Looking for Budget Active Subwoofer (up to $200) to Complete Stereo Setup

Background: After some years without a dedicated hifi stereo system in my bedroom (These days I mostly listen via headphones or the near field ADAM A5 monitors through my PC), and having sold almost all of the more expensive gear I once owned, I am now piecing together a very modest stereo setup again for movies and music. The components I already own:

+ Aiyima Tube T9 Pro mini amplifier
+ LG BluRay player
+ Brennan CB7 CD Ripper/Player
+ Wiim Mini Streamer (arriving today) for wireless streaming

Because my trusted old Klipsch Reference RB-75 bookshelves lack a bit of punch in the deep bass, I'm now looking for a smaller, budget-friendly ($200, preferably less) active subwoofer to complete my 2.1 setup.

I know I can't expect too much at this price point, but I simply cannot invest more, and this will be mostly for non-Marvel movies.

The subwoofer should have a 3.5mm or 2xRCA stereo input, and the main speakers should go through the amp.

Any half-decent options available?

 

Either look for a local second hand one or consider Dayton from parts express or monoprice. They often do free shipping too.

 

I would be surprised if you'd find a lot of cheaper options with RCA inputs.. And i dont know any options with 3.5mm input as an option. Wouldnt it be easier to get a 3.5mm -> 2x 6.5mm cable (or something similar that fits the use case)?

Used is probably best here, or something like thomann where you could send it back if you arent happy.. I've only heard a few REL and SVS subs, all of which are 3-400+ on the used market so I'm sorry I cant be more helpful. I suppose you might find more recommendations on head-fi or reddit tbh

 

These types of questions belong in a dedicated advice thread, not its own thread.

• https://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/the-two-channel-advice-thread.3191/
  
• https://superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/the-all-purpose-advice-thread-part-2.12149/

For something new, as @dBel84 pointed out, you'll be limited to truly budget subs. This is one that is often recommended: https://www.parts-express.com/Dayton-Audio-SUB-1200-12-120-Watt-Powered-Subwoofer-300-629?quantity=1. I tried it in an office system with my Vanatoo T0 and didn't think it sounded great. Better than no sub at all I guess, maybe. Perhaps you'd have better results using it in a normal system and not as part of a nearfield desk setup. I could also just be more of a sealed sub kind of guy.

I sent it back for a refund and ended up getting a Rythmik L12, which is an amazing sub for the price.

Wirecutter now recommends a Monoprice subwoofer instead of the Dayton SUB-1200 linked above: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-budget-subwoofer/. It's currently out of stock, but may be worth looking into.

 

Thanks for the tips so far. I need a model though that ships from Germany. I decided I'll be trying the compact ELAC Debut 10.2 downfiring sub a try:
https://www.amazon.de/dp/B07F7G98F8?psc=1&smid=A3JWKAKR8XB7XF&ref_=chk_typ_imgToDp

It's easy to implement (RCA input, the speaker connections remain with the amp, downfiring sub with bass reflex opening to the front), the customer reviews sound reasonably promising (couldn't find very many expert reviews), and it should do for my 20 square meters bedroom.

 

Have you tried looking on Thomann?
https://www.thomann.de/de/cat_GK_st...load=1&oa=pra&gk=STMOSW&cme=false&filter=true

 

Well, I got my Elac Debut S10.2 yesterday. Small (34x34 cm) but sturdy (13kg) unit. Installation was a lark, and it packs quite a punch. So much so that I had to lower the low pass to 55db and the volume so it doesn't sound boomy. It'll certainly do the job for me for the time being.

 

I have a rel t5 that I am replacing with another sub. only have the line level wire for it no power cord or orginale box, would have to pack it to ship. would sell for $300. and split shipping, paypal friends and family.
best,
Josh