I'm wondering if there are any other subs that can get the huge, wonderful sound quality of the SVS 20-39Pci, but without the massive size? Plus without having to spend a fortune. Any suggestions?
SpockTheater
SVS makes a cubic sub these days. I've read it is very performant.
check it out on their website
Hi SpockTheater,
It's the laws of physics come into play in subwoofer design. If you want really deep bass and huge output, you have to use either a big enclosure and large driver OR you can get very low frequencies from a much smaller enclosure but you must use a huge amplifier (1,000 watts or more) and a long-excursion driver with an enormous magnet. That's what Sunfire does to get 17-Hz frequencies from its 9-inch cube. It's $1,500 and will have limits on maximum output.
Regards,
I have to 20-39PCi, and while I do like the sound from it, I think I am going to have to send it back. It's just too big. Unfortunately, it sounds like that is going to mean a step down in the quality of the bass department. I'm likely going to get the VTF-2 instead. The VTF-3 is a bit too much $ for me. Unless anyone has another suggestion, it seems the VTF-2 is about as good as it gets in the ~$500 range.
I'm in the process of building my own. Hometheaterforum has a DIY section and while many people build huge boxes or tubes, you can find documentation for smaller subs that end up cheaper and better performing than the VTF-2. That is a good sub for the money though. There are a few free sub design software programs out there that can show you output and frequency response given the specs of a driver.
Frank
A very nice DIY package for the money (especially for canadian buyers): http://www.creativesound.ca/details.php?model=EZSUB14SHIVA
How about the pb1-Isd from svs, it's a box sub. Still excellent bang for buck and runs $200 cheaper than the vtf-3.
I'm usning the same driver as acgman's post (Adire Shiva) but in a ported tube about 2 foot tall, 20 inches around. WIll finish it up this weekend, recalibrate everything, then post some reviews.
Frank