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Subwoofer Upgrade

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I am looking for suggestions for a subwoofer upgrade. My room is approx. 20' x 24'. I am using an Onkyo TX-SR701 receiver that is a couple of years old, but which does the job. It has a dedicated subwoofer output and internally adjustable frequency cutoffs. My speakers are older Cambridge Soundworks speakers, and the current sub is a Cambridge Soundworks Powered Sub II. The reason for upgrade is that it seems that on DVD movie soundtracks, the sub is oftentimes overdriven to the point where the speaker cone rattles or bottoms out. It is almost as if the sub is getting way too much signal.

Now, I know I am not running the sub too "hot". In fact, its volume control is usually set at "1" or "2", out of a possible "10". The internal level on the receiver is also not set too high. I have all speakers set to produce a 75 dB SPL with the receiver test tone, using the Radio Shack meter. I have checked and rechecked all settings, and they appear to be proper.

I would note that on TV programming (DirecTV high def) the sub works appropriately. The issue in just on DVD movie soundtracks.

Suggestions?

Follow Ups:

Btw, I have a B+W sub for sale - late 16:32:59 01/28/08 (0)
Email if you want to talk about it. It's going cheap because it is the old style that doesn't have a built in amp. It's large and the sound is clean.
I would look for a used or clearance - G Squared 06:07:29 01/25/08 (0)
M&K sub. I have a larger open room and use a MK75 VII to great effect. M&K recently went under and you can some great deals on great subs and speakers.
Hsu subs - late 18:17:18 01/22/08 (0)
here ya go
- http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-2-mk3.html (Open in New Window)
RE: Subwoofer Upgrade - fmw 11:27:11 01/22/08 (1)
The purpose of movie LFE is to shake the room. It sounds like your sub wants to shake itself rather than the room. Perhaps it just doesn't move enough air to get the job done. I would look for a good quality powered sub with a 12" woofer at a minimum. I've looked at the numbers for the SVS subs and they are pretty encouraging for the money. I hear a lot of good things about the Hsu subs as well.
- RE: Subwoofer Upgrade - jimbill 20:47:10 01/22/08 (0)
  I'm happy with my SVS sub. Good with music and, with the port plugs, good with DVD's.
A pair of JL Audio Gothams should do the trick.... - oscar 11:17:21 01/22/08 (0)
I picked up a lowly JL Audio F113 with it's own auto-calibration system plus I'm experimenting with daisy chaining the old Revel B15 as a 2nd sub for a 26x19 room.
My preamp/processor has an adjustment to help ensure the subwoofer is kept from being overdriven; you might check if your receiver has something similar.
You didn't specify any price range. A good place to ask questions is a dedicated sub subforum of the AVSForum
- AVS Forum subs (Open in New Window)
Edits: 01/22/08

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