Subs: sealed vs. ported

My current mains are Infinity Kappa 7's, circa 1988, which I still like, most days, but they need to be upgraded. Someone here opined that they are 3db down at around 37Hz and that seems about right. I have liked some B&W's, but the PSB Synchrony are what is highest on my radar now. (Subject to change without notice). WAF is less of a concern than for some, she's very indulgent.

I am building as I go, and the mains will stay for a while longer. I have read a lot, since getting time at a dealer with good stuff is kinda tough. The Hsu, SVS, and others get lots of good press, and I'm not opposed to going internet-direct, since they offer trials, and whatever I hear in a store is not likely to bear much resemblance to what I hear at home.

Yes, the most common use will be movies, so dramatic effect is important, but 2 channel is when I'm going to care most about sound quality and integration with the mains and the room. Music is all over the map, from Pink Floyd to Enya, Diana Krall to Dire Straits. My initial thoughts were that the sub would be movies-only, but then reality came home, and to have mains that wouldn't need a sub would cause divorce for cost and WAF reasons.

Sounds like a sealed sub is my best bet - give a little on the explosions, but have better music. I have read good reports on REL as well, but not really looked into them much yet. Not sure I could 'sell' the idea of two subs, but again, that seems to be the preferred option for music. How does that math work? 2 10" = 1 13", for example? All other things being equal?

Thanks again!! I probably have too many questions, but I am not the kind to buy 'something' just to have 'something', I want to get what I will be happy with first time. If that means waiting to save up the $2K, instead of getting the $500 one, then I'd rather do that.

I've found a used ULS15 that I'm considering. I've looked into the SB13 as well. I'm leaning towards sealed - it seems when I'll care most about sound quality, sealed will be better, even if there's a trade off during movies. Hopefully, since I'm not used to having a sub I won't miss anything.

On the ULS15, Yakbob, do you use the wireless hook up, or is that just a gimmick that costs sound quality. It's not a big factor for me, but I was thinking it could at least help as I go through the placement ordeal. Find the right spot, then hardwire the sub?

I'll check out the REL's as well, since they seem to have a lot of fans. Thanks again..

Yeah, I'm not doubting the grin-factor with the SVS PB13 Ultra, or the SB13 Ultra, or really any of the 'real' subs out there, especially since I have no reference. And I'm guessing that placement/integration will make as much or more of a difference than the variances between brands?

I'm not a cheapskate, but I like deals as well. So right at that point when the money's burned almost through my pocket, whichever one I can get 'the deal' on will likely find it's way to my room...leaning towards sealed, liking the SVS, can't shake the ULS15, even though I have seen some disparaging comments on HSU, I can't ignore the reviews either...(There are those who would call a Krell amp 'crap'...;)) Not having much luck finding REL, although eBay has one in Florida for $700, an R505? Any comments on that?

Yakbob - Any input on an REL Stadium III for $1700? One just popped up within 15 miles....A little higher than I wanted to go, but for a one time purchase...?

Thanks again! I'm afraid my head is starting to spin, and if pea soup starts coming out, my wife won't be happy! I'm doing it to myself though. :)

There's a used ULS15 for $700.00, the SVS I haven't found used, so $1600. For that difference, the ULS15 would be the way to go. If I really didn't like it, I could get back most of what I pay.

Then comes the joys of set up. I'm not wild about trusting wireless, but maybe just use it while I'm searching for the right placement, then hardwire it?

Thanks again all!

I believe so, in fact they recommend speaker level in and LFE. I'm planning on looking at it tomorrow, and IF the guy will deal, we'll see. Thanks for the Vandy recommendation. I have a dealer somewhat close, although he suggested dual PSB's or one JL Fathom, but that's not happening!

Yeah, I let it go...I got a ULS 15 coming for $700. I figure it may be a tad high for used, but if I really don't like I can get most of it back resale. SVS would have been first choice, but for half the money I figured I'd try this. Now the interminal wait for the brown truck. Thanks for all the input. It seems any of the 'main' manufacturers have their die-hard fans, and pros-cons, but ultimately the sonic differences are likely to be negligible in my system at my level of experience. Having nothing now, anything will be a huge improvement. Plus the all-important factor of SWMBO preferring the Rosenut finish to the black.

Next up: center channel, mains and real amplification....

Not-so-patiently waiting for it...

Since my system is pulling double duty, 2 channel music and HT, are there any tricks/tips for hookup? Again, Yamaha RXA3010 AVR with sub-out. I'm hoping the sub's bass will relieve some of the load on my 2-channel amp powering the inefficient mains and squeeze a little better performance in 2-channel. When I select '2-Channel Stereo' on the AVR, does that drop the sub and make it literally 2-channel (as it is now), or can it be a sub-sat setup?

Ample??? Um...yeah, you could say that!! I have it basically setup - it's in the best spot in the room, just need to dial it in. But there's no lack of output!

Definitely helping the mains. I have an old demo disc I know well, and hearing details I haven't heard out of these speakers before. Not as good as the 805D's I listened to, or PM1's for that matter, but they were in a sound-conditioned room. I know what can be heard, let's just say that, and I know what I've been used to on this system, and there's a definite improvement. These main speakers aren't the best with imaging - they do well with vocals, not so great if lots of instruments get going - but they are having an easier time of it now.

I ran the AVR's room measurement program. Initially when the mains were still set on 'large', I had no sub on 2 channel, but changing them to 'small' brough the sub into play. There are room problems, watching a movie last night I was getting spurious vibrations from the front wall and fireplace area, and something on the side wall was vibrating too, so I have to tracking down and tuning to do.