Subs with low extension at moderate SPL

[SonOfSine]

I’m looking for a subwoofer that provides accurate low end extension, but only listen at moderate volumes, so have no need for massive SPL output. But when I look at what’s on the market for subs, it seems that frequency range and volume/power go hand-in-hand as the price climbs.

I already have large floorstanding speakers that dig pretty deep, so really just looking to cover the 20-60 Hz range with the sub.

Any recommendations where to start for something ’low but not loud’? Budget is around $1000.

Thanks!

 

[DJNX]

You are looking for a sub that has flat frequency response. The lower the budget of the sub the more likely it has a massive peak around 60+ Hz.

Someone might correct me on this, but I think subs with flat frequency response start at 10 inches. Something like the M-10 by Monoprice.

 

[Verig]

I’m looking for a subwoofer that provides accurate low end extension, but only listen at moderate volumes, so have no need for massive SPL output. But when I look at what’s on the market for subs, it seems that frequency range and volume/power go hand-in-hand as the price climbs.

They do go hand in hand. Going below 30Hz with any useful SPL needs either large volume or great deal of power and expensive element and build.
If you don't mind used marked Elac 2070 is in the budget. 2x10" in closed box. Very accurate and goes low. One of the best. 2050 is ok too.

 

[Ricardojoa]

Rythmik

 

[ooheadsoo]

Low frequencies at "moderate" volume are next to inaudible. Something to keep in mind before you go down the rabbit hole.

 

[voodooless]

Low frequencies at "moderate" volume are next to inaudible. Something to keep in mind before you go down the rabbit hole.

Exactly. Equal loudness dictates that bass should be quite a bit louder to sound natural at low volumes. So you either turn up the volume a bit, or apply some kind of loudness DSP to compensate.

 

[SonOfSine]

Low frequencies at "moderate" volume are next to inaudible. Something to keep in mind before you go down the rabbit hole.

Good point. A look at the equal loudness curve fully answers my question.

I knew that hearing sensitivity was less in low frequencies, but didn’t realize the curve was quite so steep.

 

[FrantzM]

Exactly. Equal loudness dictates that bass should be quite a bit louder to sound natural at low volumes. So you either turn up the volume a bit, or apply some kind of loudness DSP to compensate.

Was about to post the same thing , you beat me to it..

Peace.

 

[FrantzM]

Hi

@SonOfSine .. Another thing that needs to be stressed: The performance in the bass is dictated by the room. Dictated. You could have the best subwoofer ever made : one capable of 5 Hz at 120 Hz within plus or minus 0.5 dB, at the listening positon at 120 dB, and with vanishingly small THD... .. yet the response at the listening position could be bad, and that, audibly so. With peaks of more than 30 dB and nulls ( yes, "null", as in disappearance) at various bass frequencies... so ...

Please think about learning to measure, then EQ/DSP anytime you think about subwoofers. EQ is not an option it is mandated by physics. Some subwoofers incorporate a rudiment of EQ/DSP (e.g some SVS models) the best , IMO, is to use an external box to do so or you could use a PC... yes, this can become a slow descent in the proverbial rabbit hole...
You may need to learn to measure and to apply these to smooth the bass... This is eminently doable but do not expect quick results. It is however extremely rewarding. Worth the bother IME.
You ask here, people will help you. On that, what does your system consist of?

Peace.

 

[SonOfSine]

@FrantzM
Yes, I’m aware of the strong contribution room resonances have on bass frequencies. I have a UMIK-2 measurement mic and have fiddled around a bit with REW, but not to the point of actually getting actionable results.

Previously I’ve always lived in small spaces and rentals, so I was pretty constrained in terms of speaker placement and most room treatment was out of the question. But just moved into an old house, where I have a lot of ability to customize the space over time. So I’m looking forward to dialling in my system a lot more.

For two channel listening, my setup is a pair of Definitive Mythos Supertowers, driven by a Technics SU-G700 amp. My usual signal chain is to send a digital signal (DSD or PCM) directly to the amp from my phone, and use its onboard DAC. The app I use on my phone for playback does have parametric EQ capabilities.

For movies/TV I’m using the same main channels, but add a Mythos 10 centre channel and 4 Mythos Gem surrounds. Definitely a lot more limited for EQ capabilities since I only have a fairly basic AVR (Onkyo TX-NR676). But it could obviously perform some bass management in terms of what gets handed off to the sub.

Thanks for your input.

 

[kemmler3D]

KEF KC62 fits the bill, it does go very low, but not particularly loud, and it's very small. Unfortunately they are really expensive, but KEF does put things on sale pretty often.

 

[Sal1950]

I’m looking for a subwoofer that provides accurate low end extension, but only listen at moderate volumes, so have no need for massive SPL output. But when I look at what’s on the market for subs, it seems that frequency range and volume/power go hand-in-hand as the price climbs.

I already have large floorstanding speakers that dig pretty deep, so really just looking to cover the 20-60 Hz range with the sub.

Any recommendations where to start for something ’low but not loud’? Budget is around $1000.

Thanks!

I've dealt with Dr Hsu over 4 decades and always found his products to offer the highest performance//cost ratio
on the market. The variable port tuning of the VT series allows you to chose between high output or deeper bass.
Since you don't need high SPL his VTF-2 MK5 might be right up your ally.

VTF-2 MK5 Subwoofer

Introducing the VTF-2 MK5, the epitome of affordability and value in the renowned HSU lineup. This subwoofer is designed to cater to budget-conscious enthusiasts without compromising on quality or performance. Most affordable and budget-friendly subwoofer One of the smallest subwoofers so it...

hsuresearch.com

Low End Extension (+/- 2 dB)
16 Hz (1 port open) 22 Hz (2 ports open)

 

[voodooless]

KEF KC62 fits the bill, it does go very low, but not particularly loud, and it's very small. Unfortunately they are really expensive, but KEF does put things on sale pretty often.

You could just crank it a bit more than normal. When you do play loud, the limiter will just lower the level a bit, making for a very crude yet effective loudness compensation. I’m sure this is big part of its success.

 

[richard12511]

Monoprice, HSU and Rythmik would be the companies I'd focus on. SVS can be a good option too.

 

[LTig]

KEF KC62 fits the bill, it does go very low, but not particularly loud, and it's very small. Unfortunately they are really expensive, but KEF does put things on sale pretty often.

The Neumann KH750DSP seems to be in the same price range (got a new one for € 1400). Goes down to 19 Hz.

 

[SonOfSine]

@Sal1950 thanks for putting Hsu on my radar. I hadn’t heard of them before. The VTF-2 MK5 looks like excellent value - unfortunately it looks like freight and duties getting it to Canada would easily double the price.

 

[Sal1950]

@Sal1950 thanks for putting Hsu on my radar. I hadn’t heard of them before. The VTF-2 MK5 looks like excellent value - unfortunately it looks like freight and duties getting it to Canada would easily double the price.

Ouch, sorry I wasn't aware of that.

 

[Chrispy]

@Sal1950 thanks for putting Hsu on my radar. I hadn’t heard of them before. The VTF-2 MK5 looks like excellent value - unfortunately it looks like freight and duties getting it to Canada would easily double the price.

Hsu is pretty much the OG sub company. I'd give 'em a call for Canada destination