I want to add a sub

[Bus_Boy]

Hey guy's, i would like to add an active sub to current setup.I'm hoping to spend around $500, used, ex-demo ect.

Having never bought a sub before, what should i be looking for?
Is anything required other than to plug it into the sub-out on my amp?How do i control the volume of it, because my amp dosent have any sub adjustments?Would i just set the level on the sub, and would it go up and down in volume with the amp? (i just read that and it sounded really dumb,but i don't know of any other way to describe my question)

[Rhett Morson]

hey! - if you find one, buy 2 and I'll have one

[shogo33]

There is no such thing as silly questions..so go for it!

1. Is it for music or HT, or both?
2. If its strictly for music, then you might want to shop around for a fair bit. Most subs under the $1k range didnt sound 'musical' to me as it was either too boomy, bloated, not tuneful tight and balanced bass. But this maybe because of the sub's placement, not calibrated and EQ'd etc..
3. For $500, its gonna be hard to get a commercial sub, unless its seconds, but if u dont mind DIY'ng, you could do a 12inch sub + plate amp + MDF for around that amount. Check out hometheatershack forums for some ideas..

Have a think about it. Also, which amp are u using? If it doesnt have a sub vol control, (which means it passive) then you control the vol on the active subwoofer, set the cut off freq to match your speakers.

[Perth-Ed]

Hi BB,

How about this https://www.photonage.com.au/wharfed...0-p-11037.html ... it seems to be matching subwoofer for your Wharfedale 9.1's ?? and listed new for $550

Reviewed here http://www.cnet.com.au/wharfedale-di...-240055823.htm

Cheers,

Ed

[Bus_Boy]

I'm probably pushing it for ex demo, seeing as some one still making a profit.I think used is definately the way to go.

[Perth-Ed]

OK, your call, i thought the Diamond SW150 likes look a good match and is around your $500 budget.

[Rhett Morson]

busboy - Im looking at Adelaide speakers FWIW

[comfortablynumb]

You will get best results for music with two subs.One for left,one for right.Fed from pre-outs on rear of your amp.

[Bus_Boy]

Is anyone familiar with any of the subs on this page > http://www.audioproducts.com.au/CategoryProducts.aspx (EDIT link won't work, you need to select domestic AV, then select speakers)
The manager of the store owes me a very good deal, due to the stuff around with their service last time.I haven't seen any of these models anywher before, and i wouldn't even know a rough price.But i know i could get that price down a fair bit..

[kajak12]

You will get best results for music with two subs.One for left,one for right.Fed from pre-outs on rear of your amp.

i found pre outs to be crap for subs as the signal arrives at the speakers and sub at diffrent times.
both connected to the amp solves the problem

[ots340]

for 2 channel music hi level (speaker cable) inputs are the go. Allow for much better continuity.
for HT the receiver will control the level of the sub line out, (5db to your sub line out if you like bass and want to justify your purchase )

richter offer good value for money at that price bracket
http://www.richter.com.au/index1.html

[shogo33]

Can second that one!..

[ots340]

http://www.stereo.net.au/forums/show...kIII-Subwoofer

further to my post above, some haggling and a cheap courier could make this an attractive option.

[SCOOTER]

I'm in the same boat at the moment with trying to buy a sub to match my Orpheus 2.3 speakers and Yamaha RX797 amp. After reading nearly every post on here regarding subs i'm more confused than when i started. I think my short list has come down to the Subsonic XS1 MK11, SVS SB12, VAF MPB SW4 and the Velodyne 12" (not sure of model No.). Now i'm starting to wonder if i should get 2 x $500 subs or 1 x $1000/$1200 sub, Ported or sealed, Passive or not etc.. I want it to sound good for music but not miss out when i'm watching movies either.

[comfortablynumb]

i found pre outs to be crap for subs as the signal arrives at the speakers and sub at diffrent times.
both connected to the amp solves the problem

Must admit I never thought of this issue.Makes sense though.

So do you use the speaker terminals then? Can you run an active sub from here or are you running a passive?

[Vukie]

what are peoples opinions about the Richter Krakatoa?

im no expert but ii had a listen to one the other day and liked it RRP is $699 but you should be able to haggle it into your budget

[todster]

Must admit I never thought of this issue.Makes sense though.

So do you use the speaker terminals then? Can you run an active sub from here or are you running a passive?

I know the Vaf and Krix models that i have seen have coax and speaker connections,coax for HT and speaker for 2 channel and they both had there own amps

[ots340]

what are peoples opinions about the Richter Krakatoa?

im no expert but ii had a listen to one the other day and liked it RRP is $699 but you should be able to haggle it into your budget

I got one in "precious metal" brand new for $400 delivered a couple of months ago off ebay. Only use it for HT and its great. But for $500 second hand you might be able to get one of the higher models.

[nickonsound]

You can get a great sub with a $500 budget, you can get the Cub2 from Sib&Co or some 12" subs from rythmik.

[Dazz]

Hi scooter. I have an SVS SB12 plus which i use for both music and HT. Its a great sub. The sound is very clean, detailed and it does go quite low (22Hz). Best of all its so small so you can mess with positioning to get the best out of it. Or you can buy 2 if your budget permits. Just be aware that this sub is great for a small to medium size rooms but for a large room i would go for something bigger. My lounge room is 4m x 5m.
Cheers
Dazz

[aps]

i found pre outs to be crap for subs as the signal arrives at the speakers and sub at diffrent times.
both connected to the amp solves the problem

Not sure I understand. Are you recommending feeding the active subs with a high-level signal from the amp that drives the main speakers (or the speaker terminal)? And, if so, then why does is this materially better than going pre-amp to subwoofer?

Cheers,
APS

[Phil_]

Hi BB,

How about this https://www.photonage.com.au/wharfed...0-p-11037.html ... it seems to be matching subwoofer for your Wharfedale 9.1's ?? and listed new for $550

Reviewed here http://www.cnet.com.au/wharfedale-di...-240055823.htm

Cheers,

Ed

I picked up a new one of these from a certain yellow themed shop on the weekend for $380. Not too bad at that price I thought. Just waiting for my 9.1's to turn up now

[Paul Spencer]

BB, I'd stay clear of cheap subs. I wouldn't go cheaper than $1k new if you buy well. Legend Kurlette would be a good choice at that price point - great value. IMO it's far superior to most in that range. If you get a comparable sub second hand, you might find it in your price range, but I'd guess it's more likely you'll get something no way near as good.

At $500 it's difficult even to diy!
I did put together a sub for my parents for $180. $150 for a 10" Jaycar driver which wasn't bad with 9mm xmax and a 100w plate amp on special. Everything else we had on hand. It was decent, but certainly not as good as the Legend sub. It adds a bit of bass for TV use for my parents, but doesn't really belong in a more serious system.

If you can stretch the budget a little you can create something impressive.

I think you are better off saving a few hundred extra and getting something much better. Up the budget a touch and go second hand or diy and for a little more waiting and a little bit more money you won't just get something a little better, you'll get something many times better.

If you have low level inputs, use them. Speaker level inputs are for where you don't have sufficient gain or where you don't have a preamp output.

What to look for? On a budget, the thing you want to look for is a sub that is accurate enough to do music justice. They all make noise, but what I'd look for is one that is accurate. That means you need to listen to it first.