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Affordable subwoofer for music cont'd

So a while back I posted a thread asking for opinions for a sub that would go well with audio as opposed to home theater. I laid out my system, NAD w/ MA Silver 3i speakers, and that I've spend well under $1000 on it all so far. Many people suggested that the only suitable sub for music would be a $1500+ sub; well out of my price range.
So, I did some thinking, and realized that if I either limited the cone mass/size, or had a sealed enclosure, I would have a tighter sounding, more musical subwoofer.

In light of these simple observations, I've been looking at some used subs on here and ebaY. So far I've found the following, all within my price range.

My question is this: assuming the same price on all of these, which one would you choose?
Paradigm PDR-8
Defintive Technology ProSub 80
M&K K9

I am asking for this advice because I have no way of auditioning any of these subs. The Paradigm seems like a decent affordable sub that is a compromise between the DefTech and the M&K. The DefTech has really low bass response (21Hz) and a decent amount of power, but I'm not sure how musical it is. The M&K only is rated down to 35Hz (I think) and has only 75W, but is probably really musical. Any comments are appreciated!
erikkellison
jburidan
803 posts
 
But the Infinity Intermezzo 1.2s that's listed on Audiogon. It's superb and reasonably priced.
Jay
jh2os
244 posts
 
The Aperion Audio S-8APR is a very musical sub and amazing at it's price point. It is a sealed passive radiator design. A great option when budget is the primary driver.
uhurit
61 posts
 
Erikkelison,
And again, all of the above are home-theater junk that will compromise the quality of bass. Watch the A'gon - sometimes there are some remarkable deals to be had(Rel etc.), as long as you don't mind them to be a few years old... Better yet, save the money or borrow it and by one new/gently used in the $1k range.
erikkellison OP
20 posts
 
Oh stupid webpage, this forum doesn't cache your pending response so when you click on a link, then go back, what you've typed isn't saved. Crap. No offense, but this is the first forum I've encountered in a while that doesn't have this feature. :(

Anyway, to answer a few questions.
Bottom line, my budget is roughly $200 for a sub. I spent $200 on my CD player, $200 on my receiver, and about $200 on my speakers. I spent $35 on cables. I would love to have a larger budget that would get me into NAD Silver stuff and some Paradigm Reference Studio 80's, but it's just not in the cards. I don't have a "real" job yet. So, recommendations above $300 don't mean much to me as I simply cannot afford them.
That being said, the Infinity is out of my price range, though I'll check out the Pinnacle, NHT and Aperion Audio.
For what it's worth, the K-9 is a sealed sub, the only sealed sub of the three I listed. That's why it doesn't play as low, or have/require as much power, but also why I speculate that it will be able to keep up better with the music.
If anyone has any opinions comparing these subs that I listed, I would really appreciate it as they are the only subs I have to choose from right now. And hey, if I don't like one, I can always sell it and buy another one at a small loss (the beauty of buying decent stuff).
entrope
482 posts
 
Don't let the "audio snobbery" cause you to spend more than you comfortably can - it doesn't have to cost megabucks to be good.

All the other responses read your original post and considered your budget in their recommendation. If it sounds good to you and suits your ears then low price makes it that much sweeter.
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