Looking for budget subwoofer
Discussion
I recently got a PS3 which I use for Blu-ray, and want to hook it up to an AV amp. I have a set of 5.1 speakers from my old all in one DVD/surround sound combo, which I want to re-use if possible. I'm told the sub won't work as it's passive, and all AV amps require an active sub.
So....I guess i'm looking for a standalone sub now to pair up with the satellite speakers and new AV amp. I wasn't expecting to have to shell out for a sub too, so would like to keep the cost down. Am looking at spending £250 on the amp, so you can see, budget is key.
Any recommendations for a sub? Am I at risk of having a poorly matched bodged system if i just replace the sub?
So....I guess i'm looking for a standalone sub now to pair up with the satellite speakers and new AV amp. I wasn't expecting to have to shell out for a sub too, so would like to keep the cost down. Am looking at spending £250 on the amp, so you can see, budget is key.
Any recommendations for a sub? Am I at risk of having a poorly matched bodged system if i just replace the sub?
Unfortunately I was outbid on that Paradigm, but still have my eyes open for one.
A question about my other speakers...I have small cube Sonys that came as part of a set. I also have a decent pair of B&Ws that I use for music. Is it possible to mix and match so that I can use the B&Ws as part of the 5.1 set up, using the Sonys for the centre and rear speakers or will that sound sh*te?
A question about my other speakers...I have small cube Sonys that came as part of a set. I also have a decent pair of B&Ws that I use for music. Is it possible to mix and match so that I can use the B&Ws as part of the 5.1 set up, using the Sonys for the centre and rear speakers or will that sound sh*te?
I guess the B&Ws will sound better with the sub - there'll be more low-mid range from them that will blend better with the bass from the sub.
The centre cube might sound rubbish. Depends a lot on the film and how it is mixed - if the dialogue moves across the front speakers it might sound a bit odd. Other films seem to put lots of music through the centre speaker which could also sound rubbish.
Best thing to do is try it. If it sounds rubbish you can probably set the amp to no centre speaker, so the centre channel is mixed into the left and right speakers. Then save up for a centre that better matches your B&Ws.
The centre cube might sound rubbish. Depends a lot on the film and how it is mixed - if the dialogue moves across the front speakers it might sound a bit odd. Other films seem to put lots of music through the centre speaker which could also sound rubbish.
Best thing to do is try it. If it sounds rubbish you can probably set the amp to no centre speaker, so the centre channel is mixed into the left and right speakers. Then save up for a centre that better matches your B&Ws.
mr_fibuli said:
I guess the B&Ws will sound better with the sub - there'll be more low-mid range from them that will blend better with the bass from the sub.
The centre cube might sound rubbish. Depends a lot on the film and how it is mixed - if the dialogue moves across the front speakers it might sound a bit odd. Other films seem to put lots of music through the centre speaker which could also sound rubbish.
Best thing to do is try it. If it sounds rubbish you can probably set the amp to no centre speaker, so the centre channel is mixed into the left and right speakers. Then save up for a centre that better matches your B&Ws.
And leave the rears as they are? I guess they're the least important?The centre cube might sound rubbish. Depends a lot on the film and how it is mixed - if the dialogue moves across the front speakers it might sound a bit odd. Other films seem to put lots of music through the centre speaker which could also sound rubbish.
Best thing to do is try it. If it sounds rubbish you can probably set the amp to no centre speaker, so the centre channel is mixed into the left and right speakers. Then save up for a centre that better matches your B&Ws.
I think the BK Gemini II has some happy owners, however be carefull that your satellite speakers have their own crossovers. If they are small and plug directly into your subwoofer you may find the crossovers are inside the sub enclosure. meaning if you plug your speakers directly into full range speaker outputs on an amp the bass will blow them up 
Most AV amps have crossover settings to limit the bass frequencies sent to the main speakers, but depending on your speakers, if there is no crossover they might still blow. Keep the system at a low volume to start with and make sure you turn it down at any hint of audioable distortion.
Most AV amps have crossover settings to limit the bass frequencies sent to the main speakers, but depending on your speakers, if there is no crossover they might still blow. Keep the system at a low volume to start with and make sure you turn it down at any hint of audioable distortion.
Edited by Mr_Yogi on Tuesday 18th May 17:25
Yeah, having different rears will be less of a problem I think. The main thing would be to try and balance the volume levels front to rear so they are at a similar level form the listening position.
I'd guess the KEF would be better, but I can only tell you about the Paradigm...
Firstly it is HUGE. Something to do with the way the enclosure is designed. It just has 3 rear firing ports, the (10 inch) cone is not exposed.
Amplifier power varies depending what revision number you have. Mine is Rev 3, about 180w I think. This is stupidly loud and I only have it set to quarter volume, so it is fairly unstressed.
I found placement to be very tricky - it can't be anywhere near a corner and the rear firing ports need to be a good distance away from a wall too, otherwise it is very boomy. I found the best place for it was behind my sofa away from any walls. The bass is much more precise for music, and you get a bit more of a kick in the back during movies too.
I'd guess the KEF would be better, but I can only tell you about the Paradigm...
Firstly it is HUGE. Something to do with the way the enclosure is designed. It just has 3 rear firing ports, the (10 inch) cone is not exposed.
Amplifier power varies depending what revision number you have. Mine is Rev 3, about 180w I think. This is stupidly loud and I only have it set to quarter volume, so it is fairly unstressed.
I found placement to be very tricky - it can't be anywhere near a corner and the rear firing ports need to be a good distance away from a wall too, otherwise it is very boomy. I found the best place for it was behind my sofa away from any walls. The bass is much more precise for music, and you get a bit more of a kick in the back during movies too.
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