Need sub for less than $400

[burritoboy9984]

What does everyone recommend? Would like to stay under $300, but can push to $400 if it will be worth the jump :) Will be mainly for HT, not too much music... Fairly open room...

Thanks in advance!
-Erik

[zworykin]

For the price you're looking at, I don't think you can beat the A2-300 from Elemental Designs. $350 shipped and it'll go down to (or even below) 20hz with ease. When you're talking a big, open room, anything in the $300-400 range is going to have some trouble filling it, but I haven't seen anything that'll really do any more than the A2-300. I have an A3-250 (bigger amp, smaller driver and volume) and it's way more than I need in a big living room.

Now, it doesn't like they're in stock right now, so you might be looking at a bit of a wait. My sub was almost exactly 4 weeks from order date to delivery, but it's a model they don't make as many of and it was well over a year ago. Since then, they've expanded their facilities, bought a new CNC machine, a bigger paint booth, etc. etc. So I'd guess 2 weeks wait time at the outside.

Of course this assumes you're only looking at buying something new, and not interested in going the DIY route. You could probably get much more sub for the money if you go used--though you'll have to be patient and proactive to find the right deal. And DIY is a completely different ballgame, if you have the tools and the know-how to go that way. $400 can go a very long way if you're using it to buy wood, glue, nails, a driver (or 2) and an amp, rather than a completed sub. $500 can go even further :thumbsup:

[burritoboy9984]

I think the shape of the a3-250 might work a bit better... What are the ups and downs of the 2 in my application... Anyone else have any suggestions?

Thanks!
-Erik

[zworykin]

The A2 has a bit more output across the board--the bigger driver and box are just that important. The A3 makes up for most of the difference by running a more powerful amp, but it can't close the gap entirely. They really only made it as a solution for people with space constraints (mine was originally under my bed). Otherwise, very little difference between the two from what I've seen/read/heard.

[SteveSatch]

I'd save a bit more money even if it means no sub for six months to get what will make you happy in the long run. Many people here have been without a working sub for a long time and while it is no fun, the time does pass.

[SideburnWillie]

If u can't wait on Craig's Sasquatch I'd go with the Bic VK-12 for an unde $300 sub.

[burritoboy9984]

It isn't a matter of being able to wait a couple more months for a better sub... When I told the "better half" that I was going to spend $400 on a sub, she said "WHAT!?!" lol

The vk-12 I see is $600 new... is that the one? I found one on ebay new for $330, from acousticsounddesign... Thoughts...?

-Erik

[SteveSatch]

How much has the better half spent on all kinds of stuff to decorate the house or other stuff she's into? Life's too short to ask permission.

[SideburnWillie]

It isn't a matter of being able to wait a couple more months for a better sub... When I told the "better half" that I was going to spend $400 on a sub, she said "WHAT!?!" lol

The vk-12 I see is $600 new... is that the one? I found one on ebay new for $330, from acousticsounddesign... Thoughts...?

-Erik

Was going for well under $250 on some sites...haven't checked recently though.:scratchchin:

[calnbs]

It isn't a matter of being able to wait a couple more months for a better sub... When I told the "better half" that I was going to spend $400 on a sub, she said "WHAT!?!" lol

The vk-12 I see is $600 new... is that the one? I found one on ebay new for $330, from acousticsounddesign... Thoughts...?

-Erik

I believe Acousticsounddesign is an authorized dealer for BIC AMERICA.

[Jethro]

How much has the better half spent on all kinds of stuff to decorate the house or other stuff she's into? Life's too short to ask permission.

Ain't that the truth :rock:

[Tigerkn]

:yes: :woohoo: :toast: :clapper: :yes:

How much has the better half spent on all kinds of stuff to decorate the house or other stuff she's into? Life's too short to ask permission.

[lngbruno]

Burritoboy,

There are two Adire Rave subs for sale on Audiogon. The Rava is a very good sub and the price is right where you want to be.

Lou

[adamdivine]

You could always look for a used SVS Cylinder sub. They seem to come up in that price range quite often. Check Audio and Videogon and Ebay.