TN1220 good choice for lower volume listening?

[dmass]

One last question. Thanks for the responses to my other pre-sales questions.

I have a larger room (25 x 18 x 7) with a home theater. I listen 80% HT 20% music. Normally folks would prefer high SPL outputs for this setup. However, I have tinnitus and am concerned about my hearing. So I tend to listen at lower-moderate listening levels (even for movies).

I am looking for the least distortion, cleanest sounding bass with extension at moderate listening levels.

The 1220's small foot print gives me a big advantage since I can have more options for placement to smooth out base response. I also have that parasound power amp I mentioned in the other post ready to go to support the 1220.

Is the 1220 the right HSU product for me?

[Dudley]

The human brain does not interpret deep bass as being as loud at low volumes as it does at higher volumes. The bass will still be just as flat at lower volumes, it just may not sound that way. This is why some recievers have loudness buttons to boost the bass at lower volumes. To get around this is simple, just boost the sub by a few dB, and you should be fine. Since you won't be playing at louder levels it won't seem overpowering at those levels.

I run my sub about 3 dB hot, and generally play at moderate levels. It really sounds good. I don't understand the desire to play at full volume - that is just plain painfull.

The TN-1220 should suit your needs well.

[Lwang]

This is why some recievers have loudness buttons to boost the bass at lower volumes
I thought the loudness button is so that you could get more bass boost even after turning the bass knob to its max.

[Dudley]

Theoretically, the loudness button boosts the bass relative to volume (this is probably not the case in less expensive boom boxes etc. with bass boost, turbo bass, super bass etc.). In other words, the lower the volume the greater the bass boost. If you have the system turned way up, then you should hardly hear the difference when the loudness button is engaged.

[Active Speaker]

I, too, listen at low to moderate levels, & I have the TN1220. It is fantastic! It blends seamlessly, it will have as much authority (without straining) as you could possibly want, it has an amazingly small footprint, and it is truly flat throughout its frequency range. As for the perception of bass at low levels, I use a Radio Shack spl meter to optimize my system; THEN I adjust the bass volume as needed to suit the volume level at which I'm listening. I've never had a problem getting super sound quality without ringing. If you can't swing the 500 watt amp now, you may want to get it later; it's excellent.

[Sorny]

The Bass Optimizer will work great with your parasound amp and a TN1220HO or two. I run a pair of them (headroom out the wazoo) and usually listen at moderate levels. However, I've recorded 118dB at the listening position during a few scenes in Star Wars Episode II (ship flyby and explosion) when played at reference. My subs are colocated in a corner about 15' from the listening position in a ~3500 cu ft listening area inside the ~7000 cu ft area (stupid open floorplans).

The HSU sounds as good at lower SPL as it does at outrageous SPL.

FWIW, I power my pair of TN1220HO subs with the surround channels of my Sunfire Cinema Grand (200x5@8, 400x5@4) amp (front 3 speakers are also powered off of this amp).

Sorny

[cschang]

Sorny!! Where have you been?

[Sorny]

I've been busy moding my new (to me) corvette and coordinating my relocation to Minnesota. I think I've graduated to the "just listen to your equipment and quit justifying the purchase to people who don't like it" phase of audiophiledom. I'm actually content with the setup now (though I still want me a HD-Tivo, but can't justify the expense when I'm buying a house and another car).

On that note, I've probably not gone above -25dB (from reference) in about 6 months, so my listening has definitely swung to the moderate side.

Sorny

[cschang]

In any case...it is good to see you post.

[Dudley]

That is a big change, Phoenix to Minnesota. Welcome to the land has a winter. I am next door in South Dakota.

[Sorny]

I'm from Minnesota originally, so it is going back home for me. I miss snowmobiling, ice-fishing, and highs just over 100, not over 115. ;)

Sorny

[cschang]

If your TN1220's have a problem making the trip, I will glady hold on to them for you. :D

[Sorny]

They will be just fine in the trip. The packaging for them is top notch. Fed-Ex shipping helped too, as my boxes looked like they were handled with white gloves and whatnot. Keep in mind, I'll be watching the movers like a hawk when they pack up my gear. (I'd pack it up, but then they won't guarantee it if they don't pack it). So, I'm going to pile my cabling up and bring out the boxes for all the gear and let the movers load it up.

Sorry to hijack your thread, dmas.

Sorny

[dmass]

Well I guess I will find out the answer to this thread with my own ears.

I just purchased a 1220. Should arrive next tuesday or so.

Thanks to all for your helpful suggestions.

[dmass]

not really a review, but just to let you all know, I am happy with my TN1220 purchase. Thanks for your comments to this thread and the others I posted in the last two weeks.

[Active Speaker]

What do you think about it, specifically?

[Michael Bain]

The TN1220HO is perfect for low volume listening, because it is very articulate and extends quite low!

enjoy

[dmass]

What do you think about it, specifically?
I have posted some on my experiences with my HSU TN1220 here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=422490

[Active Speaker]

So, what do you think about its SOUND?