Is the sub I just bought good?

[Jaxidian]

Short story - I had a receiver and a couple nice Yamaha bookshelf speakers and that's it so I need to fill in the gaps and got my sub first (center channel is next, then rears). So I went to Fry's and went thru the sales people and the guy was saying Velodyne made the best subs that they had and that this was a great deal on this sub.

Velodyne VX-10 for $150

I went ahead and bought it planning on returning it didn't pass your guys' (and gals') opinions. Let me know what you think - I'm pretty noobish when it comes to what's good/bad in the speaker industry. I just know the big names are JBL, Sony, Yamaha, Bose, and perhaps some others that I'm not thinking of off the top of my head - had never heard of Velodyne before though.

Thanks!
-Jax

 

[Rio Rebel]

Yes, Velodyne makes good subs. From the names you mentioned in your post, Velodyne makes a better sub than any of them. Velodyne makes some subs much better than the one you bought - you didn't get an absolute steal - but you got a good deal and you'll like it. I think your sub probably retails at about $200.

For $150, you probably wouldn't do better. I think you'll enjoy this sub and it will serve you well. The only way I would suggest taking it back is if you wanted to go to the next level, which would probably be in the $250-300 range.

Enjoy!

 

[iRONic]

That's an OK sub but I'd return it and get this Dayton sub.

 

[Adul]

Originally posted by: Rio Rebel
Yes, Velodyne makes good subs. From the names you mentioned in your post, Velodyne makes a better sub than any of them. Velodyne makes some subs much better than the one you bought - you didn't get an absolute steal - but you got a good deal and you'll like it. I think your sub probably retails at about $200.

For $150, you probably wouldn't do better. I think you'll enjoy this sub and it will serve you well. The only way I would suggest taking it back is if you wanted to go to the next level, which would probably be in the $250-300 range.

Enjoy!

for 200 to 300 you could build your own sub and end up with much better sound. It gets easier to justify as the prices of sub you look at versus what you can buy and build yourself to at least match if not exceed the capabilities of the targeted sub for less.


and that Dayton linked above is pretty nice as well. i would even dare say a bit better than the velo.

 

[Rio Rebel]

I have heard the Dayton is very good for the price, and of course doing it yourself would give a better value (if you do it right!)

Generally speaking, though, buying that Velodyne for $150 is a pretty good deal. If you're used to listening to Bose or Sony, then you'll find this sub a step up.

I don't get the impression that you want to spend more. If you did, I'd recommend the H100 from Acoustech for about $250, or even better, there's an HSU sub for around $300. And there are people at AVSForum that would never be satisfied with any of these subs, and would tell you that you HAVE to have an SVS or something on that level.

 

[yhelothar]

Originally posted by: iRONic
That's an OK sub but I'd return it and get this Dayton sub.

Reasoning?
The Dayton may be a better bang for the buck at $120, but I doubt it beats the velodyne in accuracy.

I love my velodyne vx10. It blends in really well with my Swan M200. It's so tight and controlled, you barely even notice there's a sub.

 

[Tiamat]

The velo is a good sub, so is the dayton. I doubt it is worth the hassle to swap, as they are both fine for that budget. DIY probably wouldnt be that great of an option as you would have to buy the tools and clamps, and trial and error if you are a first timer. DIY would be the way if you intend to make more (so that the cost of tools balances out). Although, you can go though a cabinet maker for ~$400 more and get a really nice subwoofer out of 300$ additional parts and TLC.

 

[Jaxidian]

Okay, total noob question here but due to the visually obvious differences, I must ask about this:

My gf has a JBL surround sound setup (5.1) with almost all of the speakers being relatively tiny but the sub she has is absolutely hugemongous. It's probably about 2'x2'x2' and it seems like hers rattles my ass on the couch much more than this Velodyne does. I think she paid about $300 for the entire speaker setup (excluding receiver).

So the obvious question is why should I keep this Velodyne instead of considering something like her sub? I'm sure if I were looking at just the sub and not all of the other speakers then it's probably in the same price range as what I just spent for this sub.

Please enlighten the ignorant noob here.

-Jax

 

[yhelothar]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: Jaxidian
Okay, total noob question here but due to the visually obvious differences, I must ask about this:

My gf has a JBL surround sound setup (5.1) with almost all of the speakers being relatively tiny but the sub she has is absolutely hugemongous. It's probably about 2'x2'x2' and it seems like hers rattles my ass on the couch much more than this Velodyne does. I think she paid about $300 for the entire speaker setup (excluding receiver).

So the obvious question is why should I keep this Velodyne instead of considering something like her sub? I'm sure if I were looking at just the sub and not all of the other speakers then it's probably in the same price range as what I just spent for this sub.

Please enlighten the ignorant noob here.

-Jax</end quote></div>

To the surprise of most people, the actual bass recorded in most music is no where as high as people think it should be, therefore when people listen to higher quality audio equipment, they may find the bass lacking.

Basically, the JBL is probably tuned for most people's ears, which is exaggerated bass. The Velodyne has a more accurate and natural sound signature.

It's also possible that the velodyne is out of phase. Try switching the phase button on the back of the sub to see if that makes any difference.

 

[Shame]

I'm looking at the same thing the OP was, an inexpensive sub with decent sound. It would be used in long 30x15 room (two rooms with a half wall divider) and used mostly for DVDs. TV, and my Wii. Not much music though. Which would be a better sub the Velodyne VX-10 or the Dayton Sub-100?

 

[Rio Rebel]

Your room has a lot of space to fill. That divider doesn't make a difference when it comes to cubic feet of air. To get the same bass level, your sub will have to push much more air than something like a dorm room or bedroom.

12" subs not only extend lower, they can push more air more easily than 10" (or smaller). If you need to stay under $200, I believe Dayton makes a 12" version of their entry sub. If you can pay a little more, look at the H100 from Acoustech ($250 range). And there are better choices if your budget allows.


EDIT:
Here is a link to the Dayton 12"
Text

 

[Jaxidian]

Originally posted by: astroidea
To the surprise of most people, the actual bass recorded in most music is no where as high as people think it should be, therefore when people listen to higher quality audio equipment, they may find the bass lacking.

Basically, the JBL is probably tuned for most people's ears, which is exaggerated bass. The Velodyne has a more accurate and natural sound signature.

It's also possible that the velodyne is out of phase. Try switching the phase button on the back of the sub to see if that makes any difference.

I was watching Matrix, not listening to music. Also, I tryed the phase thing and I couldn't hear any difference. How can I really tell whether or not to adjust the phase? I understand from an electrical standpoint what it does and some of the theories that go along with it (noise cancelling, etc.) but I just can't perceive any difference when I hit that button.

-Jax

 

[imported_Imp]

I currently have a VX-10, got it for $170 CAN (tax included) last Christmas. In researching it, I found that it should be bi-wired (y-splitter to both sub inputs) to enhance output, while lowering the volume on the back to the 9 o'clock position, and it is great for ~3000 cubic feet and under rooms. Compared to my old crappy computer speaker subs (Logitech and 10 year old Altec Lansing), there is no boom. What you're hearing from the JBL at your gf's is most likely an inaccurate, boomy sub with a high crossover (>80 Hz). JBL and Precision Acoustics aren't known for having good subs. Not to mention 'home theater in a box' quality. I will admit that the output of the VX-10 is a bit low, but it blends very well with my bookshelves, and does add a lot to the sound (had no sub for 4 months).

This is a very good 'beginner' sub with reasonable output and good sound quality. It's usually sold as a loss leader, hence the $150 price tag from Velodyne. From what I've read, the Acoustech H100 is the best budget sub for ~$200-$250, but is ebay/mail order only. The Dayton's are hit and miss. Some people love it, think it's great for the price, others say it stinks. So I suggest you keep the VX-10 or go for the H100. Otherwise, if you can afford it, the best 'value' subs are the SVS and HSU ones that go for about $400+. Think you can nail an 8" HSU for $350 CAN. If you just prefer the boomy/house shaking bass of your friend's, then go get one. To each their own.

As for the phase switch, if you can't tell a difference, Velodyne suggets you leave it in the 0 position. I can't tell a difference with mine either.

 

[dandragonrage]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: Shame
I'm looking at the same thing the OP was, an inexpensive sub with decent sound. It would be used in long 30x15 room (two rooms with a half wall divider) and used mostly for DVDs. TV, and my Wii. Not much music though. Which would be a better sub the Velodyne VX-10 or the Dayton Sub-100?</end quote></div>

15" sub required IMO (or a high quality, high Xmax 12")

 

[Rio Rebel]

15" sub required IMO (or a high quality, high Xmax 12")

I agree, really. But I don't think he's looking to spend that kind of cash.

 

[Adul]

Originally posted by: Rio Rebel
I have heard the Dayton is very good for the price, and of course doing it yourself would give a better value (if you do it right!)

Generally speaking, though, buying that Velodyne for $150 is a pretty good deal. If you're used to listening to Bose or Sony, then you'll find this sub a step up.

I don't get the impression that you want to spend more. If you did, I'd recommend the H100 from Acoustech for about $250, or even better, there's an HSU sub for around $300. And there are people at AVSForum that would never be satisfied with any of these subs, and would tell you that you HAVE to have an SVS or something on that level.

depending on the forum you are on, they tell you to build your own

 

[Rio Rebel]

Originally posted by: Adul
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: Rio Rebel
I have heard the Dayton is very good for the price, and of course doing it yourself would give a better value (if you do it right!)

Generally speaking, though, buying that Velodyne for $150 is a pretty good deal. If you're used to listening to Bose or Sony, then you'll find this sub a step up.

I don't get the impression that you want to spend more. If you did, I'd recommend the H100 from Acoustech for about $250, or even better, there's an HSU sub for around $300. And there are people at AVSForum that would never be satisfied with any of these subs, and would tell you that you HAVE to have an SVS or something on that level.





</end quote></div>

depending on the forum you are on, they tell you to build your own

Yes, depending on the forum, any speakers under 20 grand aren't worth owning. But I live in the world with 99.9% of the rest of the population.

 

[Jaxidian]

Originally posted by: Rio Rebel
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>15" sub required IMO (or a high quality, high Xmax 12")</end quote></div>

I agree, really. But I don't think he's looking to spend that kind of cash.

Okay, with that being said, let's say my budget is flexible but I'm still cheap. Actually, let's put you in my shoes. You WANT to buy a sub for $150 but know it's unrealistic to get what you want for that much so you HAVE to pay more even though you really don't want to. What do you buy? Obviously the 10" Velo isn't it nor is the 10" Dayton. What do you buy that is the cheapest thing that will make you happy?

Thanks for the help! I appreciate it greatly!

-Jax

 

[Adul]

There is a lot of options fitting many price ranges. Also depends if you want to put in some elbow grease of your own(assuming you have the tools) or not.

HSU is a good place to start.

 

[Rio Rebel]

Originally posted by: Jaxidian
Okay, with that being said, let's say my budget is flexible but I'm still cheap. Actually, let's put you in my shoes. You WANT to buy a sub for $150 but know it's unrealistic to get what you want for that much so you HAVE to pay more even though you really don't want to. What do you buy? Obviously the 10" Velo isn't it nor is the 10" Dayton. What do you buy that is the cheapest thing that will make you happy?

Thanks for the help! I appreciate it greatly!

-Jax

Well, that describes myself pretty well. I bough the Acoustech H100 (found a steal on it on ebay for under $200), which is around $250. HOWEVER, that was before HSU put out a $300 sub.

Simply put, I'd buy this:
HSU for $299

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Sometimes you can get amazing deals used too.

Example of a very good price on a 5.1 system including a HSU VTF-2
http://cgi.videogon.com/cgi-bi...&1188221160&class&3&4&

 

[virtuamike]

Elemental Designs has been getting some great feedback from AVSForum on their subs, very good rep in the car audio realm. If you're up in the $300 range, they'd be worth a look.

Linky

 

[ncage]

Good is a relative term. What one things good another person will not. I could never be happy with a sub under $600. It depends on your listenening (HM/HomeTheater) and actually what type of material you listen to after that. It also depends on how low/loud you like the bass I am actually saving up for a SVS 12 plus: http://www.hometheaterhifi.com...fer-1-2006-part-1.html.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: ncage
Good is a relative term. What one things good another person will not. I could never be happy with a sub under $600. It depends on your listenening (HM/HomeTheater) and actually what type of material you listen to after that. It also depends on how low/loud you like the bass I am actually saving up for a SVS 12 plus: http://www.hometheaterhifi.com...fer-1-2006-part-1.html.

Have you looked into used SVS subs?

I got both my 20-39 PC+ and PC-Ultra used for $650/$750 respectively.

 

[Jaxidian]

Okay, so as you may have seen in another thread I grabbed the JBL Balboa Center for $80 at Fry's but I've been getting worried based on comments on how it probably won't be very well-matched to my Yamaha bookshelf speakers. So this is getting me to think about buying a pair of Balboa 30's. So, while I can still return this sub, how good will this sub go with such a setup? Will it be powerful enough for me to even hear/feel it over those Balboa 30's or is my sub too teeny?

Thanks!
-Jax