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One Sub or Two?
Hey folks, looking for some thoughts here on subs…
Putting together a system with B&W 801 D4s and a HTM81 D4. I don’t think B&W makes the best subs necessarily, so…
1. Looking for recommendations for other sub brands…I’ve heard good things about REL for example
2. Wonder whether I should get one “really good” sub or two “pretty good subs?”
System is for 2 channel listening to classic rock and also 5.1 audio for home theater purposes.
McIntosh amps and pre/pro.
Many thanks in advance for your advice…I appreciate it!
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- 26 posts total
I think I'd wait and see how they sound in your room. I wouldn't expect a speaker like an 801 D4 to need much help for two channel. I think you'd need really good subs to gain anything. It's interesting that REL's website doesn't have a recommendation. They recommend their model 31 for the 800 D3. It's a $7500 sub. I'm not saying you need to buy a REL, but you need a really good sub. How big is your room? How much do you want to spend? Two subs for music. |
I went with F12SE Rythmiks because of the ability to dial them in variably (rather than 0 or 180, as the case is with REL subs) to a pretty tricky room. I got a pair. Love them. I have an older REL, too, and it is my third sub. The subs are coordinated using MiniDSP (link is about subwoofer integration). Again, REL has a huge fan-boy contingent but not many models have variable phase. REL has 0/180, mostly. A simple 0/180 switch allows for a complete reversal of the subwoofer’s polarity, effectively inverting the signal. But variable phase control on a subwoofer allows you to fine-tune the bass output to blend seamlessly with your main speakers, maximizing bass response and avoiding cancellations at the crossover frequency. |
- 26 posts total