Separate subs for music and HT/surround


My stereo setup is comprised of Ayre 5/20 series digital hub, preamp and amp that drive KEF Ref 1s through a passive Marchand high-pass filter. For HT and surround, LR side and rear surround from an SP3 go to NAD Class D amps that drive LS50s. The SP3 receives HDMI from an Ayre DX-5 DSD, and its front LR output goes to a balanced by-pass input of the KX-5/20. I have two Velodyne SMS-1 bass managers that provide acoustic room correction, two HGS-10 subs, and two HGS-15 subs.

Question: Should I use one SMS-1 with the two HGS-10s for stereo and the other SMS-1 with the two HGS-15s for HT and surround music? I realize there are advocates for using 4 subs, and I could daisy-chain the SMS-1s, but separating the SMS-1s seems a neat way to keep stereo separate from HT.

db
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Tim,

I've never had four working subs in one room.  Previously the HGS-10s were downstairs, the HGS-15s upstairs.  Since moving them all upstairs, two at any given time have needed repair.  Another dreaded trip to LA is required to have four functional subs in any configuration.  Notice I wrote "current plan" and my thinking is in a state of flux, but the elegance of separate stereo and HT setups is appealing to me.

db 
Hello DB,

Yes, I remember now you’ve never had 4 working subs in one room. I’d just like you to at least experience the near state of the art bass quality attainable in your room by utilizing all 4 subs in a properly positioned 4-sub DBA.
My opinion is that there’s a higher degree of elegance in a single system that’s capable of high quality performance for both stereo music and HT, especially if it incorporates a 4-sub DBA producing very high quality bass for both, because it requires more thoughtful design and will offer superior bass and overall performance on both.
I think it’d be a shame not to even try out the 4-sub DBA concept on either music or HT in your room because you have all the necessary component parts, once both subs are repaired, and I sincerely believe you’ll be amazed by the bass seamless integration with your main speakers as well as the extremely high bass quality. You'll probably have both subs repaired in any case, right?

Tim
Tim,

I think we are expected for Thanksgiving at out cousins in the Hollywood Hills.  We may make a two day trip of it and drop off the subs in LA the day before.  When we have four working subs, I'll try them with the stereo setup.
Hello DB,

     Happy Thanksgiving!  

     I'm disappointed, you're not even going to give the 4-sub DBA concept a try?  Please trust me, you'll be amazed if you give it a try on music or HT.  I certainly was.  C'mon, be adventurous.

Tim
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