[David C]

I would appreciate your recommendations on a powered sub under $500. It will be used mostly in a home theater setup.

thanks
David

[rollo]

 HSU VTF2 mk3 on sale for $509 40% off!!. Hard to beat at this price.


charles
SMA

[coke]

I had a similar budget and went with the Rythmik FV12.  It is supposed to arrive today, so I can't comment on the performance yet.

[I.Greyhound Fan]

I would consider these subs-

http://emotiva.com/xref_sub10.shtm

http://emotiva.com/ultra_sub12.shtm

[randytsuch]

I built a sealed 12" Rythmik sub a while ago, when Rythmik still sold drivers and amps.

I haven't listened to other subs, but I think the Rythmik for $500 would be hard to beat, a Rythmik servo sub can really ROCK the house.

Randy

[jtwrace]

I built a sealed 12" Rythmik sub a while ago, when Rythmik still sold drivers and amps.

They still do sell drivers and amps.  http://rythmikaudio.com/products2.html

[Russtafarian]

There's always the pricegrabber approach.  You can pick up overstocked, discontinued, refurb'd subs from the usual suspects (Polk, Boston, Velodyne, etc.).  A while back I got three 8" Velodyne subs for around $500 and put one on each wall.  Way better bass integration and more headroom than a typical $500 powered sub.

[David C]

To all
thanks for the replies. I just ordered the Rythmik 12"

regards David

[randytsuch]

They still do sell drivers and amps.  http://rythmikaudio.com/products2.html

You're right, when I read the top of this page
http://rythmikaudio.com/order.html

I thought it meant they weren't selling parts anymore.

You just have to buy both the amp and driver as a pair, which you would probably do anyway.

Randy

[Dan Driscoll]

Check the used market, you can find some great deals on excellent subs (and other components) if you know what you're looking for. A few years ago I picked up a used Adire Rava (12", 250W, sealed) for $200. For most applications it will beat every sub mentioned in this thread so far and and I'll happily put it up against new subs costing 4-5 times as much. It's an excellent sub for music, as well.

As always, IMO, YMMV, yada, yada, yada.

[wagnju]

I have 2 of the Emptek ES10i . Very good value for the money , nice finish , not too big .

http://emptek.com/subwoofer.php

[Rclark]

Check the used market, you can find some great deals on excellent subs (and other components) if you know what you're looking for. A few years ago I picked up a used Adire Rava (12", 250W, sealed) for $200. For most applications it will beat every sub mentioned in this thread so far and and I'll happily put it up against new subs costing 4-5 times as much. It's an excellent sub for music, as well.

As always, IMO, YMMV, yada, yada, yada.

 As an aside, I have two Adire Brahma 15 drivers waiting in the wings. My plan is to do a pair of GR 8 or 12" open baffle subs, and then have the two Brahma's set to 20hz and below, in the corners.

 

[coke]

Very happy with my FV12 so far.  I think i might get another 

[FireGuy]

I've owned an Outlaw Audio LFM1+ for about 1.5 years.  It performs every bit of its rated 18HZ (w/one port plugged) for music and movies.   Highly recommended for about $500.  Design influence from Dr. HSU.  If I were to upgrade probably to a Revel B15.  Would love to hear both in the same environment.

[drjjpdc]

Wow, I am surprised that no one mentioned the REL T5 for $599 street? It is a giant killer.

[Rclark]

Holy cow it's all about the Epik Legend. Think I may take that deal on a pair in the next few weeks, hopefully. Researching subs has turned out to be a blast.

[vondoom88]

 For 500.00 it would be hard to beat a Epik Legend @ 499.00

[Rclark]

I've been pouring over that thread on avs. I want a pair, and then two more. I love what I see so far. Sealed, two drivers in parallel to where yoy could set an upright coin on the sub and it won't fall over, zero vibration for long amp life, 20hz but by all reports very punchy up top as well. I think I have landed on my choice of subs.

They are also bam ready to ship, no month or more wait ala eD.