I'm in the process of researching a subwoofer for my home theater and have a few questions for ya'll...I realize Axiom has, from reading here, VERY good subs, but...

1. HSU versus SVS, who is "better"?

2. Is downfiring better than forward firing?

3. HSU has their STF-2, 10" downfiring, subwoofer for $399 and SVS has their PB12-ISD, 12" downfiring, subwoofer for $599. Is the additional $200 really worth it for an extra 2"? (please excuse the question, ladies, it needs to be asked!)

Thanks

down firing or forward doesnt matter, no sound difference.. just down firing you have 0 chance of kids kicking your speaker.. just the box..

1. It's a matter of personal taste? Both companies have excellent reputations and make quality products. You'll find owners of each, here on the forum, who are completely satisfied with their subwoofer. You can't go wrong picking either, and won't be disappointed by either. (Of course, you'd be MUCH happier with an Axiom EP500! )

2. Dakkon answered that one. Doesn't really matter, performance-wise.

3. Interesting that you would be contrasting the STF-2 with the PB12 ISD. The PB10-ISD is more similar to the STF-2 in both performance and price. I have owned the STF-2, and were it I, though I've heard neither, based on what I've read, I'd tend to lean toward the PB10 or PB12, ONLY because they extend a bit lower in frequency response than the STF-2.

Whether I opted for the PB10 or PB12 would be dependent upon the size of my room and adjoining open space. The PB12 should be able to play a bit louder which would make it more desirable if you have a large volume of air to move. If yours is a small to medium sized room, the PB10 or STF-2 would suffice (in spades! ).

On the other hand, if you're primarily interested in music, the STF-2 is very responsive, tight, and accurate. Again, no matter which way you go, it's a win/win situation.

The only problem I can see is if you had your crossover set to high. Subwoofers normally are non-directional, especially anything below 80hz, so you don't have to have them facing the listeners.

Get the Axiom 500 or 600, shazzaaaaaaam they rock...

Let's see--I've had the STF-2, the PB-10 and currently have the PB-12. All 3 are excellent subs. I can't say 1 is better than the other 2, only that the PB-12 gets louder and deeper obviously. Do I need the extra 2" in my 1152 SF room, probably not, but I love the PB-12. I can "feel" the 12 more than the other 2 and that was the primary reason for getting it. My next one will be a 500!!!! Hurry up tax return...

So, to recap......

If you want to "feel" it more, 2" bigger is better!

That's what my wife says lol

How would she know that 2" bigger is better?

Yeah, what Peter said.

I have the Hsu STF-2. I love it. Tight bass, loss distortion. I find that it goes plenty low. Could it go lower? Sure, according to specs. Could I tell if it went lower? Maybe not, especially considering my wife's dislike for wall shaking bass and consideration of neighbors.

If I were to do it all over again, I would have considered the Axiom line. A few years ago, their subs were typically eschewed for the Hsu and the SVS subs for home theater. Times have changed, though. If you have the extra cash, the consensus is that the Axiom's are pretty hard to touch.

In fact, I think the addition of the EP500/600 contributed in no insignificant way to Axiom's recent best in show award at CES. Apparently, they really do thump with precision.

To be honest, though, I think you'll be happy with whatever you get. When you start talking about the differences in comparable models in teh Hsu, SVS and Axiom subs, the differences get to be very minimal, from what I understand.

In reply to:

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1. HSU versus SVS, who is "better"?

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Try asking this question at AVS Forums...

Size of the driver really depends on your bass needs. Some would want deeper bass extension. More and more movies are adding material below 25Hz nowadays.

My personal philosophy is to get the most you can afford. But that's just me.

Good one, Peter.

Thanks, my room size is approximately 10'x20'x8' in the basement of a Townhouse. I need bass, but I don't want to knock the pictures off my neighbor's walls either, I like them too much!

I'm still waiting for my M60's from the Factory Outlet, so until they arrive I'm in "subwoofer limbo".