Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater help on sub choice

OK, first I know I do not need more than one sub, but I want two. thats a period two subs, unless we are talking the EP800.
I am not getting into the discussion about omni-directional and what is too much or too little. That's why there are volumn controls on the subs, so if I have two I can adjust them and turn them down.

My room is 15 x 28 well the Viewing is 15 x 21 x 8. extra 7 ft is entrance and popcorn bar to be.
I have been researching and researching and going nuts. Here is what I am down to, mind you given most companies are online buying, you cannot hear/compare any but the Paradigm's and or Energy's.

I want to spend no more than $2500 - $3000 for subs and well cheaper is better I want bang for buck with the best sound.
Which is why after alot of consideration and previously owning Axiom's M80 vp150 and QS8's, I am going to get Axiom once again for the main 7. I have eliminated Enrgy's RF-70 system and was down to Paradigm Studio 60 or 100 but at $6800 and $7500 for the Seven speakers that's alittle much. Plus, the post here from that guy in Cali about he owns the Studio's and just bought Axioms M80 and well I think every room is Axiom something now. His reply, that there was not a lot of difference except for the $$$ made me realize, I should stick with what I like.
Now the dissision is Real Wood Cherry for the M80 or HG Cherry or All Outlets. The VP150 and QS8's are all going to be outlet bought. So goes for the sub(s) anyways to topic on hand

Help ..... here are my options I am down to and if you have heard any or can/have compared other than just internet research please comment and just a little about why you choose the sub. Also, please feel to comment on which is best for this size room two EP500 or the EP 800.

My choices are down too:
Two EP 500 $2510
EP 800 $2664
Two HSU VTF3 MK3 quote coming but $1000 ea
Two HSU ULS-15 quote coming but $2349 pair plus shipping
Two SVS SB12 $1900
Two Rythmik Audio 12's $2200

Thanks

PS I also reviewed that Finnish guys post on his testing of subs and HSU he has above Axiom, specially bang for the buck. but, they are American and no retailers in Canada are not a fav. Really I am laying towards Axiom alot but SVS is right up there too

Hi Troy. Since it sounds as if you are budget conscious, and looking for "bang for the buck", I would go through the Factory Outlet to get the discount. I bought mine through the FO as have many others and any cosmetic blemishes are virtually indistinguishable. All of those sub choices look like excellent choices, however, if it were me, I think I'd use two subs vs a single large sub to even out the bass(prices being equal). Don't forget, if you use Axiom subs you'll get the HT discount(5+ items) along FO discount(I'll leave the math to you).

You mentioned you're in Canada, so I'll add a couple of other considerations. If you are in Ontario, or within driving distance of Axiom, you may be able to pick your speakers up and save a few more dollars but you'd need to check with them on that. Secondly, you may also want to add to your sub list the Paradigm DSP 3200 and 3400...both of these subs definitely qualify in the "bang for $$" category(I own a 3400). I would guess that two of these subs(DSP3400) would run you in the neighbourhood of $1400-1500 combined.

Any of these combos are going to sound awesome, good luck.

well, although I want bang for the buck, that doesn't mean I won't spend $3000 if that sub or subs are that much better then the next at $2500. If it is that much better then I will.

Hi TroyD,

Those are all some very nice subwoofers. 2 of any of the above would work well IMO. If your in Canada I would deal with Axiom or SonicBoom (SVS Canada) for your low frequency needs. Shipping and potential border costs (duty, taxes, brokerage fees) might increase the cost substantially if you are dealing with high cost products from the US. One way to save some costs here would be to broker the shipment yourself if you decide to take this route. With Axiom or SonicBoom this would not be a issue.

Cheers!

As someone who has imported a fair amount of electronics, just thought it would be worth mentioning is IF and only IF one insists on importing items from the US that are specifically MADE IN THE USA, no addt'l duties or taxes are applicable. Same thing happens with US customers when they import items from Canada that are MADE IN CANADA(such as Axiom products). Items manufactured in the Far East(eg. "most" HSU subs) or anywhere else in that part of the world are subject to 6.5% duties and any additional handling charges the customs and/or shipper wants to tack on as well. Obviously there would be a shipping fee along with the sales tax that you would pay anyway even buying from a local retailer.

I have trouble dealing with "some" distributors in Canada that sell US mfg. products, such as SVS, because despite the high Canadian dollar, there is still(without any meaningful substantiation)a significant difference between the US and Canadian price.

"Axiom", for one, always seems to keep that US/Can. dollar differential in check.

Another sub company you might wan to look at is Elemental Designs and Epic, both out of the States and made in house so they should be Duty/Tax free.

I am wondering if you want real deep earth shaking LFE or smooth bass as the EP800 will move the earth but 2 Ep500 or 600's will still shake pretty good but allow for smoother bass response through out the room.

If you really want to stay budget conscious I would stay with the outlet for all speakers, but if want a little more eye candy and are willing to pay the difference go for the Vassallo series, nothing is quite as nice as real wood veneer

If you are looking to drop 3K look into the JL audio not quite 3K but a nice sub. Happy hunting

My living room is 13x21x8, and opens to a kitchen and hallway. I have an ep500, and for a period of about 2 days I had 2 ep500's (one was occasionally making noises at high spl's so axiom had sent me a replacement.) They sounded really good, but I think I would rather have an ep800. I haven't heard one yet, but I didn't notice a huge difference between 1 ep500 and 2, (just smoother bass across all seating positions)

Their website says HSU is made in the USA, are they not?