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.

>>>> I have no experience with the Axiom subs so I can not comment on them.

OK Randy, here's your chance.....

"Wid, you *really* need a ____________"

I've had the Hsu VTF3 for over a year now and am very pleased. I'm using it in a large, acoustically difficult room and it is a great sub. I bought mine as B stock from Hsu and saved some money. I'm sure you couldn't go wrong with the Axiom 500. Take advantage of the return policy if needed.

I don't need one, I have the M80s (with a big ass amp ) and Hsu sub. If I had a big room like Randy I would consider a EP 600 .

Thanks Rick, ya a$$

Ok now guys, lets settle down. I am very jealous of your equipment. Some day you will talk me into getting some serious gear over my puny Denon. I don't want to get in the middle of a flame war between two Ricks. ha ha

Lets take this outside gentlemen. <----bouncer. ha ha

Ignoring the side tracking It seems like everyone thinks I should stay away from the EP350. For the same money I could get a HSU STF3, but there is always the factory discount.

I never really was comparing other subs in the price range of the EP500, but assuming I get the funds, how would it compare to something from SVS like the PD12-plus or the 16-46 PC plus?

The other thing is with the factory discount the EP350 is nearly the same price as a HSU VTF2.

Dam it, I wish I could just buy them all and pick my favorite...

bflat

You can with Axiom, they will let you try anything in your home and send back if your not satisfied.

The only problem with trying out subs in my house and returning them is the shipping costs quickly add up to a lot of money. I want to at least get close to my final choice the first time.

bflat

I've only heard the SVS PD12 once during my audition for the Axiom speakers. It sounded great, but I went ahead with the EP500 so I can get the 5% HT package discount.

Personally, I think both subs are great. My EP500 probably has a little bit smoother transition than the SVS that I heard and also a bit more detail, but then again it is most likely due to room size, system configuration, and positioning (I have it in front SVS was seated behind the seating area). I have to admit that the SVS has better look than the EP500 though if aesthetic is one of your buying criteria.

It would appear that you only have 2 choices. The Axiom 500 or, to save some cash, the HSU. I am 99% certain that you won't have to worry about return shipping either way. I can't vouch for the Axiom, but I have to say that my HSU VTF3 absolutely rocks.

Agree. Save $, go couple months with no sub, then get EP500 or SVS PB12.

I can't vouch for the HSU, but I have to say that my Axiom EP500 absolutely rocks.

My vote is with the EP500, I've owned both the 350 and the 500, the 350 is a good sub, but nowhere near the class of the 500. I too think if it's not in the budget right now, wait awhile then get the EP500 you won't be dissapointed. Good luck on your choices.

>>It seems like everyone thinks I should stay away from the EP350. For the same money I could get a HSU STF3, but there is always the factory discount.

I think people are pushing you towards the VTF-3, not away from the EP350. The big deal with the VTF-3 is the ability to tune it down to 20 Hz, which seems to make a noticeable difference in an HT system.

The VTF-2, STF-3 and EP350 seem to be pretty close performance-wise, and I think most people go with EP350 because the price is about the same, the performance is about the same, and the Axiom looks better and matches the rest of the speakers.

The VTF-3 ends up a bit more expensive than the EP350 and is kinda ugly by comparison (I just finished setting one up for my brother-in-law, and lack of WAF forced it into a relatively poor room location) but does go a bit deeper into the low bass.

Not sure if you saw this post..

HSU Question

The last post in that one stats how much I paid for my HSU. If you like I will find the bill to let you know where I bought it and who I spoke with.

Forgot to mention Fordprefect lives in Burlington and has an EP350 I believe.
There is also someone else in Burlington, can't remember their name who I believe is related to an Axiom employee and has an EP500.

Hay, it was your VTF-3 that made me consider it as a better alternative to the 350 in the first place. I can't quite remember, did you say you picked that up at Arcade sound in oakville?

Listening to your system made me decide on the axioms, but my room is much larger than yours, so it is difficult to decide on subs since they are so room dependant.

bflat

I have the 20-39PC+ and can say that it really rocks the house. I do not think you can go wrong with any of the subs you are considering. Stop comparing all the specs, buy one, and enjoy.

Glad I could help

Arcade sound carries them but I got a better deal somewhere else. I also did not care for the person who runs arcade sound. You could always give them a call but I think they are only carrying the stf2 now as they sell and recommend them in all instances.
They were trying to get rid of a couple VTF3 demos and new ones but their demo was more ($900 or so) compared to the brand new after tax $840CDN I payed.