Searching for matching(?) Subwoofer solution

" My main concern is to what degree would the extremely good bass power, impact and dynamics qualities of the four separate subs configuration used by the SWARM and DEBRA systems would be compromised when two subs are incorporated into the main speakers or smaller bass drivers are utilized. "

James and I have done a couple of audio shows with systems that incorporate two of the four subs into speaker stands, which is conceptually similar. One such room was where an industry veteran cable manufacturer said our room did the best job on his reference Fanfare for the Common Man recording of any room he had heard at any audio show, and in particular he said the tympani sounded like what he hears at the concert hall.

So I won’t claim zero compromise, but I don’t think there’s very much.

Duke

Tim,
It all depends on the size of the room. A smaller room does not require as much driver and in this day and age anything can be equalized given enough power. 
Duke, I still really like the cylinder idea.

Mike

you might also want to try the REL HT1205, I just picked up a pair of them and they are a very fast and detailed sub, don't let the HT scare you they are great for stereo set ups which is what I use them for, I use a pair of HSU VTF-3 MK5 HP subs for my HT set up. At $599.00 each the REL HT1205's are a great sub with a 500watt amp built in, Also REL only make subs.

A quad of Rythmik L12 subs can be had for about $2,000. Each will have it's own power amp and controls.

Hello allucard and bdp24,

     I don't doubt that both the REL HT1205 and Rhythmik L12 are very good subs that work vey well in your systems.  There are also other very good subs currently available that run the gambit from relative bargains to quite expensive.
     However, the OP Hans has expressed an interest in considering the 4-sub Audio Kinesis DEBRA bass system with the four subs positioned around the perimeter of his office in a distributed bass array (DBA) arrangement.  The  4-sub DBA concept is a new one to Hans and many others, which is why many of the recent posts on this thread have concerned the concept's explanation, its effectiveness and possible further refinements.  
     In the spirit of educating others on the DBA concept, both of you mentioning alternative very good reasonably priced subs that Hans could consider using raises a very good point and relates to other important advantages of using the 4-sub DBA  concept: its flexibility and scalability.  I believe anyone considering a DBA system should be aware of these for best results.
     Its flexibility is demonstrated by the fact that effective custom DBA systems can be created using any subs an individual prefers.  Its scalability is demonstrated by the fact that the actual in-room maximum bass power, impact and dynamics can be increased and decreased according to the subs utilized as well as adjusted by the setting of the volume and crossover frequency controls.
     The essential main requirements for an effective DBA system are that four subs be used and that they're properly positioned in the room.  There is a vendor offering an effective DBA system utilizing only three subs but it requires professional positioning of the subs based on a proprietary computer program.  
     The acceptable actual subs utilized in an effective custom DBA are less restrictive and can range from using small DIY subs containing 8" drivers, like clio09 uses, to using the largest and most expensive subs available.   
     I also wanted to make sure Hans understands the practical distinctions between installing and configuring a 4-sub custom DBA system versus a complete kit DBA system like the AK SWARM or DEBRA systems.   The main method of seamlessly integrating a sub or subs  into one's system are the proper setting of the Volume, Crossover Frequency and Phase controls.  
     With a custom DBA system, using traditional self-amplified subs, all three of these settings are required to be set individually on each of the four subs. With a complete kit SWARM or DEBRA DBA system, using passive subs amplified by a separate external amp/control unit, all three of these settings are only required to be set once for all four subs as a group on the amp/control unit.  
     Another option, if you're handy and up for it, is to buy the same sub amp/control unit the SWARM and DEBRA kits use and build four passive subs of your choice.  This would allow the setting of controls once for all four subs but it could be either more or less expensive than the cost of the SWARM or DEBRA complete system, depending on the exact sub components chosen and the dollar value you designate for your own labor.

Tim