Small footprint subwoofer


I am in the process in replacing my current sub for a smaller one. I dont want overwhelming bass that will effect the music. Just articulate, musical bass that will be easy to integrate seamlessly. At the moment, I am about to get a REL R218 to replace a Hsu STF-2. Keep in mind this is in a very small room(10x10x8) so for the reason of getting a small sub. If all goes well, I might consider getting another REL with the same model if available and go stereo pair. What are your thoughts?

highend64

The SVS SB-1000pro was a consideration a while back but still think would be too big for my room especially going two subs. I get the performance aspect of it but I really don't need anything lower 30hz since this is just a 2 ch music only system.

There's no such thing as "too big" unless you don't have the physical space.  Those are small subs, smaller than the one you have.  They don't have very much power.  They have level controls.  You can reduce the output to integrate them with your speakers.  They're only going to be "too big" if you don't adjust them correctly.

If you can let the subs coast and aren't pushing them hard, then they are less likely to distort.  If you're going to use a sub, why not get one that is capable of producing all the bass that's in some recordings?

@jastralfu  True but my situation and room size, I dont need overwhelming bass. I do however have a room node at around 60hz but that can be fix with by integrating the sub with the proper settings on the sub and placement.  Even at that, the xo point would be lower then the node.

@big_greg I have the STF-2 currently and their about the internal volume as the SB-1000pro with the exception that the STF-2 is rectangle and a little taller. The SVS might be an option but it is a 12" but that is ok...I guess.

 

Two final thoughts re: the SB1000 Pro…

  • I respectfully disagree you don’t need a sub that goes below 30Hz for music even in a smaller room. There’s actually a lot of info down there that unintuitively contributes greatly to significantly better imaging and a more expansive and ambient 3D soundstage among other things. There’s a reason the best/most expensive subwoofers (and speakers for that matter) for music go down to 20Hz and lower — if there was nothing meaningful down there they wouldn’t bother.
  • You can try one completely risk free for 45 days and see/hear for yourself, so again I ask why not?

Thats all I got, and again best of luck in whatever direction you go.

If you’re concerned about overwhelming bass I would unreservedly recommend the dual T5/xs then.  I have a very small listening space, maybe 10x12 and these subs do not overwhelm.   They have wonderfully tight articulate bass that is full but not bloated.  They have good speed as well. I have a node at 50Hz which I have sorted out for the most part with bass traps but was thinking about building a Helmholtz resonator to see what that might do.

@ soix  I am not saying there is no instruments lower then 30z. There is but very limited and the experience is more of a feel then hearing it. 88 keys piano range can go 27.5hz and pipe organ can go as low as 16hz. A bass guitar has or a double bass has the lowest range at 35hz. For the kind of music I listen to my not required to go that low.