So, it looks like I'm going to need a new subwoofer and receiver

[slpaulson]

It would seem that my Klipsch Promedia 5.1 subwoofer is on the way out, and I was looking for some recommendations on a subwoofer and a receiver.

I already upgraded my satellite speakers to Klipsch RSX-4 and RCX-4 speakers, like the ones in this set, so I will be keeping those.

Part of my concern is that I don't want to get a subwoofer that is total overkill considering the speakers I already have, but I obviously don't want to get something worse than what I have. Some of the subs I have been looking at include subs from svs, Dayton, and Velodyne.

As far as receivers go, I'm pretty much clueless. I will only be using this for my computer, so I shouldn't need anything with a million inputs, but obviously I still want something nice.

Anyways, if somebody could give some recommendations about some subwoofers or receivers that would be good choices, I would really appreciate it. As far as price range goes, I am pretty open, and I would just like something that would make sense given the speakers I will be using.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

I don't think you have to worry about "overkill" for your speakers. What you have are pretty nice and your subwoofer choice should be heavily influenced by the size of the room you're going to have it in.

What kind of cubic footage are you talking? Openings to other rooms? Going to be playing really loudly? Lots of action movies / games?

I've owned both the Dayton 10" (the older version) and the PB10-ISD from SVS. The Dayton was great bang for the buck, but I could really easily tell where the extra money went when I moved up to the PB10.

How do you feel about projects? DIY / Kit an option?

You should probably check this out for info on how you're going to connect to your receiver. What kind of soundcard do you have?http://forums.anandtech.com/me...=1940133&enterthread=y

 

[slpaulson]

I currently have my computer in a pretty small room, and I can't play stuff very loud because I live in a duplex, but I won't be living here for more than two years, so I don't want to get something too small. I mostly listen to music, and occasionally play games or movies.

Unless the savings is huge, I'd rather avoid a DIY kit.

I will be using a XFi soundcard's analog outputs as my connection, but I think I would like something that can also take a digital connection in case that ever changes.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Any surround sound receiver you buy now will have several digital connections so no need to worry about that.

You should check out the Creative forum to see what the latest news is on connectivity issues between receivers and the card.

You may just want to get a card that can encode DD / DTS and not have to worry about any funny business with the analog connections.

Maybe just get the dayton sub for now and wait until you have more freedom to upgrade later? I'm above Lucky's Bar & Grille so I can crank up the dual SVS setup and not feel too guilty about it.

The PB10 certainly has significantly more output and better low frequency extension, but it's even fairly large itself so it might take up more room than you want it to. I really appreciated the amazing level of performance I was able to get from it in a dormroom though.

 

[slpaulson]

The size of the subwoofer isn't really a problem, within reason .

I was considering getting a new sound card, but I think I'll probably get a receiver first, and get a new sound card if I have issues.

Right now I'm leaning towards getting a PB10 and I'll probably see what I can find for a receiver off of ebay.

 

[montypythizzle]

I believe Creative has a SPDIF item you can buy for their sound cards.