Adding first sub to Wiim Ultra

[Papa]

Considering adding sub to setup. Current system

Yamaha Rn803
Wiim Ultra
Dali Oberon 5 speakers


I know basically nothing about subs but have started reading up on them. Would like to keep under $500, would not rule out used
Considering something like
Audio engine S6
Klipsch 120SW
Polk Monitor XT-12

Any other suggestions

Just starting this process so at this point looking for some helpful direction.

Only use to listen to music, not connected to TV at this point. 60s 70s Rock, country when mood strikes Pic of current listening location above

 

[harkpabst]

Short reminder: If you want to connect a subwoofer to the WiiM Ultra you must use it's volume control and always keep the R-N803 at the same constant volume setting.

 

[Horsey]

Short reminder: If you want to connect a subwoofer to the WiiM Ultra you must use it's volume control and always keep the R-N803 at the same constant volume setting.

Whoa, so you can't use an external DAC with a WiiM Ultra and control the volume from there with a sub?

That's a different kettle of fish. That means only the digital volume in the Ultra, right?

 

[harkpabst]

Whoa, so you can't use an external DAC with a WiiM Ultra and control the volume from there with a sub?

That's a different kettle of fish. That means only the digital volume in the Ultra, right?

This is not something specific to the WiiM product. It's dictated by simple logic and applies to all devices.

The WiiM Ultra subwoofer output volume follows its general volume setting proportionally. Set the volume to a fixed value and the same applies to the sub output, of course. How should the volume control of an external DAC or even that of an amplifier connected to this DAC be able to control the output level of the WiiM Ultra's subwoofer output? It's impossible.

As I said, this is true for each and every device offering a subwoofer output.

 

[Horsey]

Thanks, haven't had a subwoofer since a 2.2 NHT Xd system. Those subs were terrific.

 

[Danny Linguini]

Short reminder: If you want to connect a subwoofer to the WiiM Ultra you must use it's volume control and always keep the R-N803 at the same constant volume setting.

His amp also has a sub out, so it all depends on how he connects the sub. The only problem there would be not being able to take advantage of WiiM’s bass management or room correction. But it looks like his amp also has that stuff built in, so it’s kind if a wash.

OP, I’d suggest going with at least an 8” driver in the sub, 10” or 12” if you can find one within your budget. The Klipsch SPL120 gets great reviews and will have plenty of power, probably your best bet in that price range. The Polk at 50w probably won’t add much punch to your mains. If you can go a little bit higher, take a look at the SVS SB-1000 Pro. I just picked one up a few weeks ago for my music listening stereo setup, and it continues to amaze me. I got an open box unit from Amazon for under $500 - great deal if you can find one.

 

[harkpabst]

His amp also has a sub out, so it all depends on how he connects the sub. The only problem there would be not being able to take advantage of WiiM’s bass management or room correction. But it looks like his amp also has that stuff built in, so it’s kind if a wash.

Correct, it's just an "if" ...

If you can go a little bit higher, take a look at the SVS SB-1000 Pro.

Under the same precondition (use of WiiM's subwoofer management) the "classic" version (non-Pro) is a good pick, too, if a) it's available and b) the price is lower.

Less then $500 for the Pro is really a good deal.

 

[dominikz]

In my opinion this sheet is the best resource to refer to when looking at subwoofers.
These are all options that perform reasonably well according to CEA-2010-A and are under 500$ (based on the information from link above) - sorted from cheapest to most expensive:

• Monoprice SW-12: 230 USD
• Dayton Audio SUB-1500: 260 USD
• Monoprice SW-15: 300 USD
• BIC America PL-200II: 420 USD
• RSL Speedwoofer 10S MKII: 450 USD
• BIC America PL-300: 450 USD
• Polk Audio HTS 10: 450 USD
• Infinity REFERENCE SUB R12: 500 USD
• SVS SB-1000 Classic: 500 USD

The cheap Monoprice SW-15 and the RSL Speedwoofer 10S MKII have the most output and extension out of these.
Speedwoofer is generally well-regarded so I'd personally probably go with that one if available.

For what it's worth I own the SVS SB-1000 Classic and am pretty happy with it!

 

[lempogi]

His amp also has a sub out, so it all depends on how he connects the sub. The only problem there would be not being able to take advantage of WiiM’s bass management or room correction. But it looks like his amp also has that stuff built in, so it’s kind if a wash.

OP, I’d suggest going with at least an 8” driver in the sub, 10” or 12” if you can find one within your budget. The Klipsch SPL120 gets great reviews and will have plenty of power, probably your best bet in that price range. The Polk at 50w probably won’t add much punch to your mains. If you can go a little bit higher, take a look at the SVS SB-1000 Pro. I just picked one up a few weeks ago for my music listening stereo setup, and it continues to amaze me. I got an open box unit from Amazon for under $500 - great deal if you can find one.

I also got my SVS SB-1000 Pro as open box-like new from Amazon for $460, seller is Electronics Expo which is an authorized dealer. A very good deal because it really looks brand new and complete without any dings or scratches.