Single vs Dual Subs


Let's assume the budget is around $2k.

On the one hand, you could pick up a used/demo JL Audio or Velodyne DD-series. On the other, you could get a pair of new subs from Hsu Research or SVS. Given that the solution has to work well for 2-channel music as well as 5-channel movies, what would sway one in one direction or the other?

Thanks,
Lou
lhf63
BTW,

I suspect that any of the 12" models from Rythmik, SVS, or Hsu will be satisfying. The Rythmiks don't test as well below 35hz (as a practical matter, this is strictly HT territory), but they allow variable damping that's proven quite useful in system matching/fine tuning. In actual use, my pair of 12" subs reproduce 25hz test tones at high spl without breaking a sweat. They'd also go well below that if I adjusted the EQ and susonic filter to allow it.

As far as the LFE goes - try it both ways. Depending on your room and the main speakers in use (with the attendant selection of the best x-over point) it may, or may not, make a difference.

Marty
Didn't this issue come up in a series of posts a short while ago? One of the posters cited the Harmon web site. Their expert advice based on psychoacoustic research differs from that given in these posts. Given that LF has little or no directional information, a high quality sub well placed is usually sufficient except for very large spaces. Well placed is often in a corner. You might Goggle harmon, where you will find a series of technical papers dealing with various aspects of audio, including LF reproduction.

db
db,

I don't know the paper in question, but IME 2 subs vastly simplify the task of achieving smooth response. In room, you WILL get peaks and valleys which can be smoothed (to an extent) by varying the location of your sub. When you have the option of varying the location of 2 subs (and their phase/polarity), the chance of significantly mitigating all major anomalies is much greater. Again, IME.

Marty

The actual performance of the sub itself may also benefit significantly from the addition of a companion, depending on room size and placement (as you noted), as well as desired spl and program material.
Dbphd
Most subs are crossed oved at a point high enough where the sound is directional.
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