Needed Subwoofer for AsciLab C6B

[BetweenThePeaks]

I am looking for a sealed subwoofer to complete my 2-channel Hi-Fi system easy to find in EU (Italy).

I prioritize transient speed, texture, and system integration.

My System:

1.Speakers: AsciLab C6B
2.Amplifier: Audiophonics AP300-S250NC
3.Source: WiiM Ultra

Room: 20m²

Budget: ~1000€.

Thank you in advance for your help.

 

[staticV3]

I'd decide between the SVS SB-2000 Pro and Arendal 1961 1S.

Both have been measured in extreme detail here: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/i-measured-10-subwoofers.49042/

Edit:

Spoiler: Side by side graphs to flip between:

All in all, I can't see a single aspect where the SVS wins, so I'd buy the Arendal.

 

[nat1]

Would be easier to resell the SVS if you care about that.

 

[phoenixdogfan]

Probably sounds like a crazy idea, but if you look at SVS warehouse sales, you can often find the OG SB 2000 NIB for around $550-600. At that price you might be able to stretch the budget a bit and buy two 12" subs to pair with those speakers and fully do them justice. The only real difference between the Pro and the OG, mostly, is the OG lacks the Pro's PEQ feature. OTOH, the Pro lacks the OG's high pass (passive, 80 hz, 12db octave).

 

[Defi]

I am looking for a sealed subwoofer to complete my 2-channel Hi-Fi system easy to find in EU (Italy).

I prioritize transient speed, texture, and system integration.

My System:

1.Speakers: AsciLab C6B
2.Amplifier: Audiophonics AP300-S250NC
3.Source: WiiM Ultra

Room: 20m²

Budget: ~1000€.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Are you planning on any external DSP for integration/calibration or just whatever comes with the subwoofer? This transient speed and texture you desire is going to be a result of integration with your room/mains more than which sub you choose in the same class. If you're not going to have a mic and DSP then I would bet you'd have the best results with something from SVS and using its app to tailor it with pink noise or a track you know very well. I am wary of the success of using 2 subs without DSP but, I'm sure it's been done before.

 

[BetweenThePeaks]

Are you planning on any external DSP for integration/calibration or just whatever comes with the subwoofer? This transient speed and texture you desire is going to be a result of integration with your room/mains more than which sub you choose in the same class. If you're not going to have a mic and DSP then I would bet you'd have the best results with something from SVS and using its app to tailor it with pink noise or a track you know very well. I am wary of the success of using 2 subs without DSP but, I'm sure it's been done before.

I have the WiiM Ultra, which has RoomFit correction and Bass Management. I will be using its DSP to make sure that the sound from AsciLab speakers and the sound from subwoofer reach my ears at the same time and fix my room's acoustics.

Please correct me if I'm wrong because I want to be 100% sure before moving the step and making investment.

This is my first Hi-Fi system, and I've been studying component integration over the past months to ensure I make the right choices. The ASR forum and Erin’s Audio Corner have been a huge help since the beginning.

 

[IngMishael]

I am looking for a sealed subwoofer to complete my 2-channel Hi-Fi system easy to find in EU (Italy).

I prioritize transient speed, texture, and system integration.

My System:

1.Speakers: AsciLab C6B
2.Amplifier: Audiophonics AP300-S250NC
3.Source: WiiM Ultra

Room: 20m²

Budget: ~1000€.

Thank you in advance for your help.

1961 Subwoofer 1S

Being our current entry-level subwoofer, there is nothing about our brand new 1961 Subwoofer 1S performance that would suggest it being so. Subwoofer 1S is offering high performance in a compact…

store.arendalsound.com

 

[Defi]

I have the WiiM Ultra, which has RoomFit correction and Bass Management. I will be using its DSP to make sure that the sound from AsciLab speakers and the sound from subwoofer reach my ears at the same time and fix my room's acoustics.

Please correct me if I'm wrong because I want to be 100% sure before moving the step and making investment.

This is my first Hi-Fi system, and I've been studying component integration over the past months to ensure I make the right choices. The ASR forum and Erin’s Audio Corner have been a huge help since the beginning.

Ok excellent, that is my fault for not being familiar with the WiiM's capabilities. I don't see 2 sub outs, but I don't even know if you were considering getting 2 subs so again I shouldn't be inventing problems.

It sounds like you have the desire to do things right and that's what's important. It would help very much to know what manufacturers are available to you at your location.

 

[Crook]

I have x2 Arendal 1961 1s. I chose them over the SVS 2000 pro, based on the measurements here as noted by staticV3. Company service was excellent and they are very well made, they have a really high quality feel to them all round. Shipping in Europe was very easy. They have EQ and extensive set up options, but they do lack the app that SVS has. Mine are set and I can now forget, but an app used at the listening position would have made it so much easier on my back (leaning over and adjusting with the screen upside down). Lack of an app, is the only negative I can find with them, but I 100% do not regret my choice and would buy same again.

 

[SanojS]

I would scour the used sections and pick up something for half the price

What's most important is what type of speaker you need, room size and shape, and how they integrate with your speakers.
Just a blanket statement "Subwoofer XYZ is the best" isn't helpful.

What I can say based on your requirements is that you need a closed box, suitable size should be 8-12 inch. Good news is that the Wiim Ultra has bass management so integration will be easy. Find a deal/bargain, check if the specs or reviews are good, and save a good chunk of change!

(Wiim Ultra has seamless integration, including adjustable crossover, level, phase, and delay settings for syncing with main speakers, since you use it as preamp)

 

[BetweenThePeaks]

I have x2 Arendal 1961 1s. I chose them over the SVS 2000 pro, based on the measurements here as noted by staticV3. Company service was excellent and they are very well made, they have a really high quality feel to them all round. Shipping in Europe was very easy. They have EQ and extensive set up options, but they do lack the app that SVS has. Mine are set and I can now forget, but an app used at the listening position would have made it so much easier on my back (leaning over and adjusting with the screen upside down). Lack of an app, is the only negative I can find with them, but I 100% do not regret my choice and would buy same again.

I’ve decided to go for it too! As I know the lack of an Arendal app isn't an issue if you have the WiiM Ultra that lets you manage everything from the listening position.

 

[BetweenThePeaks]

I would scour the used sections and pick up something for half the price

What's most important is what type of speaker you need, room size and shape, and how they integrate with your speakers.
Just a blanket statement "Subwoofer XYZ is the best" isn't helpful.

What I can say based on your requirements is that you need a closed box, suitable size should be 8-12 inch. Good news is that the Wiim Ultra has bass management so integration will be easy. Find a deal/bargain, check if the specs or reviews are good, and save a good chunk of change!

(Wiim Ultra has seamless integration, including adjustable crossover, level, phase, and delay settings for syncing with main speakers, since you use it as preamp)

I’m a bit wary of the used market. Between the lack of warranty and the risk of dishonest sellers, I'd rather buy new and have that security, even if it costs more.

 

[BetweenThePeaks]

Probably sounds like a crazy idea, but if you look at SVS warehouse sales, you can often find the OG SB 2000 NIB for around $550-600. At that price you might be able to stretch the budget a bit and buy two 12" subs to pair with those speakers and fully do them justice. The only real difference between the Pro and the OG, mostly, is the OG lacks the Pro's PEQ feature. OTOH, the Pro lacks the OG's high pass (passive, 80 hz, 12db octave).

The SVS warehouse deals you’re seeing are great, but only for the US market. By the time an SB-2000 reaches Italy, the price blows up due to 22% VAT, import duties, and massive shipping costs.

 

[BetweenThePeaks]

It sounds like you have the desire to do things right and that's what's important. It would help very much to know what manufacturers are available to you at your location.

I definitely want to do things right, mostly because I have to. I’m a factory worker, so I can't afford to make any expensive mistakes. Whatever I buy is going to stay with me for a long time, so I need to be 100% sure I can live with my decision and enjoy what I’m listening to without any regrets.

 

[Chrispy]

What the heck is "texture"?

 

[BetweenThePeaks]

What the heck is "texture"?

Detail and realism.

 

[Chrispy]

Detail and realism.

In a sub how does that manifest?

 

[BetweenThePeaks]

In a sub how does that manifest?

Look, I’m new to this, so I’m not going to pretend I know all the technical jargon or audiophile terms. I’m just a guy who wants a high quality system. To me, that means a sound that is clear and realistic.I want to be able to hear everything that was actually recorded in the studio, without it sounding muddy or blurry. I’m just looking for a setup that sounds real and makes me enjoy the music.

 

[Chrispy]

Look, I’m new to this, so I’m not going to pretend I know all the technical jargon or audiophile terms. I’m just a guy who wants a high quality system. To me, that means a sound that is clear and realistic.I want to be able to hear everything that was actually recorded in the studio, without it sounding muddy or blurry. I’m just looking for a setup that sounds real and makes me enjoy the music.

That's understandable, the poor terminology isn't. Audiophile terms tend to be all over the place and mean various things to various people (if they have any actual meaning based in fact). Somewhat I think you're overestimating the sub's role in any case. Watch for excellent measurements in a sub and the rest generally follows. Not really familiar with what's available to you but Arendal would be a good way to go. SVS is fine, too. Are you choosing a sealed sub to keep the box small?

 

[BetweenThePeaks]

That's understandable, the poor terminology isn't. Audiophile terms tend to be all over the place and mean various things to various people (if they have any actual meaning based in fact). Somewhat I think you're overestimating the sub's role in any case. Watch for excellent measurements in a sub and the rest generally follows. Not really familiar with what's available to you but Arendal would be a good way to go. SVS is fine, too. Are you choosing a sealed sub to keep the box small?

I’m not a technical expert, and I don't want to pretend to be one just to fit in here. To me, arguing over the 'right' words feels a bit silly when the goal is just to enjoy the music.
I chose the Arendal because it measures well, has a great warranty, and fits my life. I'd rather focus on the result than the labels.