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Subwoofers.... one 10" or two 8"?

I'm looking to fill out the bottom of my simple 2 channel system  (Musical Fidelity X-Ray CDP through Peachtree Audio Grand Integrated amp to a pair of Mirage OMD-15 full range speakers).  I occasionally will play the TV audio through the system for movies, but not interested in an HT setup. Music is the prime focus. The room is "medium" size.  I know that will not give the deep bass feel of a 12", but the difference should not be too great, and a 12" may be overkill for that room.  I've also considered getting two 8" subs to keep the sound balanced between the left and right channels. I think the  8" may be enough bottom for my room and tastes. I'm on a budget so getting a pair of anything bigger than 8" may not be in the cards.

Any opinions or suggestions as to whether I'd be better off with one 10" or two 8" subs?

















larstusor
Post removed 
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,457 posts
 
The most effective use of subs are to cancel nodes in the room.  By doing proper placement of 2, 3, 4, subs, you actually make the mids and highs cleaner and clearer.  The result of proper subbing is not to hear the subs as their own speaker (pumping booming lows into the room), but rather the effortless reproduction of your recordings.
oleschool's avatar
oleschool
722 posts
 
Yep thats why i am a fan of treatment 
mikethehunterguy
50 posts
 
Here’s a thought. I suggest building your own subs. I just ordered 2 Dayton audio 12" Sub drivers and all the other items to build them (cabinets, stuffing, etc.) I will be using them in a 14 x11 x8ft room to supplement the (ahem) polite bass of a set of Ascent i speakers I bought used. I am using the Gallo sub amp, but there are many choices in sub amp available. From $100-$1000. Some of these amps have EQ built in as well. I am using a dSpeaker Antimode 2.0 to EQ the bass.
The Gallo amp pushed my Gallo reference 3.1 to beautifully powerful, fast and accurate bass. I am hoping the dual 12s will do the same.

Get at least one 12. Make sure it is sealed, not ported. Give it power and judicious EQ ,and you will be in heaven.

Remember- Bass production needs air movement. Period! Go with two 12s, and don't look back!

As for the myth of 12s being slow- pish posh. The reason bass seems slow is because of overhang, room modes/nulls, and poor sub placement. This is where good EQ can help. Good room treatments help here as well.
Good luck, and have fun!





erik_squires
16,021 posts
 
The latest Music in the Round from Stereophile features the use of two JL subs, and charts showing how they fill in.

Still, it's not unreasonable to get one very good sub, see if you need two. :)

I most certainly am more than happy with 1 Hsu 15" sub. My listening space does not lend itself well to characterization and I have bass traps where they need to go. YMMV.

Best,


Erik
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