Home Theater Thread

**oj88** · November 21st, 2023 05:59 PM

I want to replace the basic active subwoofer that came with my home theatre. It's fine for the most part but I simply want something that can go louder.

I watched Oppenheimer last weekend and the sub occasionally bottoms out. Any tried and tested suggestions that won't cost an arm and a leg?

**Monseratto** · November 21st, 2023 08:25 PM

Originally Posted by oj88

I want to replace the basic active subwoofer that came with my home theatre. It's fine for the most part but I simply want something that can go louder.

I watched Oppenheimer last weekend and the sub occasionally bottoms out. Any tried and tested suggestions that won't cost an arm and a leg?

Depends on your budget... The more expensive the louder it gets. Mid-tier audio brands Polk Audio. Klipsch and SVS subwoofers are locally available.

**Walter** · November 21st, 2023 09:06 PM

SVS subwoofers ... if on budget ... move to a smaller room ...

**uls** · November 22nd, 2023 01:38 AM

REL subwoofers

**oj88** · November 22nd, 2023 08:01 AM

Appreciate the suggestions. I can't change the room dimensions nor do I want to spend more than 10k for it. This is a spur-of-the-moment kind of gig and I just want more BOOM for my money.

Spending several hours looking into this, I'm leaning towards either a custom 500Wrms kit or the Crown BW-12. I only have a basic 5.1 system so I don't think that the sonic quality is going to suffer much either way. I also considered adding a 2nd Onkyo SKW-538, if it will allow me to lower the volume (to a point just before bottoming out) but still get twice the effect.

Yes, yes... addressing the elephant in the room. The Crown BW-12 is probably more of a videoke bar material than anything. But is it though?

**Yatta** · November 22nd, 2023 08:37 AM

Originally Posted by oj88

Appreciate the suggestions. I can't change the room dimensions nor do I want to spend more than 10k for it. This is a spur-of-the-moment kind of gig and I just want more BOOM for my money.

Spending several hours looking into this, I'm leaning towards either a custom 500Wrms kit or the Crown BW-12. I only have a basic 5.1 system so I don't think that the sonic quality is going to suffer much either way. I also considered adding a 2nd Onkyo SKW-538, if it will allow me to lower the volume (to a point just before bottoming out) but still get twice the effect.

Yes, yes... addressing the elephant in the room. The Crown BW-12 is probably more of a videoke bar material than anything. But is it though?

Have you checked out PinoyDVD? I got my pre-loved US Audio sub there years ago from HT addicts and audiophiles who frequently upgrade. I think your sub is enough, perhaps its your fronts that need upgrading. You have to be careful though, HT and audio is a rabbit hole.

**uls** · November 22nd, 2023 08:48 AM

**oj88** · November 22nd, 2023 09:55 AM

Originally Posted by Yatta

Have you checked out PinoyDVD? I got my pre-loved US Audio sub there years ago from HT addicts and audiophiles who frequently upgrade. I think your sub is enough, perhaps its your fronts that need upgrading. You have to be careful though, HT and audio is a rabbit hole.

I know too well about said rabbit hole... I once spent 90k on a car setup with a top-tier Kenwood 2DIN and DLS Reference splits. Enjoyed them so much that I still use them to this day after transplanting them to my 2nd car after I sold the first one. It's probably 13 or 14 years old.

But I'm over that.

I just need a louder bang-for-buck sub for my HT without breaking the bank. I intend to keep the surround speakers indefinitely. I just want those low rumbles to come out without the driver bottoming out.

**Walter** · November 22nd, 2023 03:49 PM

Build your own ... there are instructions online from enthusiasts ... but 10T is rather low ... you'd need more ... hire a carpenter to build the box ...