|   Having difficulty choosing a subwoofer | CTR
Jul 24, 2002 9:36 AM | | I use to always think that a subwoofer was sort of a luxury item and not really needed. But when I bought a new computer and got a 4.1 speaker system, even with a little 17 watt sub, the difference in games and music was incredible. So I decided to get a sub for my old audio setup.
The main use for my system and for the subwoofer would be for console games. Music too, but for the most part I want the sub for games. After researching for a few days and looking on EBay I decided on a JBL PSW1000 which seemed to have a nice balance between sound and reliability. Well, that deal fell through, so now I'm back to where I started.
I've been looking at the Sony SA-WM40 and JBL PB10. After reading lots of reviews on this site though, the Sony seems to have good reliability but needs to have insulation put in for it to sound good. As for the JBL, it seems it sounds good out of the box, but has reliability problems. Are there any well balanced subs that are available in a price range of about $200 (I might go up to $250 if I have to).
I know I'm not going to get a sub for $200 that's top-quality like models that are $400+. I just want to get one that gives me the best value for my money. Any suggestions? |
| re: Having difficulty choosing a subwoofer | wanderingbob
Jul 24, 2002 9:53 AM | | Although they're not as "musical" as other models I've heard, you might want to check out the Cerwin-Vega LW-10 or comparable models for your price range.
Bob Gardner
wanderingbob@yahoo.com |
| re: Having difficulty choosing a subwoofer | jsmp1225
Jul 24, 2002 10:59 AM | | I am rather new to HT game but I recently bought a Cambridge Soundworks BassCube 8s. This company sells their new products direct at hifi.com, and they sell select, refurbished merchandise on eBay. Their refurbished merchandise carries the same warranty as the new, and to be honest, the subwoofer I received looked brand new. Two year warranty, 50 watt amp, speaker ins, auto-shut off, etc. In addition to this, they have a 45 day in home trial. If you're not satisfied they'll send you a prepaid label to ship it back. I think Cambridge has a bit of a mixed reputation on these boards, but I have been very happy with my purchase. Hifi.com has a sale going (I don't know for how much longer) and the BassCube 10s, which is normally $350, is on sale for $200 new. I just saw it on eBay for a Buy it Now price of $167 refurbished. Hope this helps. |
| new 2002 JBL PowerBass models have no more issues -nt | RUSSIA
Jul 24, 2002 11:08 AM | | |
| Don't waste your money... | CHRIS8
Jul 24, 2002 1:36 PM | | on a cheap retail sub. You can build your own for about $250 that will be FAR better than a retail unit of similar price. IF you can cut a straight line then I must recommend building your own.
One possible example:
(1) 130 watt Apex Jr. sub amp - $89.00
(1) Blueprint 1201 woofer - $91.00
(1) 4x8" Sheet of 1" MDF - $25
(1) 4" PVC pipe section - $12
(1) 4" PVC Elbow - $4
(1) 4" PVC Toilet Flange - $5
(1) Wood Glue - $5
(1) PVC Primer - $2
(1) PVC Cement - $2
(1) Pack 100 grit sandpaper - $2
(1) Pack 220 grit sandpaper - $2
(1) Roll Vinyl closed cell foam for woofer gasket - $2
(1) Set of 4 large rubber feet - $5
(1) Can of 2 part wood filler or auto body filler - $7
(1) Bannana jack connector plate - $4
(8) Feet of 12-16 AWG hookup wire - $2
Total - $259(excluding shipping)
Add whatever amount for your choice of finish, varies widely from $20-$150.
Dependant on your final bass alignment, you can easily rival $500-700 subs with this combo.
-Chris |
| with a 130 watt amp? rivalry? -nt | RUSSIA
Jul 24, 2002 3:49 PM | | |
| Yes and yes.(nt) | CHRIS8
Jul 24, 2002 5:54 PM | | |
| re: Having difficulty choosing a subwoofer | Oscah
Jul 24, 2002 5:05 PM | | In that price range you are more likely to get a one note boomer than anything remotely "musical". However, as you said that it will be mainly for games, this should not be a problem. I would go with the Sony, as it is the cheapest of the bunch and will best suit your needs for an entry level sub. |
| Here's an option | WStan
Jul 25, 2002 6:55 AM | | Check out the Audiosource line. I have a mint SW-10 (10" powered sub with 100w amp, frequency range goes from 30hz to 200hz, I think), modified with extra insulation, that I plan on selling for half your preferred budget in the next week or so. Reviews here are at the following link:
<http://www.audioreview.com/Subwoofers/AudioSource,SW-10/PRD_119080_2741crx.aspx>
If you are interested, e-mail me at whinystan43@hotmail.com and I'll send you details (don't want to clog up the forums with this), otherwise I'll be putting it up for sale on the AR Classifieds once I get a good digital photos of it this weekend. |
| could buy used | yukiginger
Jul 26, 2002 10:48 AM | | This one might work out, or check audiogon for others. I don't know the seller.
http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?homesubw&1032579085 |
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