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Which $300 Sub?

R

rosco

Gawd
Joined
Jun 22, 2000
Messages
722
Heh... if you can swing a DIY version (have access to someone with some wood-working skills), then:

Dayton Reference HF 12" or 15" 4ohm (15" if you can fit it):
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=295-468 - HF 15"
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=295-464 - HF 12"

+ Build a ported subwoofer box... tuned probably relatively near the Fs - Passive Radiator would be better than a regular ported box, but that is extra money. You'd have to model this with freely downloadable software and the provided T/S parameters on that page. You could probably get someone to design the box for you, and that's not difficult, but BUILDING it...will be a chore: Wood, glue, clamps, table-saw and/or handheld circular saw + ripfence and/or skilled/patient use of jigsaw + some sanding to clean it up... It would be several hours of work at the very least.

Actually...that is a popular DIY sub (and really among the best available at any price)...so there are likely some existing design plans available...

+ Maybe a BASH amplifier... 300w (which is actually "enough") or 500w for additional headroom.

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-750 - Bash 300w
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-752 - Bash 500w

http://www.oaudio.com/300W_SUBAMP.html - OAudio's version of Bash 300w (slightly less expensive, and I believe it includes some additional flexibility in...some sort of control...can't remember what... from the pics it looks like it'd be the phase control...and addition of a x-over bypass maybe)
Oaudio is out of stock of the 500w version

yea, that goes over budget...but it's a damned good sub.

Otherwise... I kinda like HSU's subs, but I honestly have no experience with the particular models you're considering.

I tend to go for larger subs. Sorry if that was useless...
 
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The HSU STF-2 is a great sub for around $300. However, a comparable sub you may want to have a look at is the Energy S10.3 which is currently on sale for less. The only thing I have against the Energy S10.3 is that Energy's quality control is not on par with HSU's offerings. With that said, you can't go wrong with either sub for their price.
 
BRAB said:
The HSU STF-2 is a great sub for around $300. However, a comparable sub you may want to have a look at is the Energy S10.3 which is currently on sale for less. The only thing I have against the Energy S10.3 is that Energy's quality control is not on par with HSU's offerings. With that said, you can't go wrong with either sub for their price.
Click to expand...

I agree with this. As an owner of the S10.3 I think its a great sub for the money. That said as the owner of an Outlaw LFM-1, which was designed with the help of HSU, there is no doubt in my mind that the STF-2 will be a better crafted product. Also keep in mind that shipping on the S10.3 is free where as its $43 on the STF-2 so you're looking at roughly a $143 difference.

I would take the STF-2 over the Klipsch.
 
I forgot to mention that the Energy S10.3 had been recommended to me in another thread.

That does sound like a good option for me as my room is fairly small.
 
Also love my STF-2. Though the Energy S10.3 is a great product for the price as well.
 
I owned an HSU VTF2-mk3 for a couple of years and it was completely awesome. I sold it and upgraded because I moved to a new house where the floor was concrete. Downfiring subs don't do well on concrete subfloor.

I also currently own a Dayton Elite 10" sub which is actually a rebranded HSU STF-1. It is an amazing sub for what I paid ($180).

I'd bet the Energy S10.3 would be the best bang/buck. I can't imagine that much sound difference between the two.

The Klipsch has them beat spec-wise, but I don't see Klipsch subs recommended often. I've never owned or heard one though.
 
I have heard the Dayton Elite 10 was designed with help from Dr. Hsu but I am not sure if it is just a rebadge of the STF-1. Isn't the Elite 10 a 10" driver as compared to the 8" that is in the STF-1? Also I think the cabinet design is different with the STF being down firing but the Elite 10 being front firing (I think, I am not sure).

With this said, I love my STF-1 and I know Dayton makes good stuff so I bet the Elite 10 sounds great.
 
You're right on all accounts. I didn't bother to look at the stf-1 specs.

The Dayton Elite 10 may as well have been an HSU even though it wasn't. The box said HSU and I'm fairly certain the amp says HSU (will check when I get home). The only thing that's missing is the HSU logo on the front.
 
Hsu or a rebrand of one is going to sound great. Energy is fine too but not quite there comparitively.
 
Premier Acoustic PA-150, they go on sale often for around $300. It doubles as a nice end-table too :)
 
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