What is the most musical sounding sub?

mcullinan · « **on:** 12 Sep 2007, 03:46 pm »

Hi. Im looking for a low end overhaul... I paid 2K for the Velo HGS-12... maybe I could get away with 1K now. Looking for tonally correct/fast sub..

Room is 12 x 17... mate with my Merlin VSMX and future TimePiece 3.0s Lots of puffy furniture and rugs in room.
Mike

woodsyi · « **Reply #1 on:** 12 Sep 2007, 03:53 pm »

To go with which speakers in what kind of room?

Grover · « **Reply #2 on:** 12 Sep 2007, 04:00 pm »

I see from you equipment list that you're familiar with Zu Cable. So I'd definitely check out their Mini-Method Sub.
I've heard it at CES and fast/musical is exactly how I'd describe it. $1,500.

http://zucable.com/#Subs

Zero · « **Reply #3 on:** 12 Sep 2007, 04:02 pm »

Mcullinan -

Are you going for something more compact? What type of output are you expecting from your sub? What speakers are you trying to match? When it comes to music making sub-woofers, there are a number of options.

If you can accommodate a larger box and demand lots of low end output, the VMPS Larger may be right up your alley.

Taking things down a notch in terms of size and output, recent vintage REL Acoustic sub-woofers have always been well regarded, and often hailed as THE low end music making champions. $1000 can step you into the Stadium III territory, very adequate for medium to larger sized rooms.

A number of people 'round these parts also enjoy the ACI Force (and the larger Titan), a compact sub that is often compared side by side with similar priced REL components with very favorable results. A quick google search (or visit by Lonewolfy) will yield tons of reviews.

Martin Logan also produces a few fast and detailed and well regarded subwoofers

Finally, bringing up the tail end of my recommendations is the fabulous Totem Acoustic Storm - an extremely quick 'musical' sub with a tone that errs more to the warm side of things.

There are many more wonderful products available on the market. The above are just a few brands that spring to mind that retain a reputation for delivering a reliable and consistent product with great performance. Good luck!

TomS · « **Reply #4 on:** 12 Sep 2007, 04:03 pm »

I've tried both the a REL B3 and ACI Titan II (sealed) with my Merlin TSM-MX and VSM-MX with reasonable success. Just make sure you have the input ahead of the SBAM, which has a high pass filter in it, and set the lowpass very low (40hz or less). Ultimately I kept a pair of the the ACI's, but I don't use them with the VSM-MX's now anymore, just HT duty. Tom

woodsyi · « **Reply #5 on:** 12 Sep 2007, 04:39 pm »

Are you looking for one, two or more subs? If you are getting the timepiece, could Mr. Smith be convinced to make some subwoofers with similar drivers for his monitors?

IronLion · « **Reply #6 on:** 12 Sep 2007, 04:46 pm »

I can vouch for the Minimethod being a very musical sub; I use it with Zu Tones, which are lightning fast, and it keeps up without a hitch. Not only that, but there's one on Headfi right now for sale for $1000...

Quote from: Grover on 12 Sep 2007, 04:00 pm

I see from you equipment list that you're familiar with Zu Cable. So I'd definitely check out their Mini-Method Sub.
I've heard it at CES and fast/musical is exactly how I'd describe it. $1,500.

http://zucable.com/#Subs

Russell Dawkins · « **Reply #7 on:** 12 Sep 2007, 05:19 pm »

I'd say include Hsu in your search.

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #8 on:** 13 Sep 2007, 05:09 am »

As for your SP Tech TP's...
In your size room (12x17)....I don't think you'll need a sub....IMO

You'll know better when you hear them.......

Eric · « **Reply #9 on:** 13 Sep 2007, 06:44 pm »

Any of the ACI subs. I have owned the Titan and now own the LFM's. I have heard the Maestro is to die for

BradJudy · « **Reply #10 on:** 13 Sep 2007, 06:47 pm »

I was lucky enough to win an ACI Titan XL in a raffle and it has shown to be an excellent subwoofer for music, which is good because my Sierra-1's have a very tight/fast low end.

randytsuch · « **Reply #11 on:** 13 Sep 2007, 07:12 pm »

Quote from: BradJudy on 13 Sep 2007, 06:47 pm

I was lucky enough to win an ACI Titan XL in a raffle and it has shown to be an excellent subwoofer for music, which is good because my Sierra-1's have a very tight/fast low end.

I am looking for a sub for my Sierra's, but I can't afford the Titan (didn't win the raffle

)

Probably going to try a Hsu, since they are local and I can pick it up from them, and save on shipping. And, it is more for HT than music, although I would like to use it for music too.

Randy

KCI-JohnP · « **Reply #12 on:** 13 Sep 2007, 07:19 pm »

Have you ever heard the TBI subs? Very good musical subs.

John

bacobits1 · « **Reply #13 on:** 13 Sep 2007, 09:48 pm »

I have a HSU VTF3 MKII now for awhile, 12", 300watts and do not use it for home theater.
It blends perfect and is musical with my single driver Brines FT1600II's.
At 80 LBS you can't beat the price either.

Den

randytsuch · « **Reply #14 on:** 13 Sep 2007, 10:46 pm »

Quote from: bacobits1 on 13 Sep 2007, 09:48 pm

I have a HSU VTF3 MKII now for awhile, 12", 300watts and do not use it for home theater.
It blends perfect and is musical with my single driver Brines FT1600II's.
At 80 LBS you can't beat the price either.

Den

Cool. That model is actually obsolete, but they make a VTF2 Mk 3 now, which is supposed to be close, a little less power (250 W). That's the model I will probably get, hopefully I have time next week to go pick it up, this week is pretty hecktic.

Over at AVS, people seem to like Hsu, SVS and Ed subs. Hsu's have a reputation for being more musical, SVS for more output, and Ed for the best value for the money.

For $600 at ed, you get a 140 lb sub
http://www.edesignaudio.com/edv2/product_info.php?cPath=2_41&products_id=618

Randy

DaveC113 · « **Reply #15 on:** 13 Sep 2007, 10:57 pm »

Hmm, I had that Elemental Designs 15" sub in a Suburban I used to have. It was in a sealed box with a composite of Marine plywood and 3/4" MDF walls. It was a very god sub, that looks like it might be a good deal for $600...

bacobits1 · « **Reply #16 on:** 14 Sep 2007, 12:28 am »

Randy, yes is was discontinued for the 3 MKIII "Turbo" version.
I do not like the piggy back extension and I
don't need it for music reproduction. Although I have not heard the new one.
Actually, my room now is smaller since my move and I'd like to maybe go to a smaller sub.
HSU has a return policy if not happy.

Den

Tweaker · « **Reply #17 on:** 14 Sep 2007, 12:50 am »

I've had a VTF2 Mk 3 in my system for several months now. Excellent sub for the money. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Quote from: randytsuch on 13 Sep 2007, 10:46 pm

Quote from: bacobits1 on 13 Sep 2007, 09:48 pm
I have a HSU VTF3 MKII now for awhile, 12", 300watts and do not use it for home theater.
It blends perfect and is musical with my single driver Brines FT1600II's.
At 80 LBS you can't beat the price either.

Den

Cool. That model is actually obsolete, but they make a VTF2 Mk 3 now, which is supposed to be close, a little less power (250 W). That's the model I will probably get, hopefully I have time next week to go pick it up, this week is pretty hecktic.

Over at AVS, people seem to like Hsu, SVS and Ed subs. Hsu's have a reputation for being more musical, SVS for more output, and Ed for the best value for the money.

For $600 at ed, you get a 140 lb sub
http://www.edesignaudio.com/edv2/product_info.php?cPath=2_41&products_id=618

Randy

randytsuch · « **Reply #18 on:** 14 Sep 2007, 03:15 pm »

Quote from: bacobits1 on 14 Sep 2007, 12:28 am

Randy, yes is was discontinued for the 3 MKIII "Turbo" version.
I do not like the piggy back extension and I
don't need it for music reproduction. Although I have not heard the new one.
Actually, my room now is smaller since my move and I'd like to maybe go to a smaller sub.
HSU has a return policy if not happy.

Den

Hi Den
They also have a non turbo version of the VTF3, but that is still probably overkill for my room. That does not have to piggyback turbo think. I am even thinking about getting their VTF1. I am thinking that if I run this, in addition to my present sub, that it would take care of the low end, but it's only $100 cheaper.

Randy

Double Ugly · « **Reply #19 on:** 14 Sep 2007, 03:34 pm »

Quote from: lonewolfny42 on 13 Sep 2007, 05:09 am

As for your SP Tech TP's...
In your size room (12x17)....I don't think you'll need a sub....IMO

You'll know better when you hear them.......

The man knows whereof he speaks, Mike. I'd definitely spend some time with the 3.0s before spending money on a sub.

If, however, your plan is to keep the Merlins and mate them with a sub ... disregard all.