I'm replacing a Klipsch RSW12 that seems to have died after 12 years. I originally picked it from 4 I brought home to audition because it reproduced bass instruments so well...from bass guitar to organ and drums, which all sounded tonally correct instead of the thud that so many other subs substituted for music. Now the same system is used for HT too, but I need a replacement for the Klipsch that does equally well with music and movie effects. How well does this sub do this? Alternatives for < $800? The room is 21x18 with 9' ceiling. Thanks.

Dave

How the heck can a properly functioning speaker make anything like a "thud"?

Take a look at this list for ideas on the kinds of "reviews" that I tend to avoid: http://zebra.sc.edu/smell/wine_glossary.html

If you have adequate power,correctly routed low frequency content, properly isolated signal and no errant physical obstructions to improperly resonant with any of your speakers I cannot imagine that any "thud" would ever be encountered in normal use, though there are lots of folks on the interwebs with improper setups / malfunctions that often go "unresolved" -- http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/home-audio-subwoofers/1882-strange-thumping-sound.html

Ok, one of the more detailed if still adjective filled reviews: http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-loudspeakers/subwoofers/outlaw-audio-lfm-1-plus-subwoofer-2.html

Seems likely that Andrew's choice of music and movies would have revealed any short comings.

I have the LFM1-EX and it performs very well with music. I have it crossed over at 80 hz. Keep in mind that they are downfiring subs and if they are on carpet you might lose a little bit of sound. I also have an Aperion sub which is front firing and performs really well with my Magnepans in a 2.1 system. For either HT or music you can't go wrong since you can audition them for thirty days. SVS also makes some fine subs along with HSU.

Have you tried troubleshooting the Klipsch yet? Could be a blown fuse.

Thanks for the feedback and links, esp Andrew's review. Sounds like just what I'm looking for. I had to chuckle at the reaction to my "thud" description. Sorry that my crude description of what I recall some subs sounding like a dozen years ago wasn't up to current editorial standards. OTOH, maybe the product group has improved so much across the board that any sub will pleasingly reproduce a variety of bass instruments. Not having listened to any subs except my Klipsch in a long time, I wouldn't know, hence my inquiry.