Sub to go with 704s?

[Navin R. Johnso]

First post, here we go....

I've been lurking here for several months and decided on a pair of 704s and Rotel 1056 as the foundation for a system aimed at 60% music / 40% HT. I've had them for a few weeks and am delighted so far, but now the mind wanders to thoughts of subwoofers.

I've been leaning towards sealed subs (REL, Velodyne, B&W) in the hope that they would be tighter and integrate better with my mains for music. Really high SPLs for HT is a lower priority, and size/WAF is a negative vote for internet faves SVS and Hsu.

Wondering what subs folks have integrated with their 704s and what they bring to the table for music listening.

[miner]

For the price of the B&W 700 series subs also look at Martin Logan (Depth & Grotto). I looked at those before decding on my B&W ASW800. REL & Velodyne seem to be popular on this site, too. Don't forget to check www.Audiogon.com for used subs. I would have bought from there but could not find a used 800.

[Blindamood]

Another sub I've read good reviews on for musicality are the James EMB subs. From Stereophile:

http://stereophile.com/subwoofers/904james/

I'm considering the EMB 1000, as well as the B&W ASW 825 or the ML Depth (mentioned earlier) as a replacement for an older Velodyne that I'm currently using.

[grit]

If you're looking for a sub for HT, I'd consider the Velodyne's. If you want to use it for music too, I'd go with the corresponding B&W sub.

[Navin R. Johnso]

If you're looking for a sub for HT, I'd consider the Velodyne's. If you want to use it for music too, I'd go with the corresponding B&W sub.

Garrett- thanks for the thoughts- why the Velodyne for HT and B&W for music?

Also, the Velodyne DD room correction SW looks pretty impressive on paper- has anyone had experience with the units in that series?

[grit]

Velodyne DD is a nice sub, esp in the 15" model.

B&W's are very "musical" and fast. They don't tend to sound flabby or soft. HT is about creating sound EFFECTS. Music is about re-creating real sounds, and is much harder to do. B&W's (in my experience) excel at that. And, it'll be evenly matched to the capabilities of your 704's.

I had a low-end Velodyne for HT when I got my 703's, and had no problem with it's HT performance. When I tried to use it for music, the difference was painfullly obvious. I upgraded the sub.

[weijst]

Like you I'm considering a 'decent' sub too to add to my 805S (see corresponding thread). I heard and read some really good things about the ASW750 and I'm wondering if the ASW700 is equally impressive. Than again, for these prices I believe I ought to consider other brands aswell and than names like SVS and Velodyne pop up.

From reading this forum I'm under the impression that Velodyne makes musical subs, where SVS exels in HT. I'm currently looking for reviews and experiences with the Velodyne SPL-1200R (app. same price as ASW750) as the DD series is so darn expensive!

I heard more than once that B&W indeed makes good subs, but that they are also rather expensive in comparrisson with others. I can't let go of the impression that with brands that dedicate themselves in making subs (SVS, Velodyne) you get more performance per buck...

Anyway, just thought I'd share my thoughts. I'll be watching this thread!

Good luck!

[Navin R. Johnso]

[QUOTE=weijst]
From reading this forum I'm under the impression that Velodyne makes musical subs, where SVS exels in HT. I'm currently looking for reviews and experiences with the Velodyne SPL-1200R (app. same price as ASW750) as the DD series is so darn expensive!
[QUOTE]

I'm wrestling with the same thing myself- is the DD worth ~$800-1000 more than a comparably sized SPL R series? The salesman gave the benefits of the DD as real wood finish vs. viynl for the SPL, more flexibility in the DSP room setup and servo controlled driver. The DD-12 sounded great; they didn't have an SPL R open for listening.

Also looking closely at the B&Ws and there is a new REL line to check out.

[Navin R. Johnso]

Look like I may be fenced into B&Ws (not a bad place to be!) based on having to have the finish match my 704s.

So it's coming down to ASW 700 vs 750. Any thoughts between these two?

[sharger]

Look like I may be fenced into B&Ws (not a bad place to be!) based on having to have the finish match my 704s.

So it's coming down to ASW 700 vs 750. Any thoughts between these two?

Hi guys I would be interested in the answer to this, and would also like to throw the ASW 825 into the mix as well.

Would the 825 be a significant improvement over the 750?

cheers

Steve

[Aussie Geoff]

So it's coming down to ASW 700 vs 750. Any thoughts between these two?

IMO the ASW750 is a much better sub than the ASW700. The 750 has some real kick... and is similar size to the ASW825. The much smaller ASW700 is more like the sub for the 705 but is does not have the low down punch I need... I would definetly get the 750 for the 700 series... If you search back you will see a number of posts from members who had (or tried) the 700 and upgraded to the 750...

The 825 is similar size to the 750 and frequency response - but uses the new Rhotacel Bass drivers for a even tighter cleaner bass... A very nice sub - but maybe overkill for the 700 series...

Geoff

[Joey_V]

You can go DD12 used from the 'gon.... shouldnt be too much.

[Audiophiliac]

As most have mentioned, the ASW750 is the best match sonically and aesthetically for your 704s. I dont mind the ASW700 for music, but it doesnt go quite as low as the larger subs.

If you want to break out of the B&W scheme, I would also suggest you listen to the Martin Logan subs. The Descent and the Depth are incredible subs for both music and movies. They are faster than all get out, and they will boogie when you want them too. And they look sexy. Check them out as well.

[Navin R. Johnso]

My wife has rather strong opinions about the finshes matching and claimed the Velodyne's cherry didn't match B&W's so I'm likely to end up in the B&W range. I'm going to try and listen to 750 vs. 700 today.

[weijst]

Navin,

I'm very interested in your findings! I too am contempting between the ASW700 and the ASW750. For me it is almost impossible to audition them both at the same time (i.e. in the same shop thus same conditions).

Good luck and keep us informed!

[rav934]

I have two Definitive Technology Supercube II (2) in service with new 804s speakers. It took a while to get the phasing correct, but I am really happy with the final outcome. If you want details, just email.

[Clepto]

Is the PV1 an option at all, it's one funky looking sub if you're looking for a statement piece (;

[alpina]

Navin,

I'm very interested in your findings! I too am contempting between the ASW700 and the ASW750. For me it is almost impossible to audition them both at the same time (i.e. in the same shop thus same conditions).

Good luck and keep us informed!

we too were deciding between the aws700 and aws750. given the small $$$ difference in australia between the 2, the decision was easy in the end.

julie

[rav934]

I compared the PV1 and Def Tech II in a prior posting. I bought the latter.

[Nolan B]

I love my PV1. Very clean and accurate. B&W rates it up to the 700 series so it may be ok. I would have to say what you gain in looks you may loose in hard lunch for bigger rooms....its only has 10" drivers.

[weijst]

I just posted this in my own thread, but this thread covers almost the same subject and it seems to attract more viewers, so I hope no one minds if I do a little copy-pasting:

Hi everyone,

I did some demo-ing this weekend. The ASW700 did everything I expected from a sub, but than again, nothing more... Stange thing is that the sales person told me B&W told him that the ASW675 and the ASW700 should be considered the same. The only reason for choosing the ASW700 (and pay the higher price) should be aesthetics... I find that hard to believe, as the two drivers are considerably different. Plus I actually expect more internal bracing in the ASW700. Can someone comment on this subject?

I also heard a REL Strata 5. It looked and sounded on par with the ASW700, but in the store it was a bit more expensive than the ASW700. However, when I came home I did a search on the internet about the Strata 5. It seems this sub allows for a somewhat strange kind of connection (not uncommon for REL). Both high and low level connections at the same time, allowing the sub to do both the main channels and the .1 channel low-frequency sounds. This type of connection was even recommended by several reviewers. The store where I heard the Strata 5 was only using the low level connection. Would the Strata 5 have sounded considerably more impressive if both the high and low level connection were used? If yes, it would be a better choice than the ASW700. Even more because when I googled a little further, I found a new Strata 5 for almost half the price of an ASW700 (special offer)! Can someone please share his/her thoughts on this?

Since my budget allows for it, I am now even wondering what the REL Storm 5 would be capable of, as this model too can be mine for less than an ASW700.

The ASW750 is simply to much for my budget, so unless I come along a very nice deal, I have to let go of this option.

I am still waiting for a good oppertunity to demo a Velodyne SPL-R sub, preferably setting it up against a ASW700 or one of the REL models mentioned above.

Bottomline, has anyone here ever compared the following subs to one another:

- B&W ASW675/ASW700
- REL Strata 5 / Storm 5
- Velodyne SPL-1000R / SPL-1200R

I hope someone can share his thoughts, as a store that holds all these models is simply non existant.

Once again, I'm looking for a sub that ALSO performs good with music (alongside a pair of 805S).

Thank you.