http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/ Engadget HD Comments for Ask Engadget HD: What's the best home theater subwoofer under $500? http://www.engadgethd.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadgethd.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/http://www.edesignaudio.com. My A3-350 rocks.]]>Dec 3rd 2008 12:12PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/Dec 3rd 2008 12:14PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/
There's also Craigslist, but I've found that while it's fairly good for home theater speakers, it mostly sucks for HT subwoofers. Everyone on there is selling car speakers, or so it seems.]]>Dec 3rd 2008 12:32PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/Dec 3rd 2008 2:13PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/
Truly amazing products. Their store is about 30mins from me and you can tell they are truly dedicated to this stuff.]]>Dec 3rd 2008 2:14PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/Dec 4th 2008 10:13AMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/Dec 3rd 2008 3:51PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/Dec 8th 2008 10:14AMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/Dec 3rd 2008 12:15PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/Dec 3rd 2008 12:50PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/Dec 3rd 2008 1:25PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/
I would recommend Paradigm, but I would also check out Velodyne and possibly SVS, though I am not sure if SVS has subs in the $500 or so range.]]>Dec 3rd 2008 12:16PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/Dec 3rd 2008 12:17PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/
The enclosure for the sub is very important for the bass quality and the enclosure for tower speakers just is not conducive for subs. I am also not convinced that it is good for the sound quality for the mids and highs.

One other thing to factor in with Definitive Technology speakers, the speakers mentioned are Bi-Polar and speaker placement is even more critical, mainly that enough room is given behind the speaker. I am not saying these speakers are bad, I have liked Definitive Technology when I have listened to their speakers, just pointing out a few things to look out for. ]]>Dec 3rd 2008 12:36PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/
A benefit you would get with one of their towers with a powered sub is you wont have to get a stand alone sub so you can hold off and wait for funds to get that more expensive sub you would have been happier with.

]]>Dec 3rd 2008 1:01PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/
Atlantic Technologies makes a very nice sealed 10" Sub, the 212SB that retails around $500. See if you can give it a listen, I think you will be very impressed at its performance for the price!]]>Dec 3rd 2008 12:17PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/Dec 3rd 2008 12:38PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/
I got the LFM-1 EX on a last minute sale for 100 off making it $549, matching the normal price of the LFM-1 Plus. This thing ROCKS. I have it mated to 2 Boston Acoustices HS series 4-way floor standers, plus matching satellites and center all running off of a Denon 688. WOW.

I have a 25 X 20 living room, and have the level of this sub at approx 40%, and sometimes it has to be lowered.

For bang for your buck (literally), I highly recommend Outlaw. On top of eliminating the middle man on the sale process (saving the buyer money of course) their service is world class. I couldnt have the sub delivered to my house, and had to pick up at the FedEx facility. They were kind enough to run to their warehouse to get me the box dimensions of both the Plus and the EX so that I could determine which would fit in my car before ordering. After that, I caught the sale, and that made my decision for me.

Hope this helps.]]>Dec 3rd 2008 1:28PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/Dec 3rd 2008 12:42PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/Dec 3rd 2008 12:50PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/
I have the PSB Image B25's on the corners and a Image C40 for the center. I'm in a pretty tiny Manhattan apt, so I don't have a sub yet, but I hooked up bass shakers instead to my couch. The PSB's provide some really good bass though with some tweaking on your receiver and have been able to handle anything I can throw at them, with plenty of room for more. I'm driving them with a Sherwood Newcastle R871 which is more than enough for my space.

If you really are on a budget though for a great sub woofer, check out the Axiom EP125 v2. But please, don't buy a sub woofer from a big box shop, it's sacrilegious.

Building a new home theater is always fun, I wouldn't start with the sub, I researched speakers for months, and after dozens of demos I settled with PSB. I felt the brand had the best performance and sound for the value for my ear. It's all subjective though. Demo anything you look at. Then demo it again in a week with something different.

My ultimate solution for your scenario - a Rel Acoustics T-1, PSB Image T45's for the front, B25's for the rear, a C60 center and probably a Sherwood Newcastle, NAD or Rotel amplifier/receiver depending on the budget.

Good luck. Rock on.]]>Dec 3rd 2008 12:51PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/Dec 3rd 2008 12:54PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/Dec 3rd 2008 1:41PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/
http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-cyl-pc12_nsd.cfm]]>Dec 3rd 2008 1:20PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/Dec 3rd 2008 1:24PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/
Elemental Designs
HSU
SVS]]>Dec 3rd 2008 1:27PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/Dec 3rd 2008 1:24PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/Dec 3rd 2008 5:14PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/Dec 3rd 2008 1:44PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/Dec 4th 2008 7:03AMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/
The Anthony Gallo A'Diva series was rated best midpriced home theater system for 2007 by Home Theater Magazine. I have the A'Diva 5.1 system and have been very happy.

Good luck!

Sources:
Anthony Gallo: www.roundsound.com
Online reseller: http://www.audiophileliquidator.net/index.php?manufacturers_id=25&gclid=CLK7oLCIpZcCFQ0xawodCWcmow&page=2&osCsid=136cb465f71fc72d67b45f70d608c9fb]]>Dec 3rd 2008 1:31PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/
http://www.svsound.com/
]]>Dec 3rd 2008 1:38PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/
http://www.cambridgesoundworks.com/store/category.cgi?category=spk_subwoofer]]>Dec 3rd 2008 1:48PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/
Got my father in law a STF2 and VTF3. The VTF3 rocks the pool room.]]>Dec 3rd 2008 2:09PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/it is $600, but #8 and #3 (in dual form) on the craigsub list.
http://www.tweakcityaudio.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11

probably too much sub for most small setups.]]>Dec 3rd 2008 2:08PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/
This thing is a monster and will shake you house to the rafters with the tightest and loudest bass!!!!!

http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/lfm1plus.html]]>Dec 3rd 2008 3:14PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-isd2.cfm#driver If you plan on only buying one sub woofer for a long time then you might as well make it a very good one that also has the ability to change along your changing needs. The sound is great and it makes a perfect end table so no ugly box to worry about hiding from the wife because she doesn't want to see it in your living room.]]>Dec 3rd 2008 4:10PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/Dec 3rd 2008 5:59PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/Dec 4th 2008 3:40AMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/
If they feel they need more bass down the road, they can upgrade the sub or add another one. I have done both, which both solutions have given me great results. I first upgraded my PDR-10 to a PS-1000 and then added a PS-1200 into the mix.]]>Dec 4th 2008 7:42AMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/03/ask-engadget-hd-whats-the-best-home-theater-subwoofer-under-5/Dec 8th 2008 8:26PM