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Newbie advice, picking sub for HT with KG4s and KV3


AlpineM

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Hi all,

 

I'm new to the forum. I was trying to use the search bar but it doesn't seem to work. I can't get any results no matter what I search for.

 

I'm looking to pick a subwoofer for my budding home theater/music listening system. I have a Yamaha RX-V677 AV Receiver and a pair of KG4s. I have a KV3 center on the way. I would love to stick with Klipsch for the subwoofer just as a matter of principle (and because I don't know what else is out there) but it seems that the only options in my budget are the KSW-10 and the Sub-10, and I hear that they have pretty consistent amp failures. Would it be a mistake to buy one of those? Is it unrealistic for me to try and get a good sub for under ~$150? Should I abandon Klipsch and go for something else? I can't get anything too huge because of space limitations, but I have a good 15x20" spot in the corner of the room. 

 

Thank you all so much for your help, any input is appreciated.

 

Danny

 

P.S. Recommendations for rear Klipsch speakers of the same era to match my setup?

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Welcome! Yeah 150 is pretty low budget for a sub. Only way to get something good is used. I personally say save up a little more. 500$ range is where they start getting good. Some say the sub-12 is descent and they go on sale

Often for 199$ so that could be an option.

And as for matching surrounds, I don't know much about the kg series. I own some kg4 but that's about it. Bought them a year ago and they have sat ever since. Lol

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Right now I'm looking for something more or less entry-level. I am only 20, after all. I'm just looking to round out the lower end a little bit. When looking for a subwoofer, is there really any discussion of picking one that is well suited for your particular set up, or is it more like "a sub is a sub" and I should just find one with good reviews and good specs? I've never done this before haha

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Right now I'm looking for something more or less entry-level. I am only 20, after all. I'm just looking to round out the lower end a little bit. When looking for a subwoofer, is there really any discussion of picking one that is well suited for your particular set up, or is it more like "a sub is a sub" and I should just find one with good reviews and good specs? I've never done this before haha

Any sub will work with any setup. I'd scan your local CL ads to find one in your price range. That said, I agree with Scrappy, you should save up for a $500 or more sub. Also, the best place for your sub is best determined by a sub crawl. Basically, place the sub in your MLP (main listening position) and play some bass tones, crawl around the room and see where it sounds best. That's where your sub goes. That's the simple answer.

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yeah i hear ya on being young. however when i was 17 i had the top of the line velodyne that circuit city sold and i think i payed 750$ for it and that was 12 years ago. to be the cheapest sub you can get that is pretty good for home theater is the bic PL-200. you can get them new for 275$ at acoustic sound design. they aren't bad at all for that price. 

 

is there really any discussion of picking one that is well suited for your particular set up,
of course. mayne not so much for your setup, but more for your space and listening needs.

 

or is it more like "a sub is a sub"
nope. only time i would say that is when you get to the 2500-3000$ ones where then its just pick then one you think looks best and fits your space. cause at that price point they are all insanely good. but that is pretty much across the board with many things. 
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I have bought about 15 subs off CL. There are deals to be had but you have to be able to jump for the really good ones. I picked up a RSW-15 for around $300 but there are good subs out there in the $150-200 range. I just missed out on a ML Dynamo (great little 10" sub) last night for $80. 

 

Oh, welcome to the group! 

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I couldn't find any good subs local, but there's a local a set of KG3s in oak for $125.. good for rears? 

 

Do you guys think a used KSW-10 or Sub-10 for around $100-150 would be a bad choice? I might be able to move up to a sub-12, but in general, are these good options or should I shy away from them due to their issues with the amps?

 

I am definitely hesitant to spend too much on a sub, right now I want to get something used of decent quality and then maybe after I'm out of college I can save up some money for something better. Audio certainly isn't my only hobby so I can't dedicate all of my income to it right now... although I understand why you would encourage me to save for something better :)

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Do you guys think a used KSW-10 or Sub-10 for around $100-150 would be a bad choice?
yes. 

 

I might be able to move up to a sub-12, but in general, are these good options or should I shy away from them due to their issues with the amps?  
not necessarily because of amp but because you can buy new subs for that amount of money. 

 

I am definitely hesitant to spend too much on a sub, right now I want to get something used of decent quality
save your cash and do research on what subs are good then be patient for the right deal. one will come,  you will have cash and you won't need to ask questions if its good or not. you will just snag it! that is the only way to get the good deals.  

 

Audio certainly isn't my only hobby so I can't dedicate all of my income to it right now...
trust me, this is the same for most of us. i have a new harley, about 10 grand worth of camera gear in a closet that never gets used,  about to spend money on woodworking tools and can't seem to talk my self into buying cheap tools. lol sucks to always get into hobbies that cost so much dang money
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AlpineM, welcome to the forum first of all.

 

I say keep an eye on the online retailers for a sub. The entry level 10 and 12 inch Klipsch subs go on sale at Fry's.com, Newegg.com and even deals of the day at BestBuy.com. I agree that there are a lot better subs out there, but probably not for the money. If you are just getting started, there is no reason you cannot pick up one of the entry subs and enjoy it. Heck you can always sell it again when funds allow you to move up. I picked up several Speakercraft BassX subs in both 10 and 12 inch from Ebay and they punch way above their weight class. My BassX-12 has put to shame quite a few subs and it cost me less than $150 shipped. The BassX-10's go for around $100 and still sound pretty darn good. I have a pair of tens to accent my pair of Klipsch Heresies and they sound really good. For an entry level Yamaha receiver and a decent Bluray your KG-4, KV-3 and maybe a pair of KG 2.2 for surround or something would do a nice job getting you started. AS long as you don't over pay you can usually get what you have invested to flip them out at later dates when funds allow. Most of all have fun with the hobby!~

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The KG3's, along with any of the KG series (1.5, 2.2, 2.5) would make excellent surrounds. And would pair up very well with the KG4, since they're all from the same KG series.

The KG4 will do a somewhat decent job of reproducing the low end (down to 40Hz or so). So unless you just want to have a subwoofer, I'd also recommend saving up a little more for something new. Or something that's not quite as old, that you know wouldn't have potential amp failure.

There are used Klipsch subs out there, but also keep an eye out for used subs from SVS or HSU Research. SVS provides great value and is very well regarded. HSU is even having a sale right now on one of their base models that isn't too far outside of your budget...

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/stf-2.html

If the subwoofer is more important than the surround speakers, then you could put off the surround purchase and get a brand new HSU sub... Just a thought.

http://www.svsound.com/subwoofers

Edited by GPBusa
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  • 2 weeks later...

If you are on a very tight budget, the Kg 0.5 is good, and a pair can be had for less than $80.00. The KG 1,1.5,2.0,and 2.2 are also good for surrounds as well as the 3.5's you are asking about.

 

If you really really want to get a sub, and don't mind anything used, if you can't find a Klipsch, I have used and am also still using a few Yamaha 10" and 12" subs. You can get the 10's for under $100.00 shipped. They also drop down to 25hz, so they will dig deeper than the KG 4.

 

When you are able to save for a better sub, you can always use the one you have as a 2nd, or back up. I know others will disagree, but if you're limitied on funds and really want one, this is another option.

 

Now if you do decide to do one of the Klipsch that don't have the greatest rep, you can always get insurance on it from the site you get it from (if it's an auction site).

 

The receiver you have will match any of these speakers well, and if you go the route of the KG 0.5's, can do side surrounds, rear surrounds, or front effects.

 

If you were closer, I have a nice set of KG 3.0 Signature Series with stands that would be good for side surrounds,or rear surounds.

Edited by Jim
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