EQ for a pair of subs

Svs subs is nice. I would add Rythmik sub into the mix. You could try minidsp 2x4, antimode 8033 (or 2.0 if you have extra money)or behringer BFD DSP-1124P for a full system control. Here are some usefull links
http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/bfdguide/

http://www.hifizine.com/2010/09/subwoofer-equalization-and-integration-with-the-minidsp-2x4/

http://www.dspeaker.com/en/support/faq.shtml

I had a pair of SB12s for my 80% music 20% HT system and miss them dearly. They offer a very smooth sound and didn't draw attention to themselves. They integrated with my mains very well. In the end, they just didn't have enough output for my very large room with 17' ceiling. I went to a pair of sealed 15s and lost some of that seamless integration.

I wish I still had the SB12s...and a smaller dedicated room to put them in. If your room is smaller than say 15'x20' with 8 foot ceilings, you should have no problem with the dual SB12s output. My room is 14'x30'x17' high which is also open to the kitchen and a hallway...it's by far,the weakest link in my chain.

I've been using the SVS AS-EQ1 with both sets of subs and am really happy with the performance of this EQ. It doesn't allow for the Nth degree of tweaking, but it wasn't designed to. It's built for those of us without the time to run graphs all day.

Hope this helps.

If you're willing to beat your head against the wall during set-up:

I used to use a Velo SMS-1 for EQ and for high cutting the subs. I also used an NHT X-2 active x-over to low cut my mains. The X-2 offer much more low cut flexibility and it took the SMS out of the main signal path. (After a fair bit of A/B, I decided that I kinda sorta thought that the X-2 sounded less intrusive than the SMS and, even if I wasn't 100% sure, I felt better with the SMS out of the main path).

The only caveat is that auto-correct on the SMS sucks and manual set-up is worlds better. Unfortunately it was many, many hours of trial and error before I felt that I had it buttoned up.

Total cost of the 2 units is +/- $800 if you can find an X-2 (now discontinued).

Alternatively, find a pre-pro with Audyssey XT32, use the auto set-up and call it a day. That's where I ended up.

Marty

Thanks guys, this is a big help and I'm looking into all of it. I'm planning on stereo bass and looks like the SMS only has the ability to employ one filter across multiple subs (unless I'm missing something), so not sure that would work. The DSpeaker 2.0 looks interesting as does Audyssey. Anybody use XTZ out there?

Dumb question, but can any of these units or anything else work optimally without inserting anything between my pre and amp? My pre has two sets of outputs if that helps.

Also looking into Rythmik, but the SVS deal looks like it might be hard to beat for the price. Thanks again guys.

These days I would recommend the Anti-Mode 2.0 for this application. It will handle crossover, EQ, tweaking, measurement, etc.. See my review in Nov. Stereophile.

Kal