Are big subwoofers viable for 2 channel music?

The PSA sub appears to be geared more towards home theater.

Hey @big_greg and @ smodtactical

That couldn't be farther from the truth. I'm here to tell you that psa subs have a uncanny ability to disappear with sheer musicality when they're playing music with any gear at any price point. Tom Vodhanel of psa doesn't even advertise his speakers. They are sold by word of mouth. That should speak volumes. Remember Tom Vodhanel was the V in SVS subs. My PSA V1801's are an astounding value and I use them primarily for music.

I gotta go with millercarbon on this one. Let's say you've got the biggest and baddest sub on the planet, you're only gonna turn the gain up what 2,3 or 4 maybe? Because you're going to set the gain and volume to what's comfortable to you and you listening pleasure right?

Guess what happens when you add 1 more sub to equal 2? And then you add 2 more let's say at the back of your listening room, mancave, theater room or whatever - spread out somewhat for a total of 4. Suddenly you're enveloped by smooth bass all around you where you actually don't have to turn the gain on your bass subs up much at all to get the distributed array benefits of beautiful bass.

It's just another way of thinking (or technique) when using subs. It didn't click for me for a long time, but when it did...You don't need monster subs like the PSA S7201 to get the best bass. Although, 2 PSA S701's equal 4 subs and the effect of 4 subs will be realized there too! 

Big subs are viable for 2 channel systems.

i keep my subs below 24” drivers. That’s the ideal size for most rooms. Perfect, in fact. 24s put the right amount of movement where it needs to be. I angle mine up at 45 degrees. It’s wave simulated bass sources the best. I power them with 800 watt per side IGBT amps. They do like power.

@tyray

"The absolute best-in-class performance from an American made subwoofer. The S7201 is a high output, high performance powered subwoofer destined to set the new standard in home theater bass."

That's from PSA's website. Which isn't to say it can't be good for music also. 

A couple of other things. I use 4 subs in my two channel system. I'm not knocking PSA subs, I own one, and I'm aware of the pedigree. I think they're well made, sound good, and represent a good value. 

The OP was asking specifically about home theater and the psa S7201. Thanks for the correction big_greg.

That psa S7201 looks strangely similar to ’stacked’ pro style marshall amps I’d see at concerts when I was a kid. I must be having flashbacks!

Sealed subs sound wonderful and have a massive mean ass bass attack without cuffing. And that is not to say all ported subs have cuffing. I especially like and prefer forward firing subs.