What is reddit's opinion of
BIC America F12 12-Inch 475-Watt Front Firing Powered Subwoofer?
From 3.5 billion comments
created by @mouseofleaves
Popularity Score: 67
This product was mentioned in 82 comments, with an average of 1.09 upvotes
Best Comments
I was looking at this one (particularly cause it matched the brand of others) and its not a whole lot more with a much high wattage(but that may not be as important as I thought)
So just snagged the JBL LSR308 to replace my fluance signature series passive powered bookshelfs that were hooked up to an AVR via speaker wire and the sub via coax .
They came with foam isolation blocks and xlr cables all for 200 for the whole set. Pretty dope!
Anyway I understood it all until I realized I could only hookup the speakers to my pc (using 1/4inch to aux splitter) and had no idea what to do with the (bic america f12 subwoofer)
So how do I hookup my bic america f12 sub to my jbl lsr305's? Coax to aux cable and plug that into the sub input on my mobo? Do I need a audio interface with a l/r and sub channel if they even make those. Help and thanks in advance!
i bought this sub
I was thinking about BIC America F12 12-Inch 475-Watt Front Firing Powered Subwoofer [link] but this requires me to get a mixer and it's a little over budget.
If you're able to stretch your subwoofer budget, I'd say spend the extra $100 and get this beast: [link]
Muuuuuuch much better bass for not much more money.
assuming you're asking for just a subwoofer i'd say definitely go with the bic america f12
let me know if you need help setting it up, depending on your source and other speakers.
They absolutely can be used for a home theater, but that other setup will sound better, but it's of course >2.5x the price, the center alone costs as much as all 3 Micca's. You won't be disappointed with the Micca's, but they won't be as good as the ELAC's. "Are the ELAC's worth >2.5x the price?", well that's up to you (and your budget).
That subwoofer only goes down to 35Hz with an RMS of 100w. I would suggest the BIC F12 (it looks much better as well).
How do you like that sub? I was planning on using it for my home theater. Likely won't be the end-all be-all, but it seemed a good starting place.
EDIT: Said amp, but meant sub. Sleepy, I guess.
Awesome, thank you. That was one of the receivers i was already considering. Do I need to purchase any sort of DAC? The subwoofer I'm looking it to is this one, as it's been suggested around the comments a few times. Would you recommend it? It appears to have a high pass filter.
You could also get 2 BIC F-12's for that range ($219 a piece or so.) I'd check acoustic sound design for this one as well if they stock it. These are very well reviewed in its price range also. Plus you'd have 2 !
I used to have a PSW10 a long time ago. IMO it's one of worst budget subs on the market. At the $200 price range either this Klipsch or the BIC F12 would make a big difference [link]. Even the Dayton 10" or 12" would be an upgrade.
Subwoofer is a BIC F12 (link). I suppose I could just run both inputs to the sub, keep the bookshelf speakers on the switch, and remember not to turn them on at the same time. I guess I was hoping for a more elegant solution, but there I go overcomplicating it again I suppose. Hopefully the day I forget to turn one off doesn't blow the sub.
Great feedback. I was thinking of going with 1's with a sub [link] , but if you feel the 3's sound great without a sub I would go that route since I don't want to waste too much space.
I am just starting off for now. Would you recommend the 3's by themselves without a sub? I would be using them in our 900sq ft basement rec room (viewing area of projector is 14x12 with sound bouncing off a nearby bar to the right of the screen). We use the projector for watching movies and some TV. When we have get together down there I would like to play music via bluetooth.
> I understand that probably the BEST bet is to sell those bookshelf and invest in bigger floor speakers…
I don't agree. Adding subs is a much better option, and that's what I'd do here, just with a different sub than you are looking at. The $60ish more for a Bic F12 will be noticed and won't end up being a bottleneck in the future - you would actually use these with slightly higher end systems unlike those you link.
That AVR is not a bad unit. If it has enough inputs I would just keep it for now and upgrade something else. That sub would be first on my hit list.
Most of the time you're only going to be using >30 or so watts to get to a pretty loud volume level especially with those speakers. They have a 90dB sensitivity so really 10 watts will get it to about 100dB at 1 meter. I don't think upgrading to get a few more watts is worth it.
Like some others have mentioned getting better room correction would help but I don't know that you're going to notice a huge difference. Upgrade the sub and see if that helps. BIC F12 for $200 would be a good place to start looking.
Go with the B652 AIR, the AMT tweeter is nice. I'd buy 3 pair ( they are only available in pairs.) Keep one as a backup and use one as a center speaker. If you are dead set on lowest cost a Dayton sub will fit the bill but you'd do yourself a favor if you stretched your budget just a bit to fit this: [link]
As budget subs go that's king. You'd have a total of approx. $390 for all of this.
Your sub budget is way out of proportion with the rest of your system. You can get the Dayton in the short term but you really should spend more on your sub. Minimum I would get with that setup is this: [link]
And really that's still skimping on the sub.
While it may work, your HTIB won't output any more power than 330w, if that's what it's rated for. You'd probably want to get a self amplified sub with line level inputs, such as the BIC America F12
I can, and have previously. It worked pretty well. I don't have exact sizes for my furniture, but it is large. The sofa, with back cushions removed, is about the size of a twin bed. It is ridiculously comfortable.
I will try to arrange it back that way. We use the bar for almost nothing, so blocking it isn't a huge deal.
Thanks again, I posted in /r/hometheater as well for layout advice. I pulled the trigger on the speaker set, and on this sub.
God dam, you’re right.
5.1 is better if you watch a lot of tv/movies and play a lot of games, but a 2.0/2.1 would be better if you mainly listen to music. Either way, you can't go wrong if you start with just a 2.0 system because you can always upgrade later. I don't know much about floor standers, but I know a few good bookshelf speakers.
Here is a good setup I recommend:
Subwoofer: [link]
Speakers: [link]
Receiver: [link]
I think I actually have a decent idea on what I might do in order to leverage all of my existing speakers:
Home Theater:
- Upgrade my sub to the BIC 12 (per Zeos recommendations)
- Add upgraded Bookshelf Speakers (I'm liking the HDT Level 2's for my price range coupled with the center)
- Move my Micca MB42x to Surround
​
And in order to not waste my current speakers, I'm planning to also upgrade my Desktop Computer Setup:
- Move my Klipsch sub to my desktop
- Move my Micca MB42x-c to my Desktop
- Buy another Micca MB42x-c to complete a 2.1 setup
- Add an SMSL Amp
​
The total comes to ~$755 and would upgrade my full home theater setup and desktop setup (I spend a lot of time gaming on my computer).
Would this subwoofer be a good match for the speakers, or would it be overkill?
Is this the sub you're referring to? https://www.amazon.com/BIC-America-F12-475-Watt-Subwoofer/dp/B0015A8Y5M
Are you referring to this? https://www.amazon.com/BIC-America-F12-475-Watt-Subwoofer/dp/B0015A8Y5M
I'm going to be receiving my pair of Philharmonic AA+'s monitors and realized I didn't have any stands to put them on. So I went scouring online and found a couple that peaked my interest, but wanted to come here for some possible last minute advise. Now I'm not sure if your expertise is limited to headphones, and IEM's directly or if it expended to Monitors and home theater setups as well. I'm currently using a Sprout100 as my integrated amp which are powering my Meze 99 Classic's which I have some to really like. I can wear them for hours and they just do not get fatiguing both to my ear or my head. In the back I have a BIC America F12 12-Inch 475-Watt Front Firing Powered Subwoofer, and will also have these Affordable Accuracy Plus Monitors.
Now that you know what I am working with. I am looking for some stands to hold those monitors. But IDEALLY I'd like to have stands that I can adjust for both close and far range listening. Raising the stands up while I'm sitting closer at my computer, and then lowering them to be ear level while sitting farther back on my couch. I love the sturdiness of the following stands, but they are not adjustable: Atlantic 77335799 Speaker Stands & Sanus NF36B 36" Natural Foundations Speaker Stand. One the opposite side of the spectrum, I'm not too fond of the construction of these stands but the adjust-ability of them seems very very nice: VideoSecu 2 Heavy duty PA DJ Club Adjustable Height Satellite Speaker Stand
Do you know if there is something out there that has the best of both worlds?
For a low budget, see if you can used speakers, receiver, or subwoofer, at least one part, maybe 2, then buy what you can't find new.
3 Passive speakers for the fronts. Move the powered Edifiers in another room or on your desk.
Clearance sale dual 5.25" Polk Audio Monitor 40 Series $100 with a matching center Polk Audio Monitor CS1 $80.
Receiver: Denon AVR-S530BT $160 refurbished 5.2 with HDCP 2.2 and HDMI 2.0B for 4k switching.
Then save up for a budget subwoofer: Dayton Sub1200 $130 with $10 coupon, BIC F12 $200, Bic-Acoustech-PL-200 $300. Better SVS, HSU or Rythmik start at $425 or $550.
More speakers: AverageJoe's Speaker Recs and r/HTBuyingGuide Speaker Recs
Guides:
Home Theater: r/HTBuyingGuides FAQ, How to Set Up a Basic Home Theater System - Lifewire, How to Set Up Your Home Theater Receiver, also see r/hometheater
Home Audio : Intro to home stereo systems, Beginner's Guide to Home Audio, r/Audiophile Getting Started, Zeos AMP and DAC guide
Speaker Placement: Stereo Music Listening, Home Theater
- Receiver: ???
- Speakers: Affordable Accuracy Monitor
- Subwoofer: BIC America F12
- Stands: SANUS BF31-B1
With the above mentioned hardware, what receiver would be best suited for me? This is going to be a 2.1 setup only, nothing larger, ever, and will be used in conjunction with a computer feeding the audio via USB-C or HDMI (via pass-through). Ideally I'd like to stay under $400 for the receiver since it doesn't need to have every feature under the sun. Just looking for something with stereo outputs, sub output (but not necessary since the sub has a pass-through) and a 1/4" headphone jack in the front. This will be sitting on my computer desk so something not crazy big would also be a plus. Headphones will be used for mostly gaming or late at night while the speakers will be used during the day for music, movies and gaming. This can be new or used, I just want what will work best within my limits if possible.
I plan on selling my Schitt Wyrd, Magni 3 and Bifrost Multibit and replacing them with a single unit (some receiver). I also plan on selling my Mackie ProFX12 v2 in place of a smaller unit as well. But this is all going to be situated around my computer desk as shown.
This receiver has been mentioned but I'm not sure if it has enough oomph to get the job done without getting overwhelmed: YAMAHA A-U671
This was also another one that I found but wasn't sure if it would work either: SMSL AD18
-----
ALL RECOMMENDATIONS ARE WELCOMED! Please just give me some options and I can weigh the pros and cons of what I see everyone listing.
My plan is to eventually get the following sub: [link]
and IDEALLY because of space concerns I would like to drive them with this: [link]
Music mostly (tons of different genres from Heavy Metal to Orchastral) with some video games when I decide to not wear my headphones. 2.1 setup at the end, 2.0 to start off.
I'd go with either the receiver you said, or this one, which will do the same stuff and is on sale. Accesories4Less has a sketchy name but they're fantastic and I've bought a bunch of stuff there (including that receiver).
Satellites are fine, those don't matter as much so the COVO's are good.
I can't tell what subwoofer that is, I know this one is good, and so is the Dayton, which I actually have and like.
The ELAC's are good, just be aware that they are pretty big (look at dimensions and figure out if they're ok for you).
I would NOT recommend getting that center if you get the ELAC's, the ELAC's have 6.5" woofers and that center has 4" woofers. You want a center that matches the left and right, and that center is both smaller and won't match the sound signature of the left and rights.
I'd get the Denon receiver and Dayton sub, then take the savings and put it towards a matching center (ELAC C6.2, $280).
I went with this one: [link]
Still in stock here? BIC America F12 12-Inch 475-Watt Front Firing Powered Subwoofer
> so I was thinking 3.1
Gotcha. Also, surrounds can really be cheaped out on.
For ~$950, you can get:
This receiver, which is $270 factory refurb (recommended) or $420 new on Amazon.
This subwoofer for $210.
These bookshelves and their matching center for $460 total.
If you want less expensive speakers, let me know how much less. I wouldn't recommend spending less on the receiver or subwoofer (unless you find a great Craigslist deal).
those Arenas should give you plenty loud, I can make my Martin Logan bookshelf speakers fill the house. [link] this sub goes deeper (with good volume) than any in its price range and many people speak highly of it. I don't know much about the 2 subs you are looking at but most subs like these have a significant fall off in volume at lower frequencies and anything under 10" is gonna feel pretty weak out side of a limited sweet spot.
I just got this [link] and couldn't be happier, it used to sell for around $600 but new versions have come out. The BIC I linked or any ported unit from SVS and HSU will typically give more volume than the sealed sub I chose which would be to your liking. The SVS and HSU are kind of considered entry level "enthusiast" subs and they are better than the BIC, but if you like house pounding sound The BIC will get you there.
Don't go with Bose or Sonos. The the following would be significantly better for the money:
- Denon AVR-X1200W Receiver $300
- Emotiva Airmotiv C1 and B1 LCR speakers $550
- BIC F12 Subwoofer $212
I've left out the rear speakers which are easy enough to add later. It frees up more of the budget for front and center speakrs. The AVR-X series from Denon includes the mid-level Audyssey room correction which should help with setup. Don't bother spending much on cables - check out monoprice to pick up some cheap/good ones.
Its probably one of the best subs you can get for about 200$.
Here's what i think you should do. 1. Buy a relatively inexpensive sound card with optical output like this. 2. Buy really, any good name brand receiver (Sony, Denon, Pioneer) either new or used (if you go used, you could save tons). 3. Buy any sub you want, again new or used.
If I were doing this, I'd comb Craigslist. I routinely see guys selling 5 to 10 year old Denon's that were $1000 for $100 used. The sound quality on those receivers is phenomenal and will destroy a new $250 Pioneer or Sony. Likewise, scope for subs. For some reason everyone and their mom is always selling Polk subs on my Craigslist. They're not bad. I went with this.
But yeah a sound card with optical will make hooking it all up waaaaay easier and sound better.
Two part question. (This setup will be for a computer in a medium sized bedroom.)
I am looking at getting a pair of JBL LSR305s. I was wondering if this sub [link] would pair well with them? And yes I know that's a lot of bass.
Whats the best way to hook these up to my computer with minimal noise? I have this motherboard: [link] and no other sound card. I would like to not have to use anything expensive, ideally just some cables.
Thanks so much!
I'm currently rocking the following 2.1 setup
On a budget of up-to 400$ I want to compliment what I have with either a Center Speaker, or surrounds. Which would be more important to get if I was prioritizing? Most of the activity is movies, and the gaming I do is all group stuff like Mario Kart.
You're probably looking for something a little higher end. But I have a bic America f12 and I like it quite a bit. [link]
Also check out the Bic F12. Haven't heard it myself, unfortunately, but it has great reviews for its price.
Two setups you could use to get a subwoofer with those Mackies:
Pair them with a USB audio interface (an inexpensive one is the Lexicon Alpha) and this Monoprice subwoofer: [link]. USB to interface, TRS cables from interface to sub, TRS cables to Mackies.
Pair them with, say, the Bic F12: [link] and a Schiit Sys: [link]. 3.5mm to RCA cable from your PC to Sys, then RCA cables to the Bic and Mackies using a splitter. Adjust the balance between the speakers and the sub, then use the Sys to control volume.
I think setup 1 is easier.
I have a Denon 1312. It's a small room. I recently decided to upgrade my budget form 300$ to 500$. Previously I had Energy Take RC Micro's, fairly good and I enjoyed them, however, most of the set randomly died on me, I tried everything, and can't figure out why. So I want a replacement. I paid 250$ for em, 3 years ago, however now, on ehre I have been getting suggestions and such, I was thinking of perhaps upgrading my budget.
My room is however small, so floor-standing won't work. I suppose I'll have to wall-mount them. Preferably at the corners of my walls so I could angle them downwards.
This is for a Desktop PC, so I'll be sitting close. Closer to one side of the room, that is. The JBL's have been recommended, with keeping my price range within 200$. 2 40's for my mains, 2 30's for my rears, and a 20 for my Center. Still, googling doesn't say fair things about these and I worry they'd be a downgrade from my RC Micros. The Infinity Primus are about double the price, as instead of 60$ for a pair, it's 65-75$ for a single. Reviews of those however, are stellar. So I might be willing to upgrade my budget for that.
Like grabbing 4x of these: [link] for 300$. Leaving enough for a center. I already have a F12 BiC Subwoofer: [link]
Far to big for my room, but it was priced right.
I know my Denon 1312 is pretty lowend, but I don't really have it in the budget to be going for a new one, at the moment. Stretching the budget to 500$ is already more than I wanted, but audio is important to me in my gaming. However I also found used pair of RC Micro for 200$. Which I am considering, because I didn't have to many problems with them, they sounded great to me, of course, until they didn't and died. So while it seems almost perfect(With an upgraded receiver, I could even do 7.1, re-using my two still working Micro's from this set), I am wary since my others died after just 3 years. Fluke, I know, the used set I buy could last 20, but still.
Also a worry that my current receiver couldn't really make use of such fine speakers.
Thanks for the answers, it definitely paints a better picture. You absolutely couldn't go wrong with that quality of 3.0. I don't think anyone here would suggest otherwise.
If you're open to suggestions other than Klipsch, I own these: Emptek in a 5.0 system with the dipole surrounds and the larger center. I emailed the company and bought the whole set for $1380. And they are known for having a GREAT black Friday sale and you may be able to get a whole set even cheaper.
There are a lot of reviews out there for these and audioholics ranks them very highly. I can't imagine having higher sound quality without spending thousands more.
As for the subwoofer - Whether you go with the Klipsch, Emptek or something all together different, even an inexpensive subwoofer like the BIC F12 will add a lot of dimension to the system.
Finally, check out r/Zeos, he is a very active member on here and has some great reviews. I know this was a wall of text, but I hope it helps and wish you all the best in your search. It's a great hobby, and we'd love to see pics when you get everything set up!
Different amp/mixer wouldn't really change much.
The JBL sub you linked would probably work just make sure you don't pump too much power into it; it may even have built in shut-off if it feels threatened.
You could probably get away with these, also; BIC America F12, Theater Solutions SUB12D
Though I wouldn't usually recommend using 'home audio' equipment for uses like yours, for your price, it seems the only way to go. Just make sure you don't push the sub too hard and keep and eye on it and it should be fine.
I'm trying to figure out the best way to position my speakers given the current furniture arrangement of this room.
I feel like the current tower speakers are way too close to the TV, but the fireplace and couch don't give me too much room to play with.
The sub is behind the TV/couch. There is one rear speaker on the far end of the sofa and one directly below the camera.
The current setup is extremely sub-par in my opinion and so I'm looking for some advice. Also, here is the other side of the room. Picture
Thanks!
Edit: Also, please excuse the mess! :)
Edit 2: Here is the equipment involved, I also included the speakers that I have in my home office
Living room (Home theater)
Infinity OVTR-2 3-Way Full-Range Floorstanding Speakers
Center channel is currently disconnected (too much static)
Rear-speakers are a cheap set that I had initially bought for outdoor use
Home office
@$200, probably this one, BIC America
~500 for AV
~$150-250 for Sub, one I had in mind was this one [link] or the 10inch one of same series (correction on Dayton)
The Micca's will be fine for the living room and the Blose speakers will even be okay as surround but the center channel needs to go and be replaced with the MB42x-c.
As for the sub, you don't give any real dimensions for the room (can't see imgur at work) but it seems to be say 2800 cf? Also don't know what your subwoofer budget is so I'll go with:
min. $150: [link]
qual/budget compromise $220: [link]
Best quality $375: [link]
While the STF-2 is obviously not the best subwoofer made I believe each of these represents the best value at their respective prices. I wouldn't classify anything more expensive than the Hsu as budget friendly for most folks.
I literally just received mine yesterday and loving it. I would recommend this sub and this receiver for you as well (Denon just announced the new models so I jumped on the savings lol)!
Edit: Or does it have to be manufactured in Canada?
Not sure why you're imediately ruling out a sub. The sub can go anywhere, any of the room corners, between furniture and the seating, etc. It's not directional, so it doesn't need to fit in the little TV alcove.
Personally, my go to ~ 1k 3.1 system recommendation is:
3x Chane A2rx-c $690
Bic f12 sub $190
Denon ARV-E300 $180
Without the sub, it fit's in to your budget well, just a hair over if you include the sub.
Honestly, I can't imagine not having a sub in a HT system. most music is ok without a sub, but you miss so much content without a sub in movies/games/TV.
Bought two of these and really happy with the way they sound [link]
Of those two neither. I'm not saying they aren't good but general opinion has a few rated better. I would look at these before those.
BIC F12 $200 General considered the best budget HT sub. If you're a basshead I'm sure it would do very well for music too.
NXG BAS-500 $270 seems to be a step up from the F12 from some reviews that I've read.
HSU STF-2 $360 Entry level "elite" sub...even though it's a 10 it should still do very well.
Look them over and do some searching on your own. I think you'll find that polk is usually not known for their subs and the Klipsch is just ok. You could always just get a Dayton 12 if you want to go cheap. I find their 8" in more than enough for music...for HT the 12 will do better.
Speakers i am considering for this are Chane A1rx-c bookshelfs (dont have room for towers as the projector takes up the whole wall) but certainly open to any suggestions
Any comments on how these would work together? I would later add a center speaker and a sub. I believe there is one sub in the $200 range that is highly recommended on this sub HereBIC F12 or Here NXG
edit: these are also very tempting, cheap Klipsch RB41
Easy enough:
Ok, I'm new to this, so bear with me. I am trying to make this as budget as possible but still have a good system.
I would like to keep the setup around $300. I really only need a subwoofer and a couple desktop monitors. I am thinking a Bic America F12 ($200) and the Micca PB42X's ($100/pair).
Since they're both powered I wouldn't need an amp/DAC (not until I can afford them later for my headphones). I will be running all of these off of my computer's motherboard outputs. So my main question is: What do I need to set them up and how should I do it? I assume I would just get a 1/8" to RCA cable and plug that into the F12, then plug two RCA cables from the F12 output to the monitors' inputs. If this is correct, would I plug the 1/8" end into the computer output labeled Center? Would it be easier to go 1/8" to 1/8" from the computer output to the 1/8" input on the F12?
Thanks! And sorry if this is the wrong place to post this.
I haven't heard that sub, myself, but the usual go-to subwoofer in the $200 price range is this: [link]
I noticed you said home theater and not home stereo. The head units in cars just aren't going to compare to a good home theater system with hdmi switching and up-converting. So for signal processing, a head unit is out.
If you are looking for subs, for the price this is hard to beat:
If you are looking for anything else, I think it would be more trouble than it's worth. Heck even for subs I think it's more trouble than it's worth.
If money is the issue, sell the car audio equipment and buy a GOOD 3.1 home theater setup and then later add the surround channels as you can afford it.
I recently picked up a Bic America F12 for about $200. I couldn't be happier with my purchase.
Excellent advise all around, the only thing that I can add to that is that he may consider a subwoofer - you could even fairly easily incorporate a Home Theater sub if your friend or someone else has one that they don't mind bringing. Just split the RCA output from one channel using a RCA Y splitter to go to the sub. It isn't really necessary to split both channels since bass pretty much always goes to both anyway.
I used a B.I.C. America home theater sub for my last house party and it worked out much better than I thought it would. I got lots of comments on how great it sounded. I just used the Right Line out from the controller, with a Y splitter and one RCA to the subwoofer and the other to the right input on my extremely budget active speakers.
[link] This one is highly rated for both music and movies.
I think that you should go with the Yamaha AVR of three you picked because of the network integration, two zone, and YPAO included. The fact that you can get it refurb with the wifi adapter is cool to save you some money.
I like the speakers that you picked out. Fluance really impressed me with the quality of sound for the money. FYI you'll have to break them in to get the best sound so give them some time when you first get them hooked up.
The sub is something that you're going to have to fix. That ML is a great unit from everything I've read but not for a home theater like you're setting up. I would go with at least the BIC F12 for your low end. You could almost go two depending the room size. You could also step it up to the Fluance DB150 or go full out and get an SVS like this PB1000.