Searching for matching(?) Subwoofer solution

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

Ok.  After reading through these postings and researching the many resources kindly provided here, I am still a newbie but at least not a complete newbie!

The absolute best advice I got from this forum was to just go and listen to whatever you are considering.

I went to the local shops and demoed subwoofers in single and pairs (unfortunately no shop in the Boston area had a Swarm or DEBRA system set up).

In the many different sized and shaped listening rooms (and after extreme sticker shock learning how much things actually cost in these rooms!),not only did I hear the difference between single vs. paired(?) subwoofers, but actually started to better understand the more technical writings on subwoofers.

So after about an hour making the poor sales persons nervous while I kept getting up and moving one woofer here, the other there, sitting down and listening, getting up, moving subwoofers again,...the DBA system now makes sense to me on many more levels.  

Tim - I really appreciate your staying the course with this thread!  Definitely learned a lot!

So for those of you enjoying your DBA systems, any suggestions on creative speaker cable management?

Looking around my office room, I can't imagine how to route the additional cables without making a big trip hazard out of the room. 

Should cables be as short as possible yet still reach?  Or can long cables be used to route along the walls?

Should cables not be placed under carpets?

Floor suspenders for cables?

Thanks,
Hans