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Subwoofer for under $1000-new, used, or DIY

I listen to mostly rock and classical. The sub would be for music only- no HT. I have GMA Europas, a Redgum 120 wpc int. amp and Audio Note tube CD player. I like my system very much, but it could use a little more oomph. My room is small (15x12x10). I've never had a sub before.

I have read about Hsu, ACI, SVS, Sunfire, Rel, Def. Tech., Totem, Titanic, Vandersteen, Rava, lots of DIY models, and a lot of others I can't think of at the moment. Frankly, it's all become a blur.

I am not a "bass freak", but do appreciate the low end of the musical spectrum. I won't say size is no object (smaller would be better), but of course sound quality is more important.

If you've owned or even heard any of the above subs (or any other in the price range) I would really appreciate hearing from you. Any comments or advice from my fellow 'goners (hmm..that didn't sound quite right) would be great. Thanks to all in advance.
xrayz

Showing 1 response by rackon

rackon
301 posts
 
I highly recommend the Alon (now Nola) Thunderbolt. Very fast, very musical, even nimble enough to pair with planars. They are certainly powerful enough for HT, but where they truly excell is with music.

I always thought I'd go the REL route - and I heard way more subs I *didn't* like than ones I did, including most of the suspects you listed. The TBs iintegrate very smoothly with speakers - they are almost undetectable, making the music sound like it's coming full range from your speakers - I used to switch them in and out just to be sure they were on. The TBs totally disappear, but the monitors had all the bass and punch they needed.

Carl Marchisotto has revised the TBs now, so there are a couple of the original TBs for sale here at $700-800 (they're $1695 new.)
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