POLL: Budget Subwoofer

After browsing through this forum, head-fi, and avs I believe I have a generally good idea on the best subs <$200.

Which one of these seems to the best value and performing for their price-point?

Any other recommendations are appreciated as well!

Dayton Sub - 80 - $95

tSc ASW-8 - $100

Polk PSW10 - $110

Dayton Sub - 100 - $131

Energy ESW-8HG - $150

I have the PSW10, but I'm not gonna vote, since I don't have any experience with the other options in your list.

I will say this about the PSW10:

It's just "ok". I paid $88 shipped for mine through the PolkDirect ebay store, and can honestly say, for that price I am satisfied with it. Had I paid any more, I probably wouldn't be.

Seems decent enough for music at moderate volumes, HT is another story. LFE is very boomy, and it just about disappears from existence below 40hz. I know it's only a 10" with a pretty anemic amplifier, but, again, I just have to remember I only paid $88.

If $200 is doable for you, you might want to also consider the BIC F12...shop around and it can often be found on sale for ~$185. AVS seems to approve for the price point, and it will be my next purchase.

My 2c.

Thanks for the input! I've read mixed reviews concerning the Polk compared to the entry-level Dayton/Energy subs. I looked into BIC and Velodyne subs, but they seem too usually far-exceed my budget. Although, I will look into the BIC F12 on the cheappp.

Would love to know how the ESW8 compares to the ASW8!

I got a Mirage LF-150 for $100. Used obviously since it's a discontinued model. But it performs quite well, particularly in a small/medium sized room. Personally, I am in a 15'x15' room, approximately. Could be more like 18'x18'. Somewhere there.

I had the Dayton 10 back when I was state side and it was nice but you know, I never heard any of those other subs so I cant say how it stacks up. Always felt the sub was maybe a little overkill for my room's size though.

With your funds, unfortunately, they will all sound like bottom barrel budget subs. Then again, if you haven't used anything better, and keep your expectations low, there is a chance you *may* be satisfied.

With that said, if you plan on using any of those for music, I guarantee you will be disappointed.

As mentioned above, your best bet will be the F12 for a budget sub.

Yeah, after lots of reading, the BIC F-12 looks like a good one. At ProVantage they have it for $175.92 + Shipping, just have to wait until the 22 (16 more days) to be back in stock.

I myself use an AA HD-10, and it sounds good. I mean, it's not super-extra deep, but it does play loud. Definitely an upgrade from the garbage I had with my Z-5500. I have it around 40% in a 10x10 room, and you can feel it in your chest with some specific songs or movies. The only problem it has is that it's somewhat boomy in the upper frequencies when played at high volumes, since I have my crossover at 80hz. Some Coldplay songs for example, have vocals bordering 80hz, so at high volumes you can notice when it shifts from the FRONTS to the SUB. So yeah, It doesn't sound very natural, so at times I find myself using different settings depending if I'm listening to music or watching a movie. Music at moderate levels is fine tho.
Don't be discouraged tho, this is actually a limitation in my FRONTS more than a limitation in the SUB. I'm just telling a possible scenario ahead of time, and what I do to go about it.
Also, read about raisers. I'm considering getting one for my sub, many people claim more punchy and louder sound with them.

They have the 12" model, the next version of mine, for $198.88 + Free Shipping at TheDeepDiscount.com. That one is very popular, and you can read reviews HERE.

Good Luck man.

Just remember to keep your expectations in line with the amount your paying