Using two different size subs can be very helpful in evening out room nodes. Place them at opposite ends of the room. With monitors as mains, I would use two identical subs. Proper integration is way more than twice as difficult, but the effort is worth it.
Stereo Subs - Do they need to be identical?
I'm thinking of getting a couple of subwoofers to mate with my MBL 121 monitors. Generally, I've seen setups where people use two subs of the same brand and size. I'm wondering whether it can make sense to use two different sizes. For example - a Venoyne DD12 and a DD15. I'm likely going to go with Velodyne DD series or JL Audio.
In particular, I note that the big Velodyne 1812 uses an 18 inch and 12 inch woofer, with suppsed benefits in terms of speed (12 inch) and extension and depth (18 inch).
In particular, I note that the big Velodyne 1812 uses an 18 inch and 12 inch woofer, with suppsed benefits in terms of speed (12 inch) and extension and depth (18 inch).
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As you go towards small ported subs you tend to get more harmonic distortion thermal compression, lower overall SPL output and poor transient response. It is just physics and heavy helpings of compromise. Larger is better when it comes to subs. Sealed box usually has the best transient response even if output SPL is correspondingly lower. Two subs or one - I don't think it matters that much - for best sound I would not recommend to place a stereo sub next to each main speaker. Definitely an asymmetrical placement will be better. |
Again, if using monitors, stereo subs next to them is definitely the general recommendation. And it most assuredly does matter that muchThe reason I suggest to avoid stereo sub placement like you describe is to avoid quarter wave rear wall cancellation in the bass that you always get from symmetrical placement of full range speakers. The great advantage of a sub is that you can reduce this problem with an asymmetrical placement. I agree that stereo subs next to speakers is definitely the "general recommendation" though. With so many free standing full range speakers out there, I suspect most people don't worry about these details or are blissfully unaware. No wonder there are so many room acoustic bass problems and speaker demos never sound the same twice and some companies have special "setup" technicians trying to figure the best sounding compromise in placement of large full range speakers. |
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