Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Advice from Axiom Owners Sub advice

I am almost finished my theater room construction and ready to order my speakers. My room is approximately 23'x18' with open stairs to the top floor at the seating end. I have decided on M60, VP150, and QS8 after hearing them, but am still undecided on a sub.

I could comfortably afford a EP350 or a HSU SFT3 and I might be able to stretch to a EP500 or HSU VTF3. These are pretty much my top contenders at the moment.

What I want out of a sub is the kick in the chest of good musical bass hit, and a decent rumble for movies. I don't want to wake the neighborhood or test the structural integrity of my house.

I am just looking for opinions, as I know all those subs are pretty good. In my room size, will the smaller subs preform well enough? or should I splurge for something bigger?

bflat

Pick a Sub single choice
	EP350
	HSU STF3
	HSU VTF3
	EP500
Votes accepted starting: 06/28/06 01:25 PM
View Results

Given that all your other speakers will be Axiom, I would go with the 500. Not for the sake that it's an Axiom, but the fact that your room is rather large. I have no experience with the HSU subs...but I know the EP500, and trust me, it's got BASS! I have an EP600, but have auditioned the 500 before, and lemme tell ya, for the size room that it was in, the bass was heard everywhere.

Good luck with the decision!

I 2nd the motion.
I had a 500 and it kicked....
I recently acquired a 600 and my room is nowhere near the size of your room. My room is much smaller...yet I still enjoy the bass.

Go with a 500 if your budget permits..and heck...if you have extra dollars (which none of us do) then buy the 600.

I have the 500 and the rumble can shake your foundations but listen to some deep organ music and you know how good it is.

This is almost what I expected as a response from everyone. "Just but the most expensive sub in the list, it is the best."
But is is the best for the money? From what I understand about these subs, the EP500 is the only one that has a DSP to ensure that it plays flat. Other than that detail, it is louder than the EP350 and has a little more depth in the frequency response. Compared to the HSU subs, the specs are too close to call except for the DSP. Does that make such a differance to justify double the price for my room? I don't really think it is a very large room, maybe my referance level is skewed. How many people who own the EP500 actually have the volume turned up above 25%?

For me, and this is important, the extra cost of the EP500 means I don't have any money for room treatments. In case it is not obvious, I really want the EP500, but can't really afford it, and am looking for some reassurance from others that I don't need it.

bflat

I voted for the Hsu Vtf 3, the Stf 3 should also fill the need. The Vtf 3 will go lower than the Stf 3, seeing you will use it for H/T applications I believe this would be a great choice. I have no experience with the Axiom subs so I can not comment on them. I do own a couple of Hsu subs and for the $$$$$ they are a great choice

You are aware that you can save 10% if you order from the factory outlet, if that helps. Also, if you order 5 or more items, you always get another 5% off.

My room is almost 900 Sq Ft and I used to have a 350, which did very well. However, the 500 is in another league. The other night we were watching Finding Nemo. We were at the scene where the ugly girl with braces was tapping on the aquarium trying to get nemo's attention. Dang, I about felt like she was tapping my chest, thump thump thump, unbelievable. I could not get that experience from the 350 in that big room.

When I was sub shopping last winter, I debated the HSU/SV/Axiom offerings, along with some local options. In the end the HSU VTF3's price was right and was such an upgrade to the old JBL I was about to trash that it became a no-brainer for me. HSU research told me that the VTF2 would be perfect for my room, but I didn't want to mess around with remorseful what-ifs, and I opted for the bigger sub and I'm glad I did. I like mine so much, I wish I had ordered 2. Now, I just need a couple pair of M80s, a Rotel power amp, and a bigger room.

1. - I am a completely thrilled EP500 owner and, as such, am biased.

2. - You do not "need" an EP500.

3. - The VTF-3 is a excellent subwoofer.

4. - I would not trade my EP500 for a VTF-3 (see comment #1 above regarding bias).

5. - Does the EP500 have a slight advantage over the VTF-3 because of the DSP? IMHO, YES (see comment #1 above regarding bias).

6. - Be sure to consider the Factory Outlet information regarding saving some money. Going that route might allow you to afford the EP500 (might not?)

7. - You would not be disappointed in the least, nor should you suffer "buyer's remorse" if you chose the VTF-3.

8. - All that matters is that you are content with your purchase.

9. - Good luck and good hunting.

If money is an issue, I would recommend the VTF-3. If you weren't worried about the extra $ then get the EP500.

I say this because I am sure the VTF-3 will not dissapoint, and it sounds like it would fit your budget best.