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View Full Version : Which size for my room/setup 12 or 15?



mleuba
05-14-2012, 05:38 PM
Hi guys,
I am trying to decide which sub to get, the F12SE or the 15. My space is limited as you can see. The basement is divided in two with a half wall. The perspective of this shot is on the "other" side of the home theater space, which hosts a pool table. To the right of the right most speaker is a somewhat open area leading up stairs to the main floor, so the wall on that side is 10' from the right front speaker, but as you can see the other walls (rear and left side) are cramping the speaker placement (e.g see my existing Velodyne MiniVee behind the right front). The carpeted HT side of the total space is 13' front to back x 21 ' wide, with the main listening area about 10x11 really, with again a 1/2 wall behind the leather couch. Ceilings are 8.5' tall.

I want: a) to get the most out of my subwoofer purchase, b) I have limited space and c) I don't want to throw money away. In that order...:-)

Finally, I would like to have a full bass experience with volumes on the low end in case I need to mind my p's and q's... If this can be better achieved by the 15 (or the 12 for that matter) that would also be a factor.

Should I spring for the 15 or is the 12 the right sub for me? Appreciate your advice!

Mark

curtis
05-15-2012, 04:18 PM
If space is not a concern, it is never bad to go up in size.

Your overall space is not small. I would go for the 15.

Dark Ranger
05-16-2012, 12:20 AM
Hi mleuba,

I'd suggest one exercise that might help you decide: cut a piece of cardboard or scrap plywood sized to the width and depth of the F12 and F15 (a masking tape outline also works, although it's less convenient than the other two). Once you have the footprint models, you can test several candidate locations without breaking your back. It doesn't appear that you have too many options for placement, so my guess is that the subwoofer size will dictate final location instead of placement based on "the sub crawl."

My point is this: if the 15" model doesn't fit in the room without rearranging furniture (maybe you don't mind doing this), then the F12SE will still provide the improvement you're looking for. If you have the room for either subwoofer, then I agree with Curtis, grab the 15" model for a little extra output.

The good news is that no matter which one you purchase, both subwoofers have virtually identical sound quality thanks to the servo design and Brian's attention to detail. The 15" offers around 3dB more output for continuous signals (2 dB at 20 Hz) and up to 5 dB for short bursts compared to the F12. The larger driver on the F15 simply moves more air than the F12, but they both have outstanding sound quality.

For what it's worth, I have a F15SE in a 1,031.25 cu. ft. room. No complaints. :p

hearing specialist
05-21-2012, 11:40 AM
I'll throw my wrench in the wheel here. Both subs are awesome and servo driven is sweet for sure, but I would go with dual F12's if it were me. My opinion is that I would always go with smaller and with a dual setup vs. 1 large enclosure. The benefits out weigh just a single. Now saying that, if you have to go with just one unit with the mentioned choices, go with the F15. It's always better sounding having a sub that can produce high levels of output without breaking a sweat, imo here.

Just my opinion :D

bkdc
02-19-2013, 12:59 PM
I own dual F15's, and if I were you, I'd go for dual F12's. I have an even bigger room, and my subs are capable of throwing down far far far more sound that I can ever demand from them. I wish I'd gone with the dual F12's just for size reasons. If you're going with one sub, then I guess the extra 3dB from the F15 might make sense for the space it takes up.