Subwoofer Comparison

[geek101]

Are you waiting for a review to publish CEA-2010 numbers before adding the VTF-TN1 to the spreadsheet? Can we take it from the mfg., here: https://hsuresearch.com/collections/collections-true-subwoofers-subset-collection/products/vtf-tn1 (specifically the tables) and subtract 6dB for 2m:

VTF-TN1 One Port Open:​

View attachment 391317

Two Ports Open:​

View attachment 391318

You have to subtract 9db as mentioned on the website.

 

[KantoLiving]

Kanto sub8 audioholics CEA-2010 results here:

Kanto ORA Powered Desktop Speakers & sub8 Review

Kanto’s new ORA powered desktop speakers push their technology further than ever by introducing an active crossover and other innovations. What does this do to the sound? Read on to find out.

www.audioholics.com

 

[Sig.Rossi]

Hello,

I put this old DIY subwoofer back into operation in my living room (see photos).

I'm thinking about constructing some white cover for it or just buying another subwoofer.

Would a modern subwoofer be an upgrade?

Problem: It's a living room where I can only use a nice looking white subwoofer. And just a single one that isn't too big.

Could anyone recommend something? Mainly for music mostly 2.1 or 3.1 or 5.1 stereo. L-shaped room approx. 43 sqm. Setup 5.1 Cambridge CXU -> Teufel decoder station 7 -> active subwoofer.

I haven't been able to take any room measurements yet. Purchasing the necessary hardware will take some time.

I've considered using an antimode 8033 s, but would also be happy to hear better suggestions.

I am in Europe (EU).

 

[Romario]

Hello,
Would a modern subwoofer be an upgrade?

Problem: It's a living room where I can only use a nice looking white subwoofer. And just a single one that isn't too big.

I am in Europe (EU).

Polk hts 10 is small, affordable ( €250-€400) and white. Kef has a small high end sw in white.

 

[memopro]

@sweetchaos
Small corrections for the spreadsheet: the ESI Aktiv 10s has a 100Hz HPF:
View attachment 332808

The KRK S8.4, S10.4, S12.4 also have an HPF at 70/80/90/100Hz.

PS: please consider changing the metric units for volume and footprint to liters (=dm³) and square meters (m²), respectively.
They're just more relatable and readable.

I measured how the sat. crossover ot the ESI Aktiv 10s works (100Hz HPF) and it turned out that it has a high pass filter set to 50hz (6 dB/octave) and not 100hz.
In this case, the subwoofer is muted, and I only use the satellite crossover function. Тhe speakers are Yamaha HS8, and the drop is due to the placement of the speakers and the shape of the room.
Blue line: sat. crossover off
Black line: sat. crossover on

After adding ESI Aktiv 10s + EQ correction the low end improved.

In psychoacoustics mode it looks good.
Measurements were made at 80 dB SPL.
EQ adjustments are 3 points, via the TotalMix Equalizer (RME Babyface Pro FS)
The reason for the dips and spikes around 1kHz is the desk, unfortunately I don't have any more EQ bands and I don't want to use other apps like Equalizer Apо because it's not convenient to work with them because I have other devices to switch.
The room has been somewhat treated, about 50 pieces of rock wool were used in bass traps and absorbing panels.

When placing the subwoofer in the center of the room, i.e. between the two speakers, it overexcited the frequencies around 90hz, and the sub-bass around 50hz was missing, and in my case, placing the subwoofer about 90cm to the right of the right speaker and 1.8m from the listening position was the optimal option.

I'm thinking of buying another one of the same subwoofer and placing it on the left side, and I hope to improve/balanced the low end even more.


Another screenshot:
Green line: measurement taken 2cm from the subwoofer.
Yellow line: measurement taken from the listening position, the subwoofer is positioned to the right of the right speaker at about 1.8m from the listening position and 90 cm from the right speaker , there is a delay of about 7ms.
I think it's ok for the price, there are a few resonances up to about 300-400hz, but they don't interfere with the overall sound picture.
The measurements are not professional, they are simply personal and indicative!

 

[ExPerfectionist]

For the OP who manages the list, I wanted to share that the Monolith 16 THX Ultra subwoofer numbers appear to be incorrect, listed too high.

The Audioholics review that they were taken from was updated in 2023 noting:

"Note (7/26/23): Our initial CEA-2010 measurements were about 2-3dB too high due to a microphone calibration issue that was later discovered. We have since then revised the data table accordingly to reflect the actual output capability of this subwoofer more accurately."

Monoprice Monolith 16” THX Ultra Subwoofer: Brutal Output, Audiophile Performance

The Monoprice Monolith 16" THX Ultra subwoofer sports huge excursion ability with an enormous cabinet, and 1,800 watts of power. This Extreme Bassaholic rated sub is a true bruiser with audiophile chops.

www.audioholics.com

Updated chart shown in the review.

https://www.audioholics.com/subwoofer-reviews/monolith-16201d/Mono16CEA2010table.jpg/image_large

I ended up purchasing one of these today on Black Friday sale, upgrading from a Rythmik F12SE. Very much looking forward to getting it up and running, minus the hauling of the 170lb box into my living room.

 

[Wil_Bloodworth]

Wow. What a comprehensive spreadsheet. Thanks!

 

[memopro]

I measured how the sat. crossover ot the ESI Aktiv 10s works (100Hz HPF) and it turned out that it has a high pass filter set to 50hz (6 dB/octave) and not 100hz.
In this case, the subwoofer is muted, and I only use the satellite crossover function. Тhe speakers are Yamaha HS8, and the drop is due to the placement of the speakers and the shape of the room.
Blue line: sat. crossover off
Black line: sat. crossover on
View attachment 409356

After adding ESI Aktiv 10s + EQ correction the low end improved.

View attachment 409361
In psychoacoustics mode it looks good.
Measurements were made at 80 dB SPL.
EQ adjustments are 3 points, via the TotalMix Equalizer (RME Babyface Pro FS)
The reason for the dips and spikes around 1kHz is the desk, unfortunately I don't have any more EQ bands and I don't want to use other apps like Equalizer Apо because it's not convenient to work with them because I have other devices to switch.
The room has been somewhat treated, about 50 pieces of rock wool were used in bass traps and absorbing panels.


View attachment 409362

When placing the subwoofer in the center of the room, i.e. between the two speakers, it overexcited the frequencies around 90hz, and the sub-bass around 50hz was missing, and in my case, placing the subwoofer about 90cm to the right of the right speaker and 1.8m from the listening position was the optimal option.

I'm thinking of buying another one of the same subwoofer and placing it on the left side, and I hope to improve/balanced the low end even more.


Another screenshot:
Green line: measurement taken 2cm from the subwoofer.
Yellow line: measurement taken from the listening position, the subwoofer is positioned to the right of the right speaker at about 1.8m from the listening position and 90 cm from the right speaker , there is a delay of about 7ms.
I think it's ok for the price, there are a few resonances up to about 300-400hz, but they don't interfere with the overall sound picture.
The measurements are not professional, they are simply personal and indicative!

View attachment 409363

ESI Aktiv 10S
The measurement was taken 1-2cm from the subwoofer.
Sound level 86db SPL.
Microphone - Behringer ECM8000
Woofer - red line
Port - blue line
Оverall - black line