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Post by bridgehead on Oct 20, 2009 21:15:30 GMT -5
Is anyone using two 8.3's and a subwoofer for music listening?
Is this configuration worth the expense?
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jlafrenz
Global Moderator
I don't want to jump in, unless this music's thumping
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Post by jlafrenz on Oct 20, 2009 21:20:20 GMT -5
If you like listening to 2 channel music, of course.
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Post by vincedog3 on Oct 20, 2009 22:34:14 GMT -5
Definitely worth it. I use a sub when listening. I love the percussion, and the power of the music, and a sub makes it easy to get.
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Post by briank on Oct 20, 2009 22:41:54 GMT -5
+1
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Animo
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Post by Animo on Oct 20, 2009 22:59:17 GMT -5
Before I got my sub, I would listen to 7 channel stereo Now that I have a sub, music is 2.1 all the time.
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Post by strindl on Oct 20, 2009 23:53:07 GMT -5
I was using a subwoofer with two channel music back in 1978. I have found that I prefer surround sound for my music and have been listening that way whenever it's possible for years though.
I have a two channel only system in my bedroom though..basically because a surround system is simply not feasible there because of space and room configuration considerations. I have a cheap sub in there, but seldom turn it on. The main speakers I have there respond down into the low 30's hz range and sound great all by themselves.
Those bedroom speakers are unique. They began life in 1988 as Design Acoustic PS-103..a three way tower speaker with a downward firing 10" acoustic suspension woofer. The woofer and midrange both had foam surrounds that rotted though..so I had a local shop a few miles from my house rebuild the cases with all new drivers and a new crossover. They sound 100% better now than they ever did before..MUCH better drivers now.
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Post by roadrunner on Oct 21, 2009 0:06:11 GMT -5
If you have any doubts about if it is worth it, get a copy of one of the Dallas Wind Symphony that has been HDCD encoded by Reference Recordings. After listening to the Tuba, Pipe Organ, Kettle Drums, and Bass Drums you tell me if it is worth it!!!
Listening to that album without a sub is nice, but the album is down-right awesome with a good musical sub added in. This CD would make one hell of a Demo Album to show off your speakers with... talk about dynamic impact! You haven't lived until you hear, and feel, media with this kind of content. It will make a believer out of you if you are not already a 2.1 convert. ;D ;D ;D
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Post by bridgehead on Oct 21, 2009 9:04:50 GMT -5
Wow!
That settles any doubts I might have had.
I know there's lots of different opinions about subwoofers.
For my budget I'm looking at the HSU VTF-3 Mark III, and plan to use the crossover on the USP-1.
Will this be a reasonable match for the 8.3s?
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Post by sanjaygolf on Oct 21, 2009 9:44:20 GMT -5
Is your setup also gonna be used for HT as well?
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Post by bridgehead on Oct 21, 2009 10:17:44 GMT -5
Is your setup also gonna be used for HT as well? Nope, just stereo music listening.
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Post by roadrunner on Oct 21, 2009 10:40:15 GMT -5
Wow! That settles any doubts I might have had. I know there's lots of different opinions about subwoofers. For my budget I'm looking at the HSU VTF-3 Mark III, and plan to use the crossover on the USP-1. Will this be a reasonable match for the 8.3s? Yes, the HSU VTF-3 would be a good match for the ERT-8.3 speakers. I would experiment with the cross over point to see what provides the best integration. My guess would be some where between 40 Hz and 70 Hz, depending on placement and acoustical properties of the room. Use you SPL meter and a test CD to get your volume balanced and you will be ready to spoil your ears like you have never dreamed about. Enjoy!
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DYohn
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Post by DYohn on Oct 21, 2009 10:51:14 GMT -5
I have used a sub in my dedicated 2-channel room for a long time now and highly recomend it.
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Post by bridgehead on Oct 24, 2009 10:58:13 GMT -5
Just plunked down for 2 8.3s a USP-1, XPA-2, the ERC-1 and cables.
It turns out that the Hsu subwoofer almost doubles it's price by the time it gets to Canada.
Anybody know if I can get something equivalent locally? I'm in Ottawa.
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Post by strindl on Oct 24, 2009 18:14:30 GMT -5
Just plunked down for 2 8.3s a USP-1, XPA-2, the ERC-1 and cables. It turns out that the Hsu subwoofer almost doubles it's price by the time it gets to Canada. Anybody know if I can get something equivalent locally? I'm in Ottawa. that will be a sweet sounding system.
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scottl
Sensei
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Post by scottl on Oct 27, 2009 20:57:37 GMT -5
Is a 2.1 system worth it? Is anyone using two 8.3's and a subwoofer for music listening? Is this configuration worth the expense? I see a total of 3 questions in your subject & post, so I'll answer accordingly. 1. The idea of a 2.1 system is absolutely "worth it"! The ability to refine your stereo setup for the best tonal balance and spatial presentation, and then add bass reinforcement in the proper place, improving dynamics and extension, is awesome. I've set up more than one system this way, and it's how my next one will be, too. 2. I'll bet someone on here is, I just don't know offhand. 3. The sub really is the missing part of the equation here, but the ERT8.3's are a superb value on their own. Also, your room is significant - the more difficult your room's acoustics are, the more valuable the addition of the sub will be. I'd suggest trying it, if at all possible, and I doubt very much that you'll want to give it up once it's dialed in. If the HSU's out of the running (and I do believe it would be a fine choice), you might want to try Epik or SVS, who also make incredible performance-for-the-money subs; one of them might be better to deal with on Canadian orders. You could also look for Energy S12.3's or S10.3's (a pair of subs is better than the sum of its parts), or a Mirage BPS-series on the local used market. They were all good values new, especially in Canada (being Canadian), and ought to be availalble used. Of course, you could be very happy with just the ERT-8.3's!
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Oct 27, 2009 23:25:14 GMT -5
You need a sub even with the 8.3's IMO. Try checking out Axiom Audio from the Great White North. ;D Energy also makes quality subs. Your Emotiva choices are superb! www.axiomaudio.com/ep500.html
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Post by roadrunner on Oct 28, 2009 3:46:44 GMT -5
You need a sub even with the 8.3's IMO. Try checking out Axiom Audio from the Great White North. ;D Energy also makes quality subs. Your Emotiva choices are superb! www.axiomaudio.com/ep500.htmlExcellent choice, chuckienut. The Axiom EP500 is an exceptional value and would match up well with the Emotiva speakers. You should be able to get a decent price on new or used Axiom subs in Canada. The only thing wrong with chuckienut's advice is that he keeps stealing my thunder. ;D Considering chuckie's advanced age, I understand he has to keep stealing my ideas now that he has retired and has lots of time on his "wrinkled old hands".
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Post by bridgehead on Oct 28, 2009 14:37:44 GMT -5
Many thanks to everyone for their thoughtful answers!
I went with the Hsu VTF-3 Mark 3's because even though the price delivered to Canada was nearly double, the subs I did see locally were no cheaper.
Just a note to say that I was dumbfounded to find all my Emotiva gear delivered a few days after I ordered it! Things from the US coming into Canada are never that quick. However, Emotiva has done all the customs paperwork and paid taxes etc. upfront, so the delivery was lightening quick.
Just finishing a reno to the house and haven't had a chance to unbox things yet. Can't wait!
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Post by solidstate on Oct 28, 2009 15:27:00 GMT -5
Shame like so many you were unaware of the Rymik Audio Direct servo subs... I do installs for a living and grew up in my Dad's stereo shop and have used that HSU unit and the Rythmik is better. www.rythmikaudio.com/I should also throw in my 2 cents on the Axiom EP500... fantastic sub but the plate-amp is lacking the calibration options the Rythmik piece has... Really it's shocking so few know of this sub. It's gotta be the best sub around bar none for the money... Kinda like Emo's pre/amps! Solid-State PS I have to say in my experience a sealed sub is much better if designed properly than a crazy ported sub design likes Doc's. Looking at Emo's subs I'd guess they feel the same LOL PSS LOL I hate to have you second guess your purchase audio brother! But in all honesty if the order was placed today I personally would adhere to my WISE EXPERIENCED advice and cancel the order quick and get the Rythmik LOL
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Oct 28, 2009 22:54:13 GMT -5
The 12" Rythmiks are good subs but simply don't go as low, loud and with as little distortion as the HSU. I know Bridgehead's stated purpose is for music, but if he likes organ music or will eventually go into multi-channel music (as I would recommend) then the HSU will easily outclass the low end performance of the smaller cabinet sized Rythmik.
Bridgehead, I think you made an excellent choice for the money. ;D
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