Best powered subwoofer under $400, for stereo (not movies)

[Cujet]

I am a fan of tight sound of sealed subs. I simply don't like the sound of ported subs.

I purchased the Sunfire 12 inch sealed sub. HRS-12 if I remember correctly. Nice tight sound, 18HZ -3db roll off.

 

[Gillsy]

The one Marty uses.
View attachment 262768

Jigawatts! Loved that part of the movie.

 

[Gillsy]

I am a fan of tight sound of sealed subs. I simply don't like the sound of ported subs.

I purchased the Sunfire 12 inch sealed sub. HRS-12 if I remember correctly. Nice tight sound, 18HZ -3db roll off.

+1 sealed subs are fast, and tight

 

[Kalle.J]

I am a fan of tight sound of sealed subs. I simply don't like the sound of ported subs.

I purchased the Sunfire 12 inch sealed sub. HRS-12 if I remember correctly. Nice tight sound, 18HZ -3db roll off.

Can agree on that, I run dual 8" sealed subs (blocked ports).
Find that I have to adjust the phase dial if I unblock the ports, which is kind of weird.

 

[nickaluch]

I have a Martin Logan Dynamo 800x in my living room great with music it's a sealed sub. I think it's discontinued now but probably still a few new around at a discount

 

[goingplacesanddoingstuff]

I really miss having a nice sound system for my TV! I always had a good subwoofer and quality speakers and it really made watching movies a lot more enjoyable. But now that I’m in an apartment I just can’t do that anymore. I used to love PSB speakers, they are a Canadian company that makes high quality stuff at a decent price. I have tried their headphones too and they were amazing.

Try out the Audioengine S6. It fills in the upper bass range without being boomy. I have it as part of a high/low dual sub setup.

 

[sparky123]

Cambridge Audio Minx X201. Compact and sounds very musical. I'm using this sub in my reference system. Also, KEF Kube 8 MIE for the newest Kef model. (Using a Kef 10b in another system.) I prefer the Minx . $400 Crutchfield's on sale.

 

[Pablo]

Cambridge Audio Minx X201. Compact and sounds very musical. I'm using this sub in my reference system. Also, KEF Kube 8 MIE for the newest Kef model. (Using a Kef 10b in another system.) I prefer the Minx . $400 Crutchfield's on sale.

If I return the RSL I will try this. Thanks!

 

[Kalle.J]

If I return the RSL I will try this. Thanks!

Doubt you will need too. Unless your room is to small for the RSL (boomy).
Get another one to smooth out the response in the room is my tip.
Subs are all about placement and room acoustics.

 

[DriveHard]

I doubt you could beat this one $/performance. THX certified.

https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=41289

Of course, I would up my budget to get this one instead.
https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=42843

 

[CarlB]

Recommend a sub, under $400, that has good tonal quality not shake the house movie stuff. Thanks!

Depends on your stereo speakers. Can you share what is being used and size of room?

 

[Pablo]

Depends on your stereo speakers. Can you share what is being used and size of room?

Already ordered, see above

Klipsch medium reference, room is 24x40 give or take

 

[Quattro Pete]

That's a huge room - needs lots of subwoofage.

 

[Pablo]

That's a huge room - needs lots of subwoofage.

No high volume here.

 

[CarlB]

That's a huge room - needs lots of subwoofage.

Yep, even at lower decibels.

 

[DriveHard]

Yep, even at lower decibels.

You can NEVER have too much subwoofer. Like saying too much power...you don't have to use it all, but it is there when you need it.
That's why I have dual 18" with 3kW each

 

[Cropduster172]

Already ordered, see above

Klipsch medium reference, room is 24x40 give or take

Good choice. I'm on my second Klipsch sub in 25 years. First one got damaged by the movers when we moved into this house 5 years ago. Replaced it with that 12" Klipsch in previous post.

 

[Pablo]

Good choice. Those RSL subs are highly regarded.

The 10S has a bit more output and extension compared to the 10E, but for casual music listening, I think either one will be fine.

Delivered. It’s quite the monster. Still need to assemble everything

 

[Pablo]

RSL Speedwoofer.

https://rslspeakers.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoolRsNlLhTUTiGCFplRBPlK9TsnqmTes8v_FC1tCXOXpsJ8PqCF

That thing IS great. Nicely pairs with my relatively smaller speakers. Only listened to a couple old records so far and I am amazed. Great pairing.

 

[4WD]

Ordered. Looks like a WELL RUN COMPANY. Excellent guaranty, I mean on a speaker? Unusual!

They know boomers don’t really boom