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Your experience of moving to two subs

Hi all, I have a 2.1 system with the sub sounding best in the center between the loudspeakers. My speakers have substantial, deep, and detailed bass for their size and with the SS amp I’ve chosen. Thus, the sub’s optimal crossover setting is only at about 28hz. I have plenty of bass amplitude going on -- don’t need "more" bass.

I’m wondering about soundstage effects of having two subs on the outsides of my speakers, though. Having my sub in the center does result in some apparent compression of the low frequencies towards the low-center area. The L and R channels from my preamp are combined at my sub. I know some people may disagree and think that the source of frequencies below 60hz can’t be located by human hearing, but my experience tells me differently.

Does anyone have an opinion on the benefits of 2 subs vs only 1 when there’s no need for more bass oompf?

128x128gladmo
musicaddict
370 posts
 

I moved from one good REL B1 to three total and then four subs (all set 60 or lower) and when set up properly I do enjoy it more, like most.   

If one can 'hear' and localize deep bass I might suggest the overtones or a second order sub crossover getting in the way. I believe something is heard, not the deep stuff though. The four subs I have are not set so loud or set so high as to ever know where they are for me.

The 'air' and additional horsepower are nice additions. Good luck and good idea on trying out the SVS SB-2000 as a test (I have two of those and an SB-3000).

 

soix
9,338 posts
 

Looking forward to your impressions once the subs are dialed in. 

jpan
119 posts
 

@tony1954 Agreed: a distributed bass array is the way to go. But if you can’t get there then two is better than none. Regardless, as others have stated, you need to put in the time & effort to optimize it. For me, it was one of the most cost-effective, biggest bang for the bucks that I’ve spent in this hobby. Huge, comparatively speaking. (Assuming you have a fairly well treated room too. Which is another big bang for the $$.)

adsell's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
adsell
72 posts
 

Plus 1. 3 subs in my system, 2 LR front and 1 in back left of MLP. Helps to minimize null points and cut room mode issues. 

erik_squires
16,004 posts
 

What sounds good to me is what’s optimal in my system.

This is true but this also assuming you’ve actually tried the alternative: High passing your mains at least at 60 Hz and letting your subs take the heavy lifting.

I don’t know everything you’ve tried, but I’ve never encountered anyone doing what you are now who didn’t end up being very happy to try again with a higher crossover.

Of course, that all requires measurements. :)

 

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