Replace My Subwoofer?

[J. R.]

I have a pretty good system (IMHO)..at least for what I can afford, but I believe the weak part of it is my subwoofer. I have a Denon 1082 receiver, with a Pioneer 45A DVDA/SACD. My front speakers are the basic Magneplaners, front channel a nice BIC American and my surrounds are Polk Audio bookshelf. My subwoofer is a KLH SW-12, which is quite boomy, especially in music.

I have a limited budget....no more than 500 for a new SW (if that is the way to go). I have kind of an oddly shaped living room that is open on the left to the entryway and hallway and kind of a half wall in the back, and I have wooden floors. The room is about 15 X 20, with an eight foot ceiling.

I am thinking about purchasing an HSU VTF-2 which I found was very highly rated. What do you all think?

[AudioEnz]

How about trying repositinng your sub first.

Put the sub in your listening position. Crawl around the floor on your ands and knees. You'l find that the bass differs greatly in different positins. If you find a spot where the bass sounds good, put your subwoofer there. Then go back and enjoy your music and movies.

[BradOlson]

I had to turn down the volume of my other speakers on my receiver and then the bass became more revealing.

[fjhuerta]

$500 USD?

Please take the following advise seriously.

Go to PartsExpress.com. Get a Titanic MK1 or MKIII subwoofer (I'd go for the 12"). Do you want the best bass extension? Get the MK1. The most accurate bass? Get the MKIII.

Now, buy a 300-794 250W amp. Variable phase, crossover, the works.

Have a carpenter build you a 3 cu. ft. sealed enclosure.

Assemble everything yourself.

Enjoy the best bass you've ever heard.

Total cost? I'd say around $500!

Better yet, you can buy the complete system @ PartsExpress or have it custom made by someone else... for about the same amount.

[-=Rudy=-]

Originally posted by KCJayyar

I am thinking about purchasing an HSU VTF-2 which I found was very highly rated. What do you all think?

Hsu Research is not widely known, but are indeed highly rated. Friend of mine recommended I try one when I get into the market for a sub...and this was a decade ago.

I haven't heard the woofers from Parts Express, but they do indeed look interesting. The largest Titanic has a 15" woofer, and you can get a very powerful amp with it. I'm not adverse to building something myself to save some money, but that's not for everyone.