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How big of a subwoofer do I need?
#168134 05/13/07 01:58 PM
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I need a subwoofer to complete with my Axiom set. I've decided to go with Axiom brand after debating between axiom, svs, hsu, etc. Not sure which size axiom is best for me but I have to rule out the 600 because of its tall sheer size. I was thinking maybe the 500. The room size is 16 by 16 and 9 feet high to ceiling. It has large opening to the kitchen, so I'm not sure if that makes my theater room bigger? Not sure which sub I need or how much bass I would need to fill that room since I've never had experience with subwoofer in my theater before. By the way the sub will be mostly for movies.


Axiom M60s, VP150, QS8s, EP500 -- Rotel 1075 & 1068 -- Panasonic BDT500 -- Panasonic 60S60
Re: How big of a subwoofer do I need?
ereed #168135 05/13/07 02:10 PM
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If budget isn't an issue, it sounds to me like the 500 is for you!


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Re: How big of a subwoofer do I need?
ereed #168136 05/13/07 02:20 PM
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The simple example is as big as your budget can handle. If you can afford the 500 get it. im sure you wont be disappointed. one disclaimer i have never heard the 500 but i have the 350 which i like and works fine but i occasionally have sub-woofer envy and have to talk myself off the ep-500 order page.


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Re: How big of a subwoofer do I need?
ereed #168137 05/13/07 02:22 PM
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Can't never have too much sub ... ain't that right Jakeman?


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Re: How big of a subwoofer do I need?
RickF #168138 05/13/07 03:02 PM
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Very funny Rick. Well yes when you come to subwoofers higher output usually means better performance but there are several other important criteria, space and WAF being right up there. Luckily for me, the latter two criteria don't affect me.

I currently have an EP600 in a TV room measuring 11'x19'x9' not quite 1900cf, level matched to small JBL monitors and am very satisfied with it. That room is smaller than Ereed's 2300cf room.

I often get asked that question "how much subwoofer do I need?" which I usually respond with "how much headroom can you afford"? Its not a smartass answer because subs are like that. My general recommendation is for people to see if they can justify dual subwoofers. One EP500 would be an excellent choice with loads of clean output and the EP600 better still. But 2 500s would be optimal since it would provide more even frequency response throughout the room with still more headroom.

On dual subs, I have gotten a few PMs about dual 350s instead of one 500 but I wouldn't go there because there is such a leap in performance from the 350 to the 500.


John
Re: How big of a subwoofer do I need?
RickF #168139 05/13/07 03:03 PM
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I don't really have a budget, ok I won't spend over $1500 for a high quality sub. I was just wondering which I need. Lets say that the 350 is overkill for my room, why would I need to spend extra money on 500. But if 500 is what I need, then that is what I'll get. Never have too much sub....good one! ha ha


Axiom M60s, VP150, QS8s, EP500 -- Rotel 1075 & 1068 -- Panasonic BDT500 -- Panasonic 60S60
Re: How big of a subwoofer do I need?
ereed #168140 05/13/07 03:16 PM
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Good choice. I'm not knocking the 350, but for the difference in price the sonic performance jump to the 500 is huge. About the only thing those subs have in common is that they are made by Axiom, use 12' drivers, and reflex alignments. The 500 has a 500w digital amp compared to the 200w amp in the 350 so right there you will have a big difference in sound quality with less distortion on the 500. The 500 extends 8hz deeper has 2db more max output. The 500s DSP controlled frequency response will mean more linear output than the 350. It is a killer sub in all respects. I have yet to hear a 12" sub which sounds as good, except for the 600 and the Velodyne DD12 subs.


John
Re: How big of a subwoofer do I need?
ereed #168141 05/13/07 03:37 PM
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I have an EP600 in a 4000 cubic foot room in the basement. It fills the entire room with deep, heart-pounding bass...no second sub needed! During LFEs, the entire house shakes from top to bottom. There is no escaping the power of this one-eyed clown anywhere in my house. And I have the volume on the sub set half-way and the LFE gain on the amp has headroom for another 22 dB! My sister was over last night to watch U-571 and she was severely freaked out and distressed during the whole movie (as she put it, the audio felt like she was in the middle of the action) but particularly during depth charge scenes.

So based on my experience, one EP500 for your space should be more than adequate.

Re: How big of a subwoofer do I need?
Mojo #168142 05/13/07 03:50 PM
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If the main issue is output and budget for maximum performance, one 500 will be more than enough in a 2300cf room. If other concerns include more even FR and fewer flatter room nodes, go duals. I found 2 600s or 2 500s in my 3500cf HT provided a significant step up sonically while keeping total output constant. There were marginal improvements with adding more subs but not enough worth recommending. In your 4000cf room, Mojo there is no doubt you would benefit from adding a 500 or another 600. The bass would be that much more palpable and articulate, though ideal installation would require more effort.


John
Re: How big of a subwoofer do I need?
jakeman #168143 05/13/07 04:13 PM
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Hi Jake,

I just can't imagine what better bass would sound like in my room . If you take a look at my room response (which I posted but no one is helping me with ), it's quite flat in the lower bass region. And I've confirmed that it's that way along the entire couch length where we sit to watch movies and listen to music. Subjectively, as I walk around my room, the lower bass is smooth and even which frankly I find quite surprising. Perhaps it has to do with the tight and heavy construction of my room.

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