Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Subwoofer Challenge

Can anyone recommend a subwoofer that will complement a pair of M50s, a VP100, and a pair of QS8s in a 250 square foot room?

The challenge is to not mention SVS or Hsu, and to recommend subs under $350.

I'd also like to hear why limiting my scope is crazy - i.e. why Hsu and SVS are the only subs to consider in this price range.

This is as close to that challenge as I can get. The Rava has also received many good reviews.

The reason Hsu and SVS are the only subs talked about is because for their price they are simply unequalled.

Let me also throw in and ask that, can it be assumed that the SVS would be more powerful because it's amps have more wattage available to them? Or is this simply a naive way to look at it? Thanks!

I agree with spiff.
That Rava has got great reviews and i've heard nothing but good things about its driver from even some of the most snooty audiosnobs out there.
The EP125 from Factory Outlet might get you a bit cheaper though if price is a push.
I would still probably shoot for the Adire.

Between the RAVA and Hsu STF-2, which do you recommend - both are the same price. And what about the STF-1. What am I losing for $100.

ps. - I am mostly an HT user.

Well Capn, it appears that the driver size here is the biggest factor.
The Rava has a 12", the STF2 a 10" and the STF1 an 8".
To make bass, more air movement is necessary for which a larger driver if often desired (and more effective).
The Rava weighs more, is slightly larger and comes in 2 finishes.

The rest is up to you to decide. I doubt many here have heard or compared both units. I do know that at least one person on these forums owns the Adire though. I just cannot remember who it is.

If your primary concern is HT, then DON'T skimp on a sub! If you can't afford something really good right now, start saving.

I say get at least the STF-2. It's worth it.

Misfit,
Drive size and wattage have an inverse correlation of sorts. As driver size gets smaller (for a subwoofer), you have to increase the wattage to maintain a similar SPL as a sub with a larger driver.
Take a look at some of the wattages used in the tiny Sunfire subs as an example. Sure they are small 9 inch cubes, but they need large amounts of power to make the sound.
You could drive a 36" woofer with about 5W and blow out your windows.

I know you guys are sick of me promoting Hsu, but here's some more for you...custom colors...

STF-2 in silver anyone?




or how about a VTF-3 MK2 in rosewood?



OK...Axiom people...I'd like nothing more than to plug your subs. Any truth to the rumour awhile back that a new Axiom sub is in the works? I'll be first in line to do a home demo side-by-side with my Hsu.

Do you have a CompUSA nearby? They sell the STF-2 for $350 (in-store only, not online).

i know you guys are gonna kill me on this one, but with price being a factor in the original post, i have to voice my opinion.

i have the cerwin vega LW-12 sub.. i got it for $225 bucks, and it really kicks the bass.. now before you guys start breaking your arms to try and click the reply to tear me up, at least hear me out.

the sub is rated to 30Hz, and that is fair, not great, but fair. it pushes 200 watts, and is built sturdy.. it is 'boomy', as anything made by vega is, but you can adjust it, and for HT, it works great. good with music also, but as mentioned, can be over-powering.

and please guys, i aint saying this is the best sub in the world... IT'S NOT... but for around $200 bucks, i would say its one of the best you can get. and just so ya'll know, i bought the sub before i knew SVS and HSU existed..i am new to this, so cut me some slack. once i get all the other components for my HT, i will then replace the sub.. probably with the VTF-2 that you guys love so much.

OK, there.. i stuck my neck out.. someone grab a blade..

I think i prefer the lovely wood look myself.

You, my friend, are a braver man than I. I've got a Cambridge Soundworks Subwoofer 1 (12 inch, 140 Watt), and I think it's a good sub. I've just generally not been brave enough to say anything about it.

That said, I'll probably replace it someday with a VTF-2.

With price as a factor, I'd go with the Adire or the STF-1, simply based on the comments on this board.

Adrien, although some replies have cavalierly disregarded the specifications of your challenge, I'll comply and suggest that you can consider this for about $329 including shipping.

Hey Cap!

If you're willing to do a little woodworking...then go IB. A couple of 12s or 15s and a modest amp...oh ya...a small hole in the wall and movies come alive.

I will not go back to a box.

Kurtis,
I was just going to suggest that Cap should consider DIY if he can manage a little woodworking.

Buy the Shiva driver used in the Rava for $125 from Adire Audio. Use one of the reference designs on the Adire website. If you don't have an old receiver sitting around to power it, buy a 250W sub amp from Parts Express for $130 - and voila
an amazing sub for very little.

At the moment, I'm working on a passive sub using the Dayton 12'' DVC sub driver, very similar to the Shiva (both made by Eminence).

I would love to get an SVS (Hsu doesn't ship to South Africa) but with $170 for shipping plus the entry level model costing the equivalent of a 10 day holiday to Bali - I decided to go DIY.