Tough decision regarding subwoofer. Need help.?

Question

Since I do not want to spend too much on a subwoofer, I decided to buy either a HSU STF-1 or STF-2. The former's woofer is 8 inches, whereas the latter's is 10 inches. The former's amplifier power is 150 watts, whereas the latter's is 200 watts. They are both dual voltage. STF-1 is $299, but the silver one is on clearance for $239.00. STF-2's price is 349 dollars regardless of the color. It is indicated on HSU's website that STF-1 is ideal for small and STF-2 is ideal for mid-size rooms. The thing is that I will take this sub with me overseas and my apartment size is not determined yet.

My question is, as someone who will not listen music/watch movies at very high volumes, would I still need the STF-2 in mid-size rooms? Would STF-1 suffice? Do you think that 110 dollar price difference would worth?

Thanks!

Answer 1

no not really. I mean the only real difference between those two (and remember that im considering your comment on the low volume use) would be that the more expensive 10 inch one will have slightly deeper bass. if you like deep room shaking bass buy the second one. it sounds like you need an average sub though. and 8 inch subs have great punchy bass that you can feel. id say for your size room the smaller one will be just fine. i have two 8 inch subs in my very small room. they work just fine. it just wont be able to reproduce some of the very low bass sounds that are found in rap/hip hop music and some movie soundtracks. you probably wont notice though. id would save yourself the money. spend it on gas :)

Answer 2

I would go for the more expensive sub.

One of the secretes of home theater sound is that you can use less expensive, less accurate speakers, but what impresses is the impact of a good sub.

The bigger driver will play lower and louder and really make your HT system sound superior.  

But HSU is a good company so both subs are likely very good quality and values.

Answer 3

a 10-inch soubwoofer with a 200 Watts of continous power should be enough for a 25-35 square meter room. thus paying for the extra for a bigger sub should be okay since you don't know yet how big your room will be when you move overseas.

its like this, putting a 0.75 horse power airconditioning unit to a 35 square meter room is definitely not enough. this will result to a high electricity bill. unlike putting a higher horse power unit, you have the advantage of cranking it up to make the room colder and yet the unit settles down when the room is cold enough. same applies with the sub, you can crank it up anytime you want with enough power, unlike with the smaller one you'll always be restricted with its capability.