Subwoofer opinions - Lower tuned ported models

[Dj7675]

Looking for some thoughts from others on input for my theater... I currently have 3 Rythmik L12s and was considering adding a 4th but think I am going to a lower tuned ported sub for more output in lower frequencies. Room is a sealed basement about 23ft x 14ft x 8ft. LCR speakers are Revel C208 with revel S16s for surrounds/backs with Denon X8500 and NAD M27. Plan is to go 2 or 4 subs. These are my thoughts so far (thanks to @sweetchaos for the great compilation of data HERE which makes all of this much easier). Side note am putting a self imposed weight limit of less than 90lb...

2 VTF-3 MK5 $1807
4 VTF-2 MK5 $2475 ($1237 x2)
2 PSA TV1512 @ $2900 ($1450 x2)

Random thoughts:
-I have 2 rows of seats, so the idea of 4 VTF-2 MK5 is intriguing for the best seat to sat frequency response.
-The price/performance of the VTF-3 MK5 seems to be quite the value.
-The price of the TV1512 is more for sure but do like the better warranty, amp etc. No much data I have found though making it harder to compare

Any thoughts?

 

[raistlin65]

Looking for some thoughts from others on input for my theater... I currently have 3 Rythmik L12s and was considering adding a 4th but think I am going to a lower tuned ported sub for more output in lower frequencies. Room is a sealed basement about 23ft x 14ft x 8ft.

If this is a completely sealed space, your room is not that large. Given your budget, could be larger sealed subs along with EQ would be the way to go if you are pursuing ultra low frequencies. I'm no expert on this, but if you contact PSA, Tom Vodhanel can tell you. He's the owner. He's also one of the original founders of SVS (the "V"). Super knowledgeable and helpful to work with.

@Bear123 may have some thoughts on this as well.

 

[Bear123]

I would personally have a strong preference for the TV1512. I love the pro drivers used in those subs, especially if listening to music.

 

[Dj7675]

I would personally have a strong preference for the TV1512. I love the pro drivers used in those subs, especially if listening to music.

This would be for just movies. I do wish the new PSA models had either their own data on their website, or a few independent that had been independently tested.

 

[Dj7675]

I am leaning towards 2 of the PSA TV1512s... but looking at the data it seems hard to ignore going with 4 of the VTF-2 MK5. If adding multiples gets your 3db per additional sub and take a value of 104 @ 20hz for 1 sub that gets to 113 for 4 and 109 @ 15hz. These seem like very good results with the benefit of better seat to seat variation vs 2 subs. Any downside to going with 4 of the VTF-2 MK5?

 

[Dj7675]

Decided to go with 2 PSA TV1512s. Will post some measurements/impressions when they get here and installed. Should be fun.

 

[richard12511]

Decided to go with 2 PSA TV1512s. Will post some measurements/impressions when they get here and installed. Should be fun.

One nice thing about going with dual bigger subs(rather than 4 cheaper ones), is it makes future upgrades more effective and compelling.

 

[Dj7675]

One nice thing about going with dual bigger subs(rather than 4 cheaper ones), is it makes future upgrades more effective and compelling.

Very true. Doubt I will need to go with 4 of these but who knows Even though we have 2 rows of seating it is generally just 2, so I haven't had any issues EQing 2 spots with 1 or 2 subs, so 2 should be fine.
The only thing I wish is PSA would show frequency response and compression data on their website for their new subs. But I emailed them and Tom was very helpful with all of my questions which I appreciated. I asked him if I could expect to get in the ball park of 115db at 20hz with 2 TV1512s in my room at my listening position. He asked if I boosted bass and I told him that I boosted bass around 5-6db at 20hz. He said I should be fine up to about 6 below reference level which is good enough for me. I normally listen around -10 be occasionally around -8.

 

[Senior NEET Engineer]

Low tuned subs can be a lot of fun. My preference is around 20hz.

 

[escape2]

I know the OP has already decided on PSA, but how about dual Rythmik FV15HP? Does the dual TV1512 still beat it?

 

[Senior NEET Engineer]

I doubt there is much difference besides the frequency response

 

[Dj7675]

I know the OP has already decided on PSA, but how about dual Rythmik FV15HP? Does the dual TV1512 still beat it?

I considered it and from what I have read it is a great option. The weight was a bit more than I wanted to deal with at 115lb vs 88 lbs for the PSA.

 

[Dj7675]

Now I just have to wait though.... back in stock in 4 weeks.

 

[Head_Unit]

Now I just have to wait though.... back in stock in 4 weeks.

...and???