Single vs Dual Subs

1) Audyssey, SVS/Audyssey, Velodyne SMS allow parametric EQ below the x-over frequency. The benefit in seamless integration and smooth deep bass (i.e. "fixing your room")is amazing. If your pre/pre-pro/receiver doesn't have this feature, I'd budget $450 (Velo SMS) to $800 (SVS/Audyssey) to add it.

Anybody got an idea how much practical difference there is between the Velo SMS-1 and the SVS/Audyssey AS-EQ1? The AS-EQ1 is just in the process of being released -- I haven't seen any used available on the 'gon yet. The SMS-1, on the other hand, can be had for under $400 used at present. So, any idea which of the following would be best?

- 2 Hsu VTF-2 + SVS AS-EQ1
- 2 Hsu VTF-3 + SVS SMS-1
- 2 SVS PC12 NSD + SVS AS-EQ1

They all come in around $2k, though the VTF-3 combo is a little more than the other two, which come out nearly identical.

Thanks,
Lou

Lou,

A-gon'r Kr4 has compared many of the available room correction devices (not sure about the SVS) in his work for Stereophile. You might want to drop him an e-mail.

IME, The Velodyne requires some time/effort. The process of flattening the FR is a lot less logical than you might think - sometimes it feels a bit like a game of whack-a-mole. However, the SMS is very flexible and it will get you there, eventually. Also, you can tailor/tweak response to taste, which may prove useful. The thing works as designed and it's fairly priced. That noted, KR has indicated in previous threads that he prefers Audyssey, as implemented in the Audyssey powered devices to which he's compared the SMS.

Marty

PS The SVS requires a x-over ahead of it (so budget accordingly), while the SMS includes a built-in x-over. Alas, if you require low cut for the mains, the built-in x-over in the SMS will subject your main speakers' signal to ADA conversion. I found this audible (I think), but "benign" - it sounded SLIGHTLY different, but not necessarily "worse" than the non ADA signal. Nonetheless, it bothered me in principle, so I added an NHT X-2 ($300) to low cut the mains.

For the money ($450 at Audioadvisor.com), I can tell you that the SMS does a great job - particularly if you're not acutely stricken with audiophilia nervosa, like me.