I have a REL R-328 and two Rythmik subs. I like and use them all, but I I had to choose, the adjustable phase on the Rythmiks puts them over the top for me, as it permits greater precision in dialing the subs into room acoustics (and expands placement options).
I need a subwoofer recomendation
I've got a couple KEF Q900's powered by a Yaquin tube amp and primarily play records. I'm looking for a sub that might also work for movies down the road if I ever put together a surround system. The sub needs to have speaker level inputs and I'm looking to spend $500-$700. My room is 20x20 with a vaulted ceiling and hard surfaces. I've been looking at the HSU VTF-2 Mk5 and the SVS SB-1000 and SB-1000 pro. Is there anything else I should be considering?
On a separate note, if I head down the surround system path, I was thinking of starting with the KEF Q250 or Q650 center speaker to start. Is there something other than KEF I should be looking at that would be a decent match with my Q900's?
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Comments on the Hsu are predominating here, rightly so. The REL T/7x is a little steep on your budget, but used T/9is are not hard to find, so should also be on your list. As for the center channel, stay with KEF…the uniformity of dispersion is a huge plus for their line. Get the best one you can afford. |
Rel are good subs, but they are very clean sounding and may not have enough "grit" for home theater rumble. Hsu might be okay, but be aware that those triangle ports have a lot of port noise. This sounds like "chuffing" when the woofer moves a lot. The SVS subs are nice, but I would say they have a particular sonic signature that is popular with the "consumer electronics home theater crowd". It's sort of a larger-than-life type boomy of sound that a lot of consumers find attractive, but it is not necessarily accurate. You may still like this sub, however. For those who want the best sound quality for subs, I generally recommend Rythmik audio. Ported subs have a meatier and grittier sound for home theater rumble effects. Sealed subs sound too clean for me (almost like a bass sine wave), but many love them. It's a personal preference. The ported LV12F at $719 shipped is an excellent sub for home theater. They have an accurate realistic response and do not have the port noise chuffing like the Hsu and other subs. Example of port noise chuffing on the Hsu: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/mLVlAm_ZpeA
Example of sound from Rythmik LVR12R (rear ported) using same soundtrack: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4mc4CxPiak
Hope this helps. |
@auxinput What are you basing these assertions on? I’ve never read any review that says SVS subs sound like this. Further, I own an SB2000 and would not at all categorize them as “larger-than-life type boomy” sound. |
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