Should I get a new sub?

[50]

Here's my setup

Onkyo 607, monitor series II CS1, monitor series II 60 (x2), monitor series II 30 (x4). The sub I'm using is from my Z-5500 logitech computer speakers. I've read online people saying this sub is no good and true HT subs will run circles around it. What do you guys think? Would it be worth it to upgrade to a 100-$150 sub? I live in an apartment building so I can't really crank it up too much.

 

[SithSolo1]

http://www.amazon.com/BIC-V1020-Down...4375671&sr=8-4

Is probably about the best you can do in that price range. Will it run circles around your current sub? I have no idea. I should be at least slightly better as it goes lower and its probably better made. However when talking about dedicated HT subs most budgets start around $300 and shoot way up from there. If you can, keep using what you have now and save for something nicer later.

 

[Tiamat]

another choice would be to maximize what you already have by carefully playing around with where the subwoofer is located. If you place a subwoofer in a non-optimal location, it doesn't really matter how expensive the subwoofer is, it will still cause audible problems. Place the subwoofer on your main chair, play some bassy music, and crawl around the floor of your room. Find the place where the bass doesn't sound overly bloated or overly thin and place the subwoofer at that location. This is a rule of thumb for standard shoe-box dimension rooms. Other shaped rooms, this trick may not work due to the difference in the distribution of high pressure and low pressure regions within the space.

Once you find a good spot for the subwoofer, that spot will be optimal for most every other subwoofer you might buy in the future for that room.

 

[velillen]

What do YOU find wrong with the sub? Just not enough SPL for you? Any sub (like the bic) might be to loud for neighbors. Just sound muddy? Try Tiamat's suggestion. If its muddy everywhere then a new sub could help. The onkyo 607 doesnt do sub eq so maybe try playing with the options a bit in there to see if you like it better (distance away, level, ect).

I never recommend getting something just cause someone says what you have is "bad". if you are happy with its output and sound then why bother upgrading? If its not sounding the best then something simple like Tiamat's suggestion can save ya money. If its lacking output then well a new sub is a good option!

And like Sith mentions at your price point its pretty slim. most subs are going to be around the same. The bic does go nice and low which is nice (26HZ) where as most are a bit higher (more like 35hz). I know when i was looking at subs (before being silly and building my own, way more expensive one) the Bic F-12 was pretty much the "budget" sub everyone seemed to recommend. it is a bit more at ~220 shipped (part-express)

 

[alcoholbob]

If you can't crank it much because you are in an apartment then why are you looking to upgrade your subs? Upgrade your speakers.