Front- vs. Down-Firing Subs and Amp Issue


A couple of assertions in the audio world have me perplexed as to how to select a subwoofer for my two-channel system.

Richard Hardesty makes the blanket statement in his Audio Perfectionist Journal that down-firing subs should never be used for high-end two-channel audio. Only front-firing subs are suitable for this application. I see, however, that some of the most-recommended subs on a'gon (Hsu TN series, ACI and REL come to mind) are down-firing (or up-firing in the case of Hsu.) Maybe the answer is that audiophile subs can't be purchased at the price point most mortals can afford, and the lower-priced subs just happen to be down-firing? Oh, Hardesty also says ported subs are not suitable for high-end audio; must go with a sealed box. Interesting.

The second assertion comes from Mike Barnes at nOrh, who says on his website that the plate amps used in 90% of subs today is crap and puts out only a fraction of power that is claimed. The sound that was rattling his windows and creating "earth-shaking bass" was not bass at all- it was distortion. He also states that he began tests in subwoofer development using the popular Peerless 12" woofer, which was literally shredded by a (non-plate) 150-watt amp.

So now I'm confused. Is it possible to buy a high-quality sub for relatively little money? I can't bring myself to spend $3-5k on a pair of speakers only to turn around and spend nearly that much on a sub. Oh, and then I hear that if I want the best possible configuration I need two subs at twice the price, making my subs more expensive than my speakers. Is this just a fact of life that I'll have to come to grips with if I don't want to buy speakers that go down to 20hz?

Thoughts?
aggielaw
Back to the original point....it is personal preference. Money doesn't guarantee performance. Listen to as many subs as possible, in your own room if possible. My opinion is this: I have enjoyed my 2 channel more with a sealed REL and my movies and DVD concerts more with a vented VTF-3R Mark 2 Hsu sub. Good luck!
Aggielaw: And back to the original post, ...Where does R. Hardesty states the quote you wrote "that down-firing subs should never be used for high-end two channel audio..Only front firing subs are suitable for this application". I tried to find that quote in the apj free downloads and all i could find its that he really raves and uses in his system the Vandersteen 2wq,...i,m curious to hear more about. regards, Carlos