Fast, tight bass with deep lows and good highs and mids

Doesn't go as low as the Velodyne HGS series

This subwoofer adds depth and clarity to the bass, and is very well matched to the KEF THX reference system. I originally bought 4 KEF Q15's and 1 Q95c for Home Theater with the intention of getting a Velodyne HGS-12 at a later date. I spent months listening to a variety of subwoofers. The ones that stood out in the under $2000 catagory were:

1. Velodyne HGS-12
2. Boston Acoustics VR2000
3. KEF TDM 45B

After a great deal of listening, I decided on the KEF TDM 45B. The TDM 45B produces very accurate and natural bass. Listening to Hotel California on the Eagles Hell Freezes Over DVD (PCM version), the low conga hit cuts off fast enough to clearly here the reverb trail. This type of quick tight bass is usually associated with small 8" subs, but this subwoofer is 15". Most subs this size, give the listener a bump truck experience. These subs produce lots of low bass which trails off very slowly. The TDM 45B produces only what was on the original recording.

For Home Theater, I think the Velodyne HGS-12 edges out the KEF TDM 45B only because it can drive a little lower. Of course, the HGS-12 is about $1800 versus the TDM 45B price of around $1200. This tips the scales for me, in favor of the KEF.

In summary, the KEF TDM 45B provides great musical bass and good Home Theater support at an excellent price point.

Similar Products Used:

Velodyne HGS-12, Boston Acoustics VR2000

I recently purchased the KEF TDM45B. I've had it for about three months and itsounds better the more I use it!! I am currently a college student on a modest budget and am using a simple RCA cable feed from the subwoofer out of my Pioneer VSX 07TX. I placed the sub in the standard corner of my room and got impressive
results. The funny thing is that KEF forgot to pack the spike feet that was supposed to come with the subwoofer. The sub is still resting on a throw rug on top of my hardwood floor!! I through everything at it: movies, jazz, classical, choral, new age. It has very good pitch definition and does not strain at high levels - and I watch my movies close to THX reference levels. In the opening sequence of ID4 the only strain I got from my listening environment was from the walls of my house!