Harman Kardon Clearance Subs

[707kevin]

Got a harman kardon email for a clearance sale (http://www.harmanaudio.com/search_br...m_campaign=em2)

Was looking at this sub wondering if it's any good for the price.

http://www.harmanaudio.com/search_br...000CHR&status=

The sub I have now is a bandpass 12" ported ported for 50hz and has very little spl below that, and very sloppy sounding above that.

I like the idea of a tightly packaged commercial sub, although I've been considering building my own to go with my zaph za5.2 l&r & 5.3 center

I'm sure there is compromises, but for less than 300? Can't seem to find many reviews good or bad.

thanks!

[XtremeRevolution]

Got a harman kardon email for a clearance sale (http://www.harmanaudio.com/search_br...m_campaign=em2)

Was looking at this sub wondering if it's any good for the price.

http://www.harmanaudio.com/search_br...000CHR&status=

The sub I have now is a bandpass 12" ported ported for 50hz and has very little spl below that, and very sloppy sounding above that.

I like the idea of a tightly packaged commercial sub, although I've been considering building my own to go with my zaph za5.2 l&r & 5.3 center

I'm sure there is compromises, but for less than 300? Can't seem to find many reviews good or bad.

thanks!

You could build one hell of a sub that can extend down to the high 20's/low 30's for under $300.

[GranteedEV]

Definitely build your own!

A CSS Trio 12 in a vented box and a good plate amp will impress you.

[johnnyrichards]

A comparable DIY amp alone will set you back what that entire subwoofer will cost. The driver is also high quality in that unit. Probably the only thing that would need work is the cabinet, but even then it is probably cross-braced and glue-blocked so any improvements will be minimal.

Is it worth it at the so-called list price? Not a chance. At under $300 shipped to your door? Can't be beat.

[christianb]

Be careful, I believe this sub is meant to be used with the small Infinity satellites. If you look, it says the crossover is fixed at 150 hz, which is bad news:

Crossover Frequency 150Hz, 12dB/octave

[johnnyrichards]

Be careful, I believe this sub is meant to be used with the small Infinity satellites. If you look, it says the crossover is fixed at 150 hz, which is bad news:

Crossover Frequency 150Hz, 12dB/octave

That is a deal breaker for some 2.1 music setups, but for a HT setup the subwoofer crossover can usually be left on a high setting anyway and let the processor's bass management handle it.

[christianb]

That is a deal breaker for some 2.1 music setups, but for a HT setup the subwoofer crossover can usually be left on a high setting anyway and let the processor's bass management handle it.

Didn't think about that!

[cantigas]

If I'm looking at the correct owner's manual: it appears the LPF@150Hz can be defeated with a switch on the back panel.

[czag]

I have a good DIY sub but Johnny's right, you can't touch that in DIY for $300. Just a 300 watt bash amp and a decent 12" and you are well over $300 without the RABOS system and then you still have to build a box. The RABOS system is a great plus also, it automatically takes a measurement and will notch out a few offending peaks. It makes placement much easier.

My 2 cents worth anyhow.

Chris

[707kevin]

Thanks for the feedback. I'll see if they still have any in a week... I just bought all sorts of junk for the jeep.

150hz is no problem for me, I use the avr settings for that.

thanks again!

[DDF]

Got a harman kardon email for a clearance sale (http://www.harmanaudio.com/search_br...m_campaign=em2)

Was looking at this sub wondering if it's any good for the price.

http://www.harmanaudio.com/search_br...000CHR&status=

The sub I have now is a bandpass 12" ported ported for 50hz and has very little spl below that, and very sloppy sounding above that.

I like the idea of a tightly packaged commercial sub, although I've been considering building my own to go with my zaph za5.2 l&r & 5.3 center

I'm sure there is compromises, but for less than 300? Can't seem to find many reviews good or bad.

thanks!

Would you happen to know if these are shielded? If they are, one goes on my shopping list. Unless they have a flawed design (which I doubt), they're a steal at that price.

[707kevin]

This page says yes. Grab me one while your at it!

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...Subwoofer.html

[johnnyrichards]

Would you happen to know if these are shielded? If they are, one goes on my shopping list. Unless they have a flawed design (which I doubt), they're a steal at that price.

Yes they are. I had one of the drivers they used in that subwoofer series, and it uses a bucker but no cup.

[DDF]

Yes they are. I had one of the drivers they used in that subwoofer series, and it uses a bucker but no cup.

Oof:
http://www.harmanaudio.com/site_info/outside_us.asp

Dang isolationists. ;-)

[johnnyrichards]

Oof:
http://www.harmanaudio.com/site_info/outside_us.asp

Dang isolationists. ;-)

Oh that's no fun, those scurrilous hosers. I am flush on subwoofers, or I would buy one of these. Sorry about your luck, eh?

[AMC]

I am always so skeptical of rated specs, because of that I would have trouble justifying this. I don't believe it puts out 400 watts, and I would doubt the low freq rating. So taking my skeptic nature in to account, I am a builder in this one. You can get a Dayton reference 12 and a Bash 300 for under $300 @ your door. And you will not be disappointed.

[johnnyrichards]

I am always so skeptical of rated specs, because of that I would have trouble justifying this. I don't believe it puts out 400 watts, and I would doubt the low freq rating. So taking my skeptic nature in to account, I am a builder in this one. You can get a Dayton reference 12 and a Bash 300 for under $300 @ your door. And you will not be disappointed.

Actually, it does get close to what is claimed. Plus, it has a nifty parametric EQ package that the cheap BASH does not.

In fact, the amplifier has some equalization built in, including a bass boost, high pass and a broad notch filter all to tame some of the peakiness from the highish Q alignment.

I had a service manual for the unit at one time when I procured the driver used in this. I could not duplicate their product for what it would cost me to buy it today. At a minimum it would require one of those BASH amps floating around with the parametric EQ.

[ligs]

I am always so skeptical of rated specs, because of that I would have trouble justifying this. I don't believe it puts out 400 watts, and I would doubt the low freq rating. So taking my skeptic nature in to account, I am a builder in this one. You can get a Dayton reference 12 and a Bash 300 for under $300 @ your door. And you will not be disappointed.

Infinity used to make some really serious subwoofers. I have a pair of Infinity Perfect 10 VQ, weighing about 25 lbs each with 16 mm linear travel one-way. They are a beauty to look at. I should have put them into Plexiglass enclosures BTW. The deal on $300 also includes free shipping?

[DDF]

Oh that's no fun, those scurrilous hosers. I am flush on subwoofers, or I would buy one of these. Sorry about your luck, eh?

Thanks for the help regardless. I'm sure I'll turn something up or just build one