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2 subs in a small room?

I recently added a REL T/5i sub to my system and have been very happy with the results.  Integration was a breeze and I am now more engaged in my music than ever.  So of course being a typical audiophile, I got to thinking if 1 sub sounds this good will 2 sound even better?  The challenge is my room.  Its very small at 9' w x 10' l x 9' h.  The back wall is about 3' high, above which it opens up to the rest of my house.  I have bass traps in this room.  Right now, using just 1 sub, my freq response from 20-1000hz is +- 2db with a -4db dip at 200hz and a +4db hump at 40hz.  Not perfect but my system still sounds amazing.

I know the general consensus is a second sub will sound better but I am concerned with the size of my room.  Will adding a second sub in such a small space over power it or will it actually help to smooth out nodes?


128x128tboooe
martykl
3,578 posts
 
Tbooe,

Doing it by ear will usually take time.  It's a bit of a PITA, but I've done it successfully several times.  Unlike Coli, I've never failed to achieve smoother FR with a second sub.  If you use an SPL meter or a RTA, it's much easier.  

These days, I use Audyssey.  It's certainly not an audiophile approved method, but IME it's a 100% foolproof, no-sweat method of smoothly integrating one or two subs into a system.
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,945 posts
 
Tbooe,
I like your avatar.
tboooe's avatar
tboooe OP
1,009 posts
 
martykl, I do have an SPL meter but I have been thinking about using room correction with something like DIRAC.  At the very minimum I am going to get a USB mic and measure properly measure my room using Room EQ Wizard.

jafant, I appreciate the compliment.  Long Duc Dong is my personal hero.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,478 posts
 
" These days, I use Audyssey. It’s certainly not an audiophile approved method, "

Which audiophile approval board is that again?

They may be too busy listening to fuse directions.  :^)

FWIW I approve any practical solution that works. Doesn’t matter what others think as long as it works for you. 
martykl
3,578 posts
 
Tbooe 

If my understanding of Dirac is correct, it should be a breeze to integrate a pair of subs.  If you're not using it yet, you may find that your existing, single sub set-up sounds much improved.
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