RW-5802 + RSA-500 vs. RW-12d?

[lenb]

Does anybody have experience with the RW-5802 subwoofer + RSA-500 sub amplifier and how they stack up to the Klipsch powered subs? I'm looking at putting a HT into a basement playroom. It has to be be somewhat kid-proof, so I favor built-in speakers which are less likely to get destroyed. So as I mentioned in the Architectural forum, I'm looking at

• Sony STR-DA5300ES 7.1 AVR
• Klipsch RC-53 Center (built into an unused fireplace, immediately below a 50" Pioneer PDP 5080HD)
• Klipsch R-5800-W Left/Right
• Klipsch R-5650-S Sides
• Klipsch R-5650-W Rear

And for the sub, I'm looking at a Klipsch RW-5802 with its RSA-500 amplifier. When I e-mailed Klipsch technical support that the room is 12' deep by 23' wide by 86" high, Steve suggested that I wire for a 2nd RW-5802 in case I didn't think a single 5802 provided sufficient bass.

But now I'm wondering if even two 5802's will leave me wanting. The specs for the RW-5802 say it bottoms out at 45Hz. Even the L/R R-5800-W's go lower -- spec'd down to 40Hz.

Do these Hz numbers mean anything in real life? In other posts I see references to movie channels going down to the 30Hz range -- but do you really notice the difference between a 30Hz and 40Hz floor?

The specs on the standalone powered subs go much lower, and maybe even more importantly, the prices are lower too.

The Synergy Sub-12 looks like it will sound better and cost much less than the above. But I think I still favor an in-wall design that is out of the way. (this is a play-room after all, not a dedicated home theater). So I'm thinking I'll pay a few more pennies and go for the front-firing RW-12d.

Whille the 5802's were to live directly between the L/R channels, I'm more limited in the places I can recess a powered sub. I can either put it in the unused fireplace directly below the RC-52 center channel. (and find another home for my receiver:-( or I could put it in the wall directly below the right channel, where I have the option of raising it as much as 16" off the floor.

I've never done any of this before -- does it make sense?

thanks,

-Len

[Trooper]

Frankly, even the Synergy Sub10 is better than the 5802. And I'm not basing that on just reading the specs or audiophilic bias but I have heard the 5802 and all the Synergy and Reference subs in the same room and can tell you without a doubt all of the stand-alone powered subs are better. If you must go with the in-wall you will definitely want 2 of them.

[lenb]

Thanks for sharing your first-hand experience.

I'll follow your advice and go with a stand-alone powered sub (or maybe a pair:-). I think the in-wall RW-5802 would have been appropriate if I had to squeeze into a wall that is shallow throughout. But on my front wall I have some spots where I can recess a front-firing unit like the RW-10d or RW-12d.

(Althought he Synergy line may be more thump/$ than the RW line, its down-firing design will not work with my in-wall needs. Also, while it is fun to read the IB discussions here and over at http://ibsubwoofers.com, but I don't think I have the cleverness to make the IB scheme work with my room layout.)

[CECAA850]

If you're even remotely considering an IB, see if you can find a way to pull it off. As long as you have the proper space for the rear wave, they're pretty simple to build. The SQ is amazing.