2. home-theater
  3. 128486-84018

Need Wireless Subwoofer Options

I am in the process of minimizing my system footprint and the large boomy Velodyne VA-1215X that hogs the corner of the living room is the bane of my wife's existence. I would like to replace it with a wireless sub I could hide behind the couch. I have found a few solid brands like Rel (T/7i) and JL Audio (d110) that can operate via wireless. Others like Paradigm and Klipsch do as well but I have less confidence in their sound. This is for a two channel system connected to the TV - no surround sound.

Any ideas on brands/models that would fit the bill? My budget is $1K max. No velodyne please.  One concern I have about the Rel is that it does not appear to have a phase setting and I have very limited placement options.  Should I be concerned about this?

Thanks.
treebeard1
treebeard1 OP
100 posts
 
@savdllc
I have already ordered the JL Audio JLINK and plan to try it with my Velodyne. I’ll take it from there.

@m-db
No home theater. TV hooked to 2 channel digital pre (Cambridge 851N). I say no Velodyne because I paid $1k for my VA-1215X 20 years ago and it’s very boomy. Has a paper cone that rotted away. Seems cheap because of those two factors. That may not be the case anymore but perception is reality.
gdnrbob
2,421 posts
 
You can probably score a pair of Vandersteen 2w's for under $1K, but you do need crossovers. In my opinion, the best way to add subs to any system.
Also, HSU subs are a great value for the money, too.
The JL should probably be a good upgrade, but seeing you are using a Cambridge pre, I think the HSU may be a better match. Plus, you can get a pair within your budget.
B
m-db's avatar
m-db
313 posts
 
treebeard, I couldn't possibly change your perception. The affect an HT receivers room correction has or the affect built in room optimization has on a subwoofers performance is a substantial reality. 

The ability to mitigate system and room integration as well as to make personal taste decisions is all about the level of control one has with equalization. The low frequency in much of todays recordings can be all over the place. Polarity can change from track to track on a single album. The Wi-Q Velodyne I suggested allows you to make very usable EQ adjustments from the listening position. It's not their top shelf system but it seems to have the functions I use often with my pair of Digital Drive Plus. 

There are vinyl recordings were I mute the subs altogether. When I cue up Prince's "Musicality" it gets preset #3, bumpin'. 

I suggest reading any subwoofers setup procedures which will give you an idea of the products capability. Good luck with it.
treebeard1 OP
100 posts
 
@m-db Thanks, but for now I'm going to stick with what I have and use the wireless JLINK system.  If the spousal unit doesn't like the wireless locations of the sub then I'll look for something smaller that fits behind the couch.

@gdnrbob I'll look those up id it comes to that.
gdnrbob
2,421 posts
 
Thanks, though I still want to know how well wireless works with your system. I might consider it for my system, as well.
B
More to discover