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Subwoofer for under $1000-new, used, or DIY

I listen to mostly rock and classical. The sub would be for music only- no HT. I have GMA Europas, a Redgum 120 wpc int. amp and Audio Note tube CD player. I like my system very much, but it could use a little more oomph. My room is small (15x12x10). I've never had a sub before.

I have read about Hsu, ACI, SVS, Sunfire, Rel, Def. Tech., Totem, Titanic, Vandersteen, Rava, lots of DIY models, and a lot of others I can't think of at the moment. Frankly, it's all become a blur.

I am not a "bass freak", but do appreciate the low end of the musical spectrum. I won't say size is no object (smaller would be better), but of course sound quality is more important.

If you've owned or even heard any of the above subs (or any other in the price range) I would really appreciate hearing from you. Any comments or advice from my fellow 'goners (hmm..that didn't sound quite right) would be great. Thanks to all in advance.
xrayz
bigtee
803 posts
 
The Vandersteen 2Wq. It is considered one of the best for music and usually sells for around $750 used. It is not a ported design.
It's one of the best designed subs out there. It certainly isn't a rumble box, uses a a first order passive crossover between your preamp and amp. It is connected by speaker level from the amp.
I'm pretty sure the GMA are first order designs so this sub would fit right in.
nutella
223 posts
 
These are supposed to better all but the most expensive subs.
Good Bass
bufus
149 posts
 
I recently had a Definitive Technology SuperCube I in my room for a couple of months. I was using it with my Thiel CS2.3s. It really made the system sound alot better. It has a 10" woofer with two 10" passives and 1500 Watts for $999 (retail $1199). It was about right for my room which is 20' x 14'. You might be able to get by with the SuperCube II which has an 8" woofer with two 8" passives and 1250 Watts. I'm not sure what the price would be. Retail is $899. The only other subwoofer I've tried in my room was a 10" JBL from BestBuy which cost $399. It sounded like crap compared to the quality of my other equipment. The SuberCube really sounded good. Good luck on your search.
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
For musical bass, Vandersteen 2wq is the only sub you can get for under $1000 (used) that is what you have described. It is not a "Rumble Box" as mentioned above, but perfectly compliments speakers such as mini monitors, true ribbons, or electrostats.

Good luck
magnolia15
1 posts
 
I'm wonder with A/D/S. I had a Sunfire signature for a couple months and trade Rel Strata III with my friend. Sunfire is good for movie but for music it has much distortion. Rel Strata is not good either, in my opinion. I have run around for many subs but not stay with me long. Finally, I have a friend who has many friends that are A/D/s fan and he invited me come over to his house for listening, I was suprising and really like it. I was looking for ADS sub, that took me four months to get it. Very hard to find. I really love this one, when it run about 20 Hz you still feel the bass and bass is very clean, many other subs can't do this job. If you are lucky to get one,you will not be disappointed. Take time go out to listen or find it. -:)
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