Pre-amp
http://www.rotel.com/products/specs/rsx1056.htm

Amp
http://www.rotel.com/products/specs/rmb1075.htm

Mains
http://www.axiomaudio.com/m80ti.html

Center
http://www.axiomaudio.com/vp150.html

Surrounds
http://www.axiomaudio.com/qs8.html

Sub
http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=subwoofers&product=1.1

Great choices all around, but may I ask why you selected the Rocket sub?

Have you heard of Hsu Research or SVS? Their bang for the buck is undisputed. I haven't heard much about the Rocket subs.

I agree with Pete on the choice of subs. HSU and SVS set the standard. Also, if you haven't talked to the good folks at Axiom, you might consider it. The M80s are great speakers, but they are a bit finicky for positioning and need a pretty good sized room. The M60s sound as good and are easier to position. The main difference is that the M80s play louder, but you only appreciate that facet at levels that will make you deaf.

here's a review of the rocket sub:rocket sub

["Great choices all around, but may I ask why you selected the Rocket sub?"]

It was highly recommended from an audiophile in the Maximum PC forums.

["Have you heard of Hsu Research or SVS?"]

Yup
http://www.homecentric.com/reviews/censura.php?tsid=1&cmd=details&itemid=5

["I haven't heard much about the Rocket subs."]

http://hometheaterhifi.com/volume_11_2/onix-ufw-10-subwoofer-5-2004.html
http://www.audioreview.com/pscSpeakers/Subwoofers/ONIX,Rocket,UFW-10/PRD_300013_2741crx.aspx

If you are so sure of yourself, why did you ask for our opinions? Personally, I am immediately skeptical of anything that comes from the mouth (or keyboard) of an "audiophile".

There are 10 great reviews of Hsu subs for every 1 of the Rocket, and the STF-2 is a couple of hundred dollars less.

Mark

I am close to purchasing a new system (Axiom speakers) to go with my house move at the end of summer and would like some comments on a sub alternatives. It will be for a small room with hardwood floors.

STF-2 is my preference except for the spikes (not good for hardwood floor), and a throw rug does not fit with decor and WAF. I need some convincing arguments and setup alternatives? It would be a no brainer if it came with a base plate like the SVS.

Other being considered are:
Rava
Rocket ULF-10 (new)
EP175 (not price competitive)

Help!

Chris

Why not an SVS?

Price maybe? I think the STF-2 is less expensive (and smaller) than any of the SVS powered subs. Hard to beat the value of the 25-31 pci if the extra $150 is not an issue. Almost went that way myself but knew that the cyclinder was going to be an issue with my wife.

On the subject of spikes, my Outlaw LFM-1 (virtually the same sub as the Hsu STF-3) came with little metal disks. They have a dimple on one side for the spike to sit in, and felt on the other to protect the wood floor. I would think that with a little looking around Bplayer might be able to find something comparable for the STF-2. Might as well contact Hsu as they are possibly supplying Outlaw with their subs.

What's the square footage of your room? LxWxH?

ericb: Is your LFM-1 on a hardwood floor with the felt protectors, and if so how do you rate the sound? Have you tried or do you think the sound would improve with a throw rug under it?

I am trying to find out how much quality of the Hsu is compromised by being on a hardwood floor without the throw rug.

Yes, it's on a hardwood floor with the spikes sitting on the metal discs with the felt backing. The sound is great...nice tight bass - never sloppy. The sub hasn't moved at all, no sliding around or vibration. It does make the pictures on the wall rattle a little when I turn it up but I'm not in the habit of blasting it at reference levels all that often.

Movement / vibrations are basically a non-issue because it's so damn heavy. That bad boy isn't moving anywhere, even on a hardwood floor.

As far as rating the sound is concerned, I couldn't be more pleased. I like to listen to music a lot and occassionally will watch a movie. The sub blends with my Axioms wonderfully, making my M22's sound like a much bigger speaker.

All that said, I've never heard anything bad said about the SVS subs and almost went that way myself. It was the reviews that indicated how 'musical' the Outlaw was that won me over (not to mention it wouldn't stand out as much as the larger SVS).