Musical subwoofer under $2000

@fred60 ,

"I think you are right not to spend too much, as Class D amps (I think all subs use Class D) can’t be repaired once they fail. I spent about $2,500 on a Paradigm sub for my home theatre setup and it failed after about a decade of use. It’s why I’d never buy active speakers. Who wants to buy a pair of speakers that will only last a decade? JMHO."

I sent my JL F113 amp into JL to get fixed. It's a flat $450 charge and they put a bunch of new caps in from the V.2 line, replace anything broken and replace anything that is known to be problematic or doesn't measure out. I didn't think that was too bad a deal. If you send the entire sub in they will even replace or re cone the woofer if there is any degradation. Super responsive emails and really great to work with company IMO. I could not believe when I looked up the F113 current line and they are 6k! At that price I'd say they are probably overpriced! I think I paid like $3,500 12ish years ago. Guess my point is that class D can be repaired like any other amp. 

@mofojo That's great to hear.  Happy to hear that as an owner of two JL Audio subs.  Paradigm was not at all like that.  They quoted me $1,700 to "fix" my dead sub that cost $2,500.  I'd of course rather spend the $1,700 on a new sub.

My point was that unless the manufacturer is willing to repair the sub for a reasonable price, taking it to a certified audio repair facility-- they will tell you that they can't repair it.  

JL Audio is a good exception to that.  Good to know, thanks.

Just got my Absolute Sound issue (Jan. 2024).  They highlight products of the year.  You might look into the Golden Ear ForceField 30.  It got a Product of the Year from The Absolute Sound.  I have no expericene with the sub, just passing along info.  It's $900, with a 1000W switching amp, a 8-inch long throw driver with a downward firing passive radiator.

@soix I think your suggestion to go for one of  the F12G instead is right as I am still conflicted about going so large and I thought @noodlyarm comments of using F12G’s we’re interesting about room size and his Totem speakers. 

Thanks for the topic sparksgja

Following my own advice (see topic "Happy Holidays and Your Favorite Tips?) ... I consulted with a long time subwoofer builder who has great passion around the topic, also others having formidable experience.  I was guided to a Rythmic Direct Servo sealed L12 for my purist 2 channel small studio.  Still selling at a delivered price of $629, it integrates seamlessly with my super quick monitors, digs into the low 20's and abounds in musicality.  I found one well-placed sub superior to having two, in my system.  Money saved can be applied to bass traps.  Bonne chance. 

More Peace and Joy       Pin                 (bold print for old eyes)