Looking for new subwoofer.... Help!

[dustyanddaflames]

Hey guys, Cal Puck has been a place I now look for valuable information when it comes to tech support. In the last week, my Polk Audio sub has went I believe, started sounding really terrible, almost a vibrating noise and pretty sure it is shot. I can no longer handle the noise it makes so I had to rip it out and now am in search of a new sub. Just wondering what your guys' thoughts were when it comes to home audio subwoofers. Running Polk Audio towers, center and bookshelf's off of a Harmon Kardon reciever. Looking to spend roughly around 300 to 500 for a decent sub, but the one's I seen at future shop in Lethbridge were touching 800. Thanks in advance.

[GoinAllTheWay]

PM OBCT (or wait for his arrival) He seems to be wise in all things audio/video.

Guy knows his stuff.

Also, someone pointed out to me http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/ Solid forum, tons of info on there as well.

[OBCT]

If you can afford anything SVS, I'd strongly recommend them. Their Canadian website is HERE.

Way more BANG :P for the buck than anything you'll find in Future Shop, I'd reckon.


EDIT: Not everyone is keen on the idea, but I often recommend buying used when it comes to subwoofers, especially to those who are on a tight budget ($500 CDN is generally the starting point for good-ish-decent subs).

The Buying/Selling area on digitalforum.ca (great recommendation, GATW), sometimes sees items like this pass through it. (You might need to register to the forum to view or post in the Bu/Sell area of the forum.)

Sometimes if you ask directly, SVS will offer discounts on open box, scratched, refurbished or demoed units sitting in stock.

There are usually dozens of subs for sale at any time on AudiogoN, eBay, etc. The drawback in these situations is that you'll usually be forced to transact with someone from the States, which incurs certain other costs right away. Some good searching could unearth a gem, though.


Let us know how you do!

[dustyanddaflames]

OBCT, do you know of anyone who has a cylinder subwoofer? Been looking at them a little more as it is the first time I have seen one... Any difference, pros and cons? Just was browsing around the internet looking at some reviews of them, but haven't really found much to be insightful. Thanks again in advance, will be calling them to see if they have any open box/demo available in the 10" NSD series... and will let you know how I make out.

[OBCT]

Originally Posted by dustyanddaflames

OBCT, do you know of anyone who has a cylinder subwoofer? Been looking at them a little more as it is the first time I have seen one... Any difference, pros and cons? Just was browsing around the internet looking at some reviews of them, but haven't really found much to be insightful. Thanks again in advance, will be calling them to see if they have any open box/demo available in the 10" NSD series... and will let you know how I make out.

Actually, no, I do not know of anyone who has a cylinder sub. Even if I did, I live in the U.S. now (though I was born in Alberta... hence posting on a Flames board), so I mightn't be the most helpful that way.

One thing you could do is search the digital home forum for users in your area that have subs (do a search for "sub" or "SVS" or "cylinder" ... whatever ... and then skim the pages for users in your area; PM a couple of 'em and ask if they'd be willing to audition their equipment for you -- you'd be surprised how open some audio fanatics can be!).

RE: Cylinder vs. Box. There are definitely differences, so your question is very valid. Thankfully, SVS (on their American website) puts it far better than I can, so take a peak at their explanation: http://www.svsound.com/questions-faqs.cfm#cylinderorbox


Yeah, it's worth giving them a call. Keep us posted.

[bluejays]

I also second the SVS Sub. I got the PB12-NSD IIRC (the $780 one), and it's massive. I can only imagine their other ones. The problem is it's in the basement and the basement is very large and completely open which sucks because probably 4 or 5 subs are needed if anything. However, when the sub is on, for the most extreme bass scenes with the volume turned up and the full power ratcheted up on the sub, the hinges on the doors rattle nicely which is really cool.

[Smurf69]

I have a decent sub for sale in your price range. The ED A2-300. 12" 200w ported sub. http://www.edesignaudio.com/product_...roducts_id=407 I bought it new just over a year ago. I bought it to fill in my system till the sub I wanted was offered in different finishes. It is a very good sub for the price but not small. It was/is 350.00 USD new but with shipping taxes and all the other BS I paid just under $600.00 CDN. Lots of reviews on places like avsforum.com or check out tweak audio city website. There is quite an extensive subwoofer comparison which was done last year. Let me know if you are interested.

[OBCT]

eD is very well regarded for their subs. The A2-300 is an entry level unit, but it puts out more than enough oomph for the average person. Reviews are generally very positive, as Smurf69 said.

SVS probably offers more sub for the money than eD (some will disagree), especially in Canada due to their Canadian online distributor. At the same time, it could be worth the easier transaction and quicker arrival time to take up an offer for a used local sub. Compare total prices and make a call.

Do keep in mind differences in warranty, too -- eD's is 5 years (<4 remaining), and is fully transferrable (with original sales receipt and packaging); SVS' is 3 years (transferrability unknown).

[Stormy Lancer]

I got some pro ones for sale. More than likely too powerful for you but they are cheap!