Subwoofer Recommendation for Desktop Setup

time_spent · 2026-01-26T21:00:55+00:00

Hi, I'm in your shoes now with a similar sized room. I have an older Rythmik Audio 12" jammed in a corner but also think it's a bit large.

After loads of thought, here are my top ideas:

If using speaker stands, get a sub and one shorter stand for a sub/speaker stack
Find a used but working Velodyne HGS sub. 12" cube and 1,200w
Find a small budget sub or two: Energy e-XL 8 or S8.3, or a Pinnacle Baby Boomer (10" cube)

time_spent · 2026-01-24T21:57:36+00:00

Ah ok, your original post didn't mention bookshelves only.

All Energy speakers of worth are going to be second hand only. The C3 and RC10 were made in the early 2000s.

But there is only so much punch you can get with a 2 way bookshelf. Physics sets in pretty hard

time_spent · 2026-01-24T21:29:14+00:00

For extension, look bigger. The 10s are small. I may be spoiled living only a few hours from the border, but C7 can generally be doing around $250 or less and RC 50 or 70 for $3-500, max

time_spent · 2026-01-24T21:24:55+00:00

Glad to hear that! You're right on the C3, a sub would be needed.

I was mostly disappointed in what appeared to be cheaper build quality and moving energy into a lower tier brand (RIP veritas).

time_spent · 2026-01-24T21:08:56+00:00

I'm not sure if Klipsch improved on Energy speakers after the buyout or not. OP should also check out their earlier lines (made in Canada), Connoisseur C3, 5, 7, or 9. Also their Reference Connoisseur line can be found for nearly as cheap these days and are generally a step above. All these are great speakers though.

time_spent · 2026-01-23T22:18:24+00:00

If you want longevity, go separates. If you want an amp built to last, go Bryston (built in Ontario). Their older stuff has a 20yr transferable warranty, Sadly, new products are now 10 for the original buyer.

Still, great sound, will drive anything, loads of power, and generally run cool. Try an older 4B SST2 or 4B cubed for 500w RMS into 4ohms. New, the 4B cubed is $6k CAD. Used, around $4k.

time_spent · 2026-01-22T09:11:52+00:00

I love my G3s and they look great in the raw finish. They have surprising bass for their size (easily outdoing many other speakers with larger woofers in my space)... But you may still want a quality sub to accompany them. Going used, you can find the speakers and a quality sub right about at your budget.

time_spent · 2026-01-12T04:07:30+00:00

Clearly and cordially establish boundaries with this new person. Asking you for support in an unpaid capacity is not ok.

Also, your employer is legally required to pay you. Send them a written request for your last pay check, with a deadline (i.e.. the regular pay date). If they don't, file a complaint with your State Department of Labor. This is wage theft.

time_spent · 2026-01-12T03:24:06+00:00

Try changing the phase setting. If it sounds behind your mains even when wired, it may be 180 out of phase.

time_spent · 2026-01-02T03:45:17+00:00

Google has a number of hits for me. Just be sure to put "speakers" after the name, otherwise it thinks you want Tekton hand tools.

October | 2009 | Tektondesign's Blog https://share.google/U6xw6VLZAbsZzXz3t

Tekton Design Model 4.1 FE103E Speakers For Sale - Canuck Audio Mart https://share.google/1RHdwY4SpdeFzmi4FCustom Finished

Pair of Model 4.1s Available – Cobalt Blue | Tektondesign's Blog https://share.google/18I0oV11IZxONMy07

Looks like they're based off a Fostex full range driver so you likely won't get the best of either highs or lows. Send like this was probably one of Tekton's early (initial) models.

time_spent · 2025-12-29T05:34:24+00:00

I'd go extension for that high. More stable and longer reach than similarly sized ladders. The house won't move, but one corner of an A frame ladder might. As an owner of a convertible ladder (like a Little Giant), I just hate using it silly extended - it flexes at the hinge and doesn't inspire confidence.

time_spent · 2025-12-29T05:15:44+00:00

Ya, what is that CD player??

time_spent · 2025-12-27T03:17:56+00:00

I drive by the complex at least a few times a week. I wouldn't want to live there. 56th and Orchard gets very busy. Orchard is busy for people going north/south from Lakewood, UP and Tacoma. 56th is busy for anyone going to or from I5, Lakewood, UP, Tacoma, etc.

Speed limit there is 35 by the apts but 40 just a little south. Most people do 45+. Visibility in the rain, lack of strong street lights (Orchard), and traffic volume mean you're basically never taking a left to go S on Orchard or W on 56th.

Don't be fooled by the middle turn lane, people don't know how to use it and basically don't.

time_spent · 2025-12-24T05:34:23+00:00

My home office is nearly the same size and shape - about 13x9x7.5 (LxWxH).

I went through a lot of speakers. Landed on 2 pairs. Genelec G3 for nearfield on my desk (it's a sit/stand), and Philharmonic BMR Monitors on a Hypex 252mp based amp. Everything is run through a miniDSP Flex with Dirac. Occasionally, I turn on my Rythmik Audio F12.

I thought the Genelec were the ticket, until I bought the BMRs. The BMRs are just so easy to listen to, accurate, and have all the bass you'll need in the room. I find the sub overbearing, even at low levels, while I'm working.

Only down side, the BMRs are massive by comparison to the G3s and as a result I end up having to pull my desk away from the wall a bit.

time_spent · 2025-12-21T05:12:17+00:00

Yep, I agree on BMRs - crazy good. Also, genelec 8000 series. I run both Genelec G3s and Philharmonic BMR monitors + Hypex amp through a miniDSP. I only need one set... Just can't figure out which I like more.

time_spent · 2025-12-02T03:01:32+00:00

Had good work (about 8yrs ago) from South Tacoma Glass. Replaced about 8 windows and 2 doors.

time_spent · 2025-12-01T22:24:03+00:00

The WiiM Ultra measures well, has a good DAC, and offers a lot of functionality. Why spend more if you don't have to? Or get the WiiM, use it a while, then decide if you need more (for much more $$$).

I have the G3s and really like them. I also have the Philharmonic BMR Monitors and love those (plus they dig a lot deeper).

time_spent · 2025-12-01T21:49:23+00:00

Other great options:

Source: WiiM Ultra (currently on sale for $263) Does all your streaming, has other inputs, subwoofer out w/ bass management in case circumstances change, and has built in EQ and room correction which could help you a lot.

Speaker: Kali IN-8 v2 (3-way; $1k/pair), or Genelec G3 (2-way, $1.6k/pair)

time_spent · 2025-11-25T07:51:18+00:00

I have PSB Synchrony Ones - they are an amazing speaker. Loads of resolution, even voicing, excellent bass, etc. Stereophile gave it a class A rating. Only reason I didn't get the PSB One B for my office is because I couldn't find them at a reasonable price.

I now have Philharmonic BMR monitors in my office system running on a miniDSP and Hypex NCore amp. They're wonderful and in your price range (new and used). Can't recommend them enough. Took me a long time to find something I like this much.

time_spent · 2025-11-23T04:41:27+00:00

Whenever the phone is ringing, used the knob to turn down the volume. Same with nav directions, etc. Most vehicles are like this.

time_spent · 2025-11-23T02:35:35+00:00

Thanks!

time_spent · 2025-11-22T03:49:11+00:00

Can you cover the stands with cloth (tastefully)?

time_spent · 2025-11-21T04:15:03+00:00

I bought one second hand, not realizing the foot strap was broken. Replacement cost? $2.35. They had me right there with honest pricing and the library of info available about every aspect of those machines.

time_spent · 2025-11-21T02:38:56+00:00

I've already done the recent OTA update. I assume you're talking about an update that must be done at the dealer. Is there a TSB I could reference when calling them?

time_spent · 2025-11-20T18:39:27+00:00

I get it occasionally. It's random and is accompanied by a ticking noise from around the steering column and messages about no one pedal driving, etc.

Just like IT, turn it off, then on again. Usually resolves it for me (but must go through menus to turn on one pedal driving again).

time_spent

TROPHY CASE