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Dual Subs

Have been using Tyler D3M's for several months now. Excellent monitors with my Plinius electronics. Have been using them with a DS12 sub.

I'll be educating myself on this over the next while, but thought to throw up a general query. What are the benefits of running two subs? Is there something that two subs deliver that one could never technically produce?

Reason I'm asking is that I am very satisfied with the effect of this sub in my room (room is 35 x 40 x 10 ft high). But I've always wondered what may be the benefit of adding the second sub. I've had one local shop tell me that if indeed you have hit the 'magic' spot, and you are delighted with the sound, the affect of the second sub may be marginal at best. Not knowing if true or not, now considering that route.

thanks for any and all opinions on this
terra3
dgordonl
128 posts
 
I just added a 2nd sub to my system and I am totally happy.Balanced out the room with a better soundstage,and musicality...Music seemed to be better focused..I too have a large room..21x40 with a 8 to 12ft vault though my listening sweet area is 21x14
vandermeulen
191 posts
 
It would add that little extra as described above. Do you think its worth the money for that little extra? Some do some don't. That IS a large room. You could always sell it if you feel it wasnt worth it.
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
Other comments are correct, even bass typically is very localized with one sub. For an indepth review of this 'two sub' issue please check out Toole's 'Sound Reproduction' book. Floyd cover this issue better then anybody else. I have two subs and find it is better than one, but the 'hearing' is always related to the size and shape of the room itself. Setting two up for the best sound is very time consuming, but worth it.
byfo
120 posts
 
Am I correct in assuming that dual subs in stereo would have to be symmetrical to the sweet spot which may not, according to Duke's comments above produce the best results? Is "stereo" a big issue when it comes to low fequency reproduction or is it more an issue of placement resulting in the best sound possible ?
audiokinesis
2,772 posts
 
Byfo, very few recordings are stereo below 100 Hz, but the final answer in my opinion is related to the low-pass filter frequency and slope. (The low-pass filter is what rolls off the top end of the sub's output, and usually the frequency is adjustable but the slope is fixed.)

In general if the subs are audible as distinct sound sources (while the mains are also playing), then they're putting out significant energy high enough into the lower midrange that they should be positioned fairly symmetrically and near the main speakers. If you can't detect the subs as separate sound sources, that means they're crossed over low enough and steep enough that they can be positioned with priority given to in-room bass smoothness - and they're probably operating below the region where stereo is a factor.

As a ballpark rule of thumb, if the subs are rolling off at 24 dB per octave around 80 Hz or lower, I wouldn't worry about positioning them with stereo in mind. But you can't necessarily trust the frequency knob on your plate amp, so if your ears tell you the subs are audible reposition them accordingly.
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