Would an active subwoofer be much better than my included passive sub?

[keenan]

I'm still using the included speakers for my decade old "Home Cinema in a box" Pioneer HTP-072.

While I've been more than happy with the sound I've been reading up on active subwoofers and I'm curious to see if it would make much of a difference.

The original receiver gave in a few years ago, so I replaced it with an Onkyo R390, which is more than perfect for my needs, but even then I realised the receivers with passive sub support was few and far between.

So, my question.. would it be much of a benefit if I'm still using the included passive speakers?

If yes...

Would something like a used Connected Acoustic 175W/10" sub below £50 and with no real pedigree be a worth while purchase or should I lean more towards a new Wharfedale Diamond 150 for, well .. three times as much?

 

[keenan]

Thank you so much @lucid for all the valuable information! You pretty much summed it up perfectly and all I want is to give the audio a bit more presence.

Now, my current living room is only about 4m x 3.5m so I don't really need anything too extravagant, but in time I'll look at upgrading at least the front left, right and center.

As for the used sub, this is really the only evidence I could find on it..

Is this Sub worth a punt???

Connected Acoustic Sub10 Subwoofer £99. Has anyone heard or have dealings with them? Not too up on Subwoofer's, but looking for a decent budget one. Connected Acoustic - Streaming Audio Systems > Connected Acoustic Sub10 Subwoofer

www.avforums.com

I'll keep and eye on the listings you linked and see if I can't arrange a courier collection if the seller is up for it..