Optimus SW-14 Subwoofers
Optimus SW-14 Subwoofers
USER REVIEWS
[Nov 22, 1998]
Raam
an Audio Enthusiast
I had exactly the opposite experience. Not only did this sub suck when I got it home, but I had trouble getting one that hadn't been opened from any Radio Shack. Definitely take advantage of the deal if you like the sound in the store, but keep in mind you could probably return it, wait a while, save some money, and get something infinitely better. |
[Dec 29, 1998]
Nathan
an Audiophile
When I began building my home theater I had a very low budget, and naturally turned to this low priced sub. I was drawn by its specifications which claimed high power handling and good frequency response. The power handling has turned out to be quite good, and the sub does plumb the depths of 29 hertz (at maybe -6db). The only real complaint I have is the unusually high 200 hertz crossover point, which limits placement options considerably. It's not a Velodyne, but I would recommend it to anyone on a tight budget with the ability to place it right between the main speakers. |
[Dec 29, 1998]
Nathan
an Audiophile
When I started building my system, I had an extremely low budget, and naturally turned to this low-priced sub. I was drawn by its high power handling and good frequency response, both of which have proven worthy of their written specifications. It is a good sub with fairly quick bass. My only complaint is its unusually high crossover point (200hz) which makes placement very tricky in my downstairs home theater. No, it's not a Velodyne, but I would recommend it to anyone with a low budget and the ability to place it right between the main speakers. |
[Apr 05, 1999]
Tom OBrien
an Audio Enthusiast
I bought this sub when I was in a hurry to put together a Pro-Logic system for cheap in time for Christmas. Boy, was the bass from this unit a surprise! It shakes the whole house. Powered by a mid-fi Jap receiver (Technics Class-H+ 100Wpc amps) in passive-filter mode, it pounds. I have them connected to LX-5s (the new model). Good test: Sandman on the Metallica DVD, there is an explosion about 40 sec. into the song. The SW14 doesn't bottom out. Good points: Great LFE that goes really low, high efficiency. Bad points: Built in Xover Fc is WAY too high so you can hear where the sub is. I use an EQ to fix the "boominess" this unit creates around 250Hz when mated with the LX-5s. |
[Nov 13, 1999]
Seung Hwang
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
REALLY cheap (sale for $99). Has adequet amount of bass for addition to small speakers. Also, since its so cheap u can mess around with it.
Weakness:
Passive-no amplifier. Sounds very weak if youve ever compared it to a powered subwoofer. Also, it cannot go very deep. Contruction is ok at best. Make sure that if you are going to buy this buy it on sale for $99. Otherwise, it is not even close to worth it. I did several modifications to the subwoofer itself. First, I removed the terminalcup and removed the passive crossover. Next, with a parapix amp I bought at Apexjr.com, I wired the DVC driver to the terminal cup and to the amp, thus becoming a powered subwoofer. Inside, I added bracing to stiffen up the enclosure(the bracing inside is pitiful). It became much better with these cheap modification. Regarding the post below, if you are going to stuff your sub, make sure you do not get any in or in front of the port. Good sub to tweak around and learn with. Similar Products Used: none |
[Apr 18, 1999]
ROBERT G
an Audio Enthusiast
The easiest way to handle the problem the high crossover slope is get two of them and run the right front/rear to one then to the right front main and rear satellite; and do the same for the left side. To get rid of the boominess go to thrift type store (Family Dollar or Dollar General) and buy two cheap pillows with poly-fill and stuff your sub. I use the PRO-X77 for LCR and PRO-LX5 rears which I also poly-filled (I believe all speakers and subs without adequate dampening materials benefit from this) makes a very good budget system ($49/EA LCR,$59/EA REARS, AND $99/EA SUBS; and approximately 3 pillows for $10=$473 total) that incoporates 5 Linesource Ribbon Tweeters. After the modifications this system can be played LOUD AND CLEAR. I will rate this based mostly for the price after modification after all you can't buy another decent 5 speaker and 2 sub system for less than $500 that can play loud enough to meet Dolby Reference 105db (Using DVD VIDEO ESSENTIALS and a Radio Shack SPL meter to check it) with only a slight boominess from the subs. |
[Mar 20, 1999]
Jorge
an Audiophile
I purchased this sub at Radio Shack for a mere $99. It has added much needed bass to my pair of KLH bookshelf speakers. I may eventually upgrade to a more expensive active sub, but for the small price I paid for this one, I couldn't be happier with the performance. |
[Jul 04, 2000]
Michael Meyer
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Price
Weakness:
First sub I ever bought, wasn't super impressed until I implemented sock modification. Nobody likes my music so I have a system in my room. The room is small so don't have room for big thimgs. Purchased the Optimus LX5 2 speakers and was happy but not much bass. Saw this sub on sale and figured I try it. Had bass but I noticed when I listened to THE WHO and tried to EQ to get the bass guitar the low end was too boomy. Just couldn't get it right until I found this web page. I love to hear John Entwhistle play so I figured I had nothing to lose but some socks. Stuffed the socks and ran the big test. Was impressed. EQ'ed to my happiness and removed the socks for fun. The boominess was back. I never thought socks would fix a stereo!! I am a novice to stereo equipment and would love dialogue. Please fee free to E-Mail to dailymeyer@cs.com Similar Products Used: never |