Stereo Subwoofer Pairing

noble100,

That swarm subwoofer system looks interesting.  I'll have to give it a listen at some point and keep it in mind for the future.  $3k isn't really out of my budget, but I was planning on using that $3k to split my 2ch setup from my HT setup and I don't currently have enough space for 4 subs as I live in a 1 bedroom apartment.  Plus those won't pass the WAF and toddler test with the exposed front facing cones.

One day when I own a home with a dedicated listening room, I will have to circle back to them.

I might be able to swing 4x T5 subs because the Paino Black Gloss finish and compact form factor are WAF approved.

Note that one should try listening with the subs and main speakers placed well out into the room while you wedge yourself into a corner to listen. This might seem ridiculous, but as an audiophile (and hey…aren't we all?) you should try everything possible to hear all sonic options, or, like myself, don't.

I've heard of putting the subs speakers in the listening position and moving around the room to find the ideal spot for each speaker.  (Mostly for subs).

I hate to hijack the tread, but noble's post has me scratching my head.

How do you hook up 3 or more subs to a stereo amp?
I have 2 2wq's and stack spades on the amp, but when you go to 3 subs, how do you connect them? Or, are you using a HT amp?
Bob

" 3k isn't really out of my budget, but I was planning on using that $3k to split my 2ch setup from my HT setup and I don't currently have enough space for 4 subs as I live in a 1 bedroom apartment. Plus those won't pass the WAF and toddler test with the exposed front facing cones."

Hi rjb1101,     
     I completely understand having big system plans, living in a smaller place, being concerned about the WAF and having a little smelly or two running around.  Hang in there, work hard.smart and stay frosty and things just seem to start getting roomier and calmer.
     In the meantime, I have a few questions and suggestions:
Is there a reason you want to split your 2ch setup from your ht setup?  In a small space it may be more advantageous to keep them combined until you have more space.  I still prefer a combo system more out of convenience than lack of space.   

Just an fyi about exposed front facing woofers on the Swarm and Debra subs; the subs have no grilles but are placed facing the wall with only about 1-2 inches of separation.  Weird but it definitely works well.

I have very little doubt you'll be exploring a distributed bass array system in your future but I'm thinking that, given your current circumstances, you may discover a better short term solution by trying my and wolf garcia's alternative configuration suggestions.

     I now think of the concept of the number of subs (1,2,3 or 4) in a good bass system less as performance absolutes and more in terms of good, better, best.  I know through personal experience and scientific verification that room bass response improves as the number of subs in any given room is increased. 
      But, as several others on this thread have attested, very good in-room bass response can be attained through fewer than 4 subs.  The common denominators seems to be more than 1 sub,  experimentation and careful positioning. 
     I'm tending to think your best option may be using 2 good subs in the short term  (such as 2 T/1s or 2 T5s) and experimenting with precise placements of each, especially if you're satisfied with optimizing bass response at a single listening position.

Best wishes,
  Tim