Sometimes the New filter is the best because you can have access to all the stuff people are trying to put out there but can also be a nightmare. Posting a reply to a new post and then a couple hours later realizing that the post went to the front page of reddit and you have hundreds of replies....

I sort by New Comments, which means I also see new posts right at the top. It's like an old forum this way. I get a mix of brand new content, as well as what's hot and trendy.

I sort on subscribed new by default.