not important. Check subs that you look at to have ability to integrate with your system, either by crossovers, phase adjustments, boundary switches etc. Those help dial into your system, also your pre amp plays a role as far as what Hz to xover at. I dont really know what you mean by reputable though? High end, mid fi, or names that you have heard of through mass marketing? Money and options, and how low it will play, or should I say how low it REALLY will play will help in determining the quality, not just the volume. There are plenty of subs that will rumble and give you bass, they all will do that, but a good sub will do that when its supposed to, a good sub will also "play" tight, fast, and deep fitting into your system, and not sounding as if youve actually added a subwoofer. In other words, you wont really even know its there, except for the room filling bass at appropriate times. hope that helps, Dave
IMO anything velodyne will outperform klipsch, better range, more musical, and integrates smoother, Im no expert, and my opinion is just that, an opinion, but I havent heard a bad velodyne sub yet. Its all about your ear in your house on your dime, I just think that just because a sub is loud doesnt necessarily mean that its good, but I do have friends that only listen to output and nothing else, I personnally like a sub to sound powerful yet blend in seamlessly without overpowering the whole soundstage, and do so when supposed to, as opposed to just being there for the boom boom. Ive heard subs overpower a system (my brother in law) and he enjoys it because "its a lot of bass", but it annoys the **** out of me. We all have different tastes, but good sound is good sound, and a well made sub, integrated correctly, will add a whole new dimension to listening sessions, movie watching as well. Dave