexible, front or downfiring selectability.

 

K

kbuzz

AK Subscriber

Subscriber

• Oct 27, 2015

• #16

finnbow said:

Dayton Titanic 10", either in kit form or assembled (I'd get the easy-to-assemble kit and save considerable bucks).

http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-t1004k-10-titanic-mk-4-subwoofer-kit--300-760

Click to expand...

To revive an old thread. Do these kits require soldering?

 

statman122

Well-Known Member

• Dec 20, 2017

• #17

How do you like the 40's? I am thinking about getting a pair

 

Meloski

Active Member

• Dec 21, 2017

• #18

The 40's are great. Overall I think they deliver a pure sound. I've always been impressed with the high end replication. It took some time to dial in the placement in my room,but when I found it wow! The soundstage, separation and detail are all outstanding, with a well recorded album you can be placed right in the room (Folk Singer - Muddy Waters). Conversely if there a any flaws in the recording they won't go unnoticed. I regularly run Gold lion KT77s with BB and Telefunken NOS tubes in my amp, a very revealing tube combo. When I roll into some JT,s or Mullards the 40's are very responsive. Sensitivity at 92 db offer a lot of amplifier choices. My Jolida with 40 WPC drive these speakers perfectly. Highly recommended! P.S. I still haven't bought the sub.

 

Last edited: Dec 21, 2017

StuartB

AK Subscriber

Subscriber

• Dec 21, 2017

• #19

I have JL Audio D110. It is an amazing sub in a small package. It mates wonderfully with my Harbeths. I paid $500 used (new they are $100)

Good luck on your search. Take your time. Unfortunately good subs are not cheap. Loud subs can be cheap, but good solid rueful bass is not easy to accomplish