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Looking for a musical subwoofer @ $500>

Had some thoughts, but figured I would ask here as I was given some great advice for my previous amp/preamp questions: https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/amp-preamp-or-avr-for-home-stereo-and-entertainment

System sounds great btw! Parasound A23, Integra 80.3, KEF Carina II's, Technics turn table, and a Blu Ray Player. 

Anyhoo - I could use some more bass. The KEFs get down to 55hz but a lot of my music goes lower and I don't want to compromise... to a point. 

Looking for a sub capable up 25-30hz on the low end with anywhere from 8-12" driver for less that $500. I came across the Klipsch R-12SW and the reviews were stellar, especially for the price. Want this for music more than Home Theater, but both would be nice. I've even read that the Pioneer SW-8 or 10 is a fine unit for the price. 
I know of names like Sunfire and Velodyne, but I wonder if it's worth buying into those companies if I can only afford the lower end products.

Also, my guess is that buying a used subwoofer is like buying a used race car... expect it to be driven, hard. 

Thanks in advance!
samgoldenberg
returntomusic's avatar
returntomusic
50 posts
 
Whoops sent my response off before it was finished by mistake.
Two subs may help achieve a smoother in room response and more output. I would be surprised if the two "cheaper" sub option would be as well built as the low end SVS or HSU subs. I would also compare warranties, vendor knowledge/advice and tech support.
samgoldenberg's avatar
samgoldenberg OP
9 posts
 
So I've boiled it down to HSU VTF-2 MK5, SVS SB1000, Outlaw UltraX 12. They range from $500-650. I'm going to call SVS in a moment, but in all likelihood they will want to sell me an SVS sub, so, with that in mind, any final thoughts? 

Appreciate all the help.
stfoth
435 posts
 
OP--I've had a couple of SVS over the years and don't think you could go wrong with a sealed one for the money and return policy.  Maybe also consider the smaller sealed Rythmik for music in or around the budget.

If you have time and are handy, DIY and/or a passive with a separate amp could be an option.

I think those will probably be more "musical" than a lot of others in that price-range, but, if you are seismic bass-head and are willing to sacrifice, a ported SVS or HSU won't likely do you wrong.

I have a similar HSU and a similar Klipsch, both about 3-4 years old.  Neither made the cut for music for me and so are getting infrequent use for movies--the HSU significantly outperforming the Klipsch.

Not familiar with the Outlaw.

I may be an exception, but none of my subs get driven hard.
raindance
52 posts
 
Hsu - I have the VTF1 MK-III (2 of them). I find them quite musical with my Maggies. They are real easy to integrate.

donvito101
278 posts
 
" I’m going to call SVS in a moment, but in all likelihood they will want to sell me an SVS sub, so, with that in mind, any final thoughts? "
What do you think they would try to sell you??
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