BIC F12 vs H-100 vs others?

[nitromullet]

I've decided that I finally want to add a sub to my current system:

Receiver: Harmon Kardon AVR-235
Fronts: BIC America DV-62CLRS
Rears: BIC America DV62si Bookshelf Speakers
Center: currently the HDTV itself, but looking to replace with either BIC America DV-52CLRB or get a third DV-62CLRS, depending on what will fit in my TV stand.

I should mention that I've been really happy with the BIC speakers so far.

I've done some research, and these are the options that I'm looking at for the sub:

Bic America Formula F-12 ~$175
BIC (Acoustech) H-100 ~$240
Premier Acoustic PA-120 ~$230
Elemental Design A2 300 $350
Hsu STF-1 ~$260

Three questions:

• I'm pretty sure that the A2 300 is going to be the best, is it worth the extra $$$?
• I've heard that the F12 is the replacement for the H-100, but it seems to be cheaper. Anyone have any experience with both?
• My ideal price range about $200-250 ($350 is probably max), does anyone have any other suggestions in that range that would compliment my system? ...I'm kicking myself for not getting the Rocket X-Sub before they discontinued it.

Thanks for the help.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Have you tried running a phantom center rather than using your HDTV? I think the typical DVD has 70% of the sound coming out the center channel track, so playing it through your worst speakers is a bad move. Get a center channel or just set up the receiver to not have a center channel output.

How do you have it set up not to use the HDTV as the center channel by the way?

How big is the room this system is in? LxWxH, openings to other rooms?

In general, a more capable sub is a good thing since it's a good idea to have headroom.

 

[vi edit]

If it were my money, it'd be the eD A2-300. There's no replacement for displacement...both in cone and box size. Only real downside to the eD box is that it's not the most attractive thing you could buy. But it should handlidly outperform the others by a large margin. Plus you are supporting a good group of guys that build with pride in the good old state of Iowa.

 

[nitromullet]

Have you tried running a phantom center rather than using your HDTV? I think the typical DVD has 70% of the sound coming out the center channel track, so playing it through your worst speakers is a bad move. Get a center channel or just set up the receiver to not have a center channel output.

How do you have it set up not to use the HDTV as the center channel by the way?

I had not been using the TV as a center up until a few days ago. I've been running just a 2-channel setup with the DV-62CLRS's. Then I got CoD:MW2 and decided I'd break out the rears so I could hear where enemies were coming from. The TV is actually designed to be used as a center, although it sounds tinny compared to the DV-62CLRS's.

I'll either have to omit the center channel or pick up a DV-52CLRB, as I will not be able to get a DV-62CLRS into my TV stand. Since I don't currently have a center, I'll have to try that route first.

How big is the room this system is in? LxWxH, openings to other rooms?

17x11x8.5

It's laid out like this:

<-----------------17'-------|open|>
| F/L HDTV F/R
|
|
11'
|
|
| R/L [ couch ] R/R
<----------------------------|door|>

...the sub would probably have to go to the left of the couch or TV, whichever fits/sounds the best.

In general, a more capable sub is a good thing since it's a good idea to have headroom.

If it were my money, it'd be the eD A2-300. There's no replacement for displacement...both in cone and box size. Only real downside to the eD box is that it's not the most attractive thing you could buy. But it should handlidly outperform the others by a large margin. Plus you are supporting a good group of guys that build with pride in the good old state of Iowa.

I have no doubt the A2-300 will outperform my other options. This may sound silly, but would it be too much?

Thanks for the responses.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

You get to set the gain on the sub and trim level on the receiver to match the level of your speakers. Then you control overall system volume with the receiver's volume control. A sub will never be "too much" if you set it up properly. You can certainly have not enough though, so it's best to try to avoid that if your budget permits.

In addition to more output, higher quality subs will also have better low frequency extension. You'll be hearing more very low bass with a quality sub.

 

[wiretap]

I have the BIC H-100 sub. It's very powerful. In my theater in my basement, it really kicks hard. When I mean kicks hard, you can feel it in your chest. I have a cement floor, and if I put a glass of water on the table at the back of the room (about 25 feet away), it will ripple the water like in Jurassic Park when the T-rex is walking, lol. The BIC is a really good deal for the money, and you won't be disappointed.