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Are big subwoofers viable for 2 channel music?

In thinking about subwoofers to get for a large future listening space (30' x 30'). So far there seems to be a lot of great options for smaller subs for music.. such as the rel s812. Now my main focus will be music but I do plan to do some home theater on the system and I do enjoy subs that reach low and have strong but clear sub-bass. Would a large sealed sub still be able to provide clean tight bass that digs low and thus satisfy both duties. Can it ever match the speed and precision of a pair or more of rel 812s? Something like PSA S7201 or Captivator RS2?

A realize a smaller sub has a smaller moving mass and thus for a given level of power would be faster than a bigger sub with a bigger moving mass (driver mass). But a large sub would have to move less to achieve the same SPL and would reach lower.

Anyhow what do you guys think? Thanks.
smodtactical
audiorusty
310 posts
 
@noble100 
@big_greg

 Just like you, I'm most surprised by the extremely high crossover frequency of 120 Hz, which is generally considered upper bass, is well above the 80 Hz threshold at which bass tones become localizable. Most individuals should be easily able to discern that 120 Hz tones are originating from the 2 subs which normally negatively effects good imaging.
  
    I cannot explain why the very high 120 Hz crossover setting in your 2 sub audition didn't significantly and negatively effect the sound stage imaging in the room. Can you?
If the two subs are inline or very close in proximity to the main speakers, I would think that imaging would be maintained.

I've tried a high crossover setting with my subs. It didn't sound bad, but it bothered me that the sound was localized. I could "hear" the two behind me.
There are speaker management devices on the market that allow you set different crossover points for your subs so you could set a high crossover frequency for two subs placed near your main speakers and a lower frequency for the subs located far from your mains. DBX makes a very economical one and XTA makes a very expensive one and there will be others in-between.
big_greg
6,721 posts
 
@audiorusty I think you're right about the placement of the subs.  I can adjust the crossover on each of my subs, so might play around more with the crossover point on the two front subs.
tyray
789 posts
 
@audiorusty

Yes big sub woofers are viable for 2 channel music.

I am also of the belief that quantity of subs is more important than which brand of sub. I believe any decent brand will work well.

That's good to know. It's also good to know you can use any brand of sub used together as part of the multiple.

Funny, I got a in very good condition 'vintage' SVS PB12 Plus/2 with the rare 12.3 subwoofers but I'm waiting on Tom V to put out his new 12" subs. I don't think it would be a good idea to use the SVS PB12 Plus/2 as the sub to raise up and elevate since it weighs 165 lbs.

Gain
Delay
Crossover
Room Size


bobedwards101
176 posts
 
Dual 15” passive subs with at least  800 RMS WPC MOSFET mono blocs
tyray
789 posts
 
big_greg,

I have my V801's crossovers set at 100hz and as I said before they disappear when playing. It could also just be the synergy with my almost vintage Miller & Kreisel MPS 2510 passive studio monitors with 2 midrange woofers and 3 tweeters each speaker. I'm gonna set the sub that's farthest away at 80hz and listen for awhile. 
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