Triska, STF-1 HSU or 8" Orb sub

[curiousburke]

Hi All,

I've been thinking about the Orb 2.1 speaker system:
http://www.orbaudio.com/index.asp?Pa...PROD&ProdID=16

for my living room to replace the small set of Sony bookshelf speakers I currently use:
http://www.audioreview.com/cat/speak...3_1594crx.aspx

As of right now, I only listen to music, but I will eventually want to use it for HT. I should specify that I most definately don't want to rock the house (condo), I just want to fill in some lows.

I spoke with an Orb rep. and he claimed their 8" subwoofer, which adds $310, is better then anything available for less then ~$700. So, I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with their sub and if so how do you think it would compare to the STF-1 HSU:
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/stf-1.html

which I've seen recommended a lot, and how might it compare to a DIY project like the Triska from PartsExpress:
http://www.partsexpress.com/projects...aSub/index.cfm

Also, how do you think the Triska would compare to the STF-1, or the X-sub from av123? Am I really going to be able to build something superior to what I can get off the shelf?

Thanks in advance for any opinions you are willing to share!

-mark

[curiousburke]

some wise person once suggested that a poster only ask one question at a time. I probably should have heeded this advice.

How do you think the DIY Triska would compare to an off the shelf model like the STF-1?

[HIPCHECK]

The triska sub is a very nice design. add a plate amp to the DVC 8 and you have about anything you can buy @ the best Buys and whatnot. would trump any of the Home Theatre in a box systems!

I have one built, and have run if off a lm3886 gainclone just to test. I have a large living room with 12 ft arch ceilings, and the triska played very well when pushed closer to the corner.

If you were going to DIY its a very easy project, make a box anywhere close to a cube or so, and add a little weight to the passives.


Buy the 70watt amp from Parts Express and you would be far better off than the HSU product, They make great stuff , but DIY only cost you parts really! $60.00 amp $50 for the passive/sub and your set!

good luck with your choice!

I wouldnt mind selling mine (used under 30 mins) pm/email if your interested

steve