EQ for a pair of subs

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

One of the things to consider is something I never heard mentioned. Since the subs will go through A/D and then D/A conversion, and various filters, there will be a systems delay. Not sure how much, but I would think at least 30ms. This is equivalent to over 30ft, so is substantial.

It may be worth checking with manufacuters how much systems delay their product has (function of processing horsepower I presume), and factor that into your choice. Thenagain, the proof is in the listening and Kal has heard quite a few of these units and never reported this as an issue. However, since there is no way of knowing how things would sound if the delay issue did not exist, this does not proof it is not audible.

The only way aorund this is to insert an all digital DRC system with EQ, Xover and phase / time alignment into the digital chain.

I went from the Sub EQ approach (used SVS) to the DRC / Xover approach with great success. If you have analog sources you would need ot do A/D conversion though, which may be a dealbreaker. Also a lot more money and system complexity to go the digital route.

To Edorr's point re: analog sources

The other alternative is to go all DSP as he indicates, but defeat that functionality when using analog sources.

You'll disable the subs and hear straight 2.0 channel reproduction. If your preferred analog source material is primarily acoustic music with limited bottom end information (as mine tends to be these days) and your main speakers have decent bass extension (as do my Ohm 100s), this isn't a half bad way to get the occasional, traditional audiophile fix.

I rarely go that way, but it's there when I want it.

Marty