Which is better for a DBA (Swarm); powered subs or unpowered?

After reading this post I had to join in . I will describe my sub bass system as I have implemented it I don't know if it is right or wrong but sounds great in my room . The room is a L shaped room in a Manhattan apt. the room is mostly concreate construction .12 ft wide by 18 long opening into a 12 x 12 entrance foyer . The system  is on the long wall for living arrangements . I am using 6 subs at present time . My sub bass system is controlled by a DSPeaker Antimode 2.0 for crossover , volume & room correction function . I run my subs in stereo . The two main subs are on Isoacoustics sub stands . The main speakers sit in top of the subs also on the same type stands all my speakers and subs are sealed . The main subs are REL Q201e that I converted to passive now being powered by a Crown XLS2502 amp . I run the fronts at a slightly higher volume then the other active subs in the room . I have the option of low or high level inputs to the DSPeaker and preferer the high level it sounds more cohesive . I can adjust the total sub volume , crossover & slope with a remote control .I have not done any measuring I just use my ears as I feel I am the only one to satisfy . RC 

While we’re awaiting a presumed response to lewinski01’s questions about 4-sub DBAs from The owner of Audio Kinesis, Duke Lejeune, I just wanted to add a quick comment:

I mostly agree with cleeds comments on his previous post. Based on the comments on this thread thus far from posters questioning the efficacy of 4-sub DBA systems, it is quite obvious that these individuals have never experienced the extremely high quality bass response performance this concept provides in practice in typical home rooms.
There is no smearing, booming or localization. If you can perceive the bass as originating from one of the subs, the system has not been setup properly or the crossover frequency control is set too high-usually above 80 Hz. What you will perceive is powerful bass down to 20 Hz, realistic and natural bass dynamics. The bass will be detailed, accurate in tone and timber and integrate seamlessly with your main speakers regardless of their brand and type.
Even though all 4 subs are run in mono, the bass will still be perceived as stereo. I can explain in detail how this is possible on a future post if anyone would like to know. Individuals have the choice of either buying a complete 4-sub DBA system kit or creating their own custom 4-sub DBA system utilizing their choice of subs. Parametric equalization, room treatments, DSP and auto room correction hardware and software are definitely not required but can be used optionally if preferred.
I’ve been using my AK Debra 4-sub DBA in my system for more than 5 years now for both stereo music and 5.1 surround for HT. I honestly can’t think of how this excellent bass system solution could be improved except with even higher quality, and much more expensive, subs being used.      From my perspective, the only other criticism of a 4-sub DBA I consider valid is that you do need to have, or make, the space for 4 subs in one’s room. I had no trouble accommodating the 4 relatively small, 12”x14.5”x28”and 40#, AK Debra subs in my 21’x14’ room but I realize others may have difficulty.      However,Duke has stated that only 1 of the 4 subs needs to be positioned on the room’s floor, the other 3 subs can be wall mounted on shelves even within a few inches of the ceiling. I know another Audiogon member, named Hans, just successfully and recently installed an AK Swarm DBA in his small office using this method.

Tim

"it is quite obvious that these individuals have never experienced the extremely high quality bass response performance this concept provides in practice in typical home rooms. noble100 Tim"

This and all the individuals personal variables of room, system, experience, and personal taste seems to have created a circumstance with the home audio hobby that lacks a general acceptance similar to what's in the pro audio tool box.  

Despite the obvious differences between home and pro audio there are some important common parameters at play.

Tim, good sticky post. 

cleeds-The price for that smooth, even, neutral bass is that your bass will be monophonic. 

noble100-Even though all 4 subs are run in mono, the bass will still be perceived as stereo.

Right. And thank you, Tim.

The issue of is the bass stereo or not is beside the point. The simple fact of the matter is DBA bass is exactly as focused and localized and 3D as anything and everything else. This from a guy who will put his system up against anyone's in the area of imaging. Any time. No problem.

Recording after recording I'm hearing bass that is never once anything less than seamlessly integrated with the sound field. Each awesome deep drum whack on Jennifer Warnes Bird on a Wire has its own unique location, reverberation and resonance. Its felt exactly as a drum that size would be, as coming from one spot then energizing the whole acoustic space.

Please note I say "acoustic space" not room. Because if I say room people will think I mean my room. Wrong. I'm talking the acoustic space where the recording was made. My system and in particular the DBA part of it effectively take my room out of the equation. My room for all intents and purposes is not there. You for all your ears are telling you are not in my room. You are in acoustic space. 

Duke explains the tech better than anyone. I can only relate what I'm hearing. What others have heard. You cannot be more wrong than to say DBA sounds like mono. It may very well be mono. But it does not in any way shape or form sound mono. So maybe that is hard to understand. Oh well. It is what it is.

I will say this though. This will be a whole lot easier for people to understand if the ones who haven't ever experienced it and therefore really have no idea what they're talking about would wait to comment until they can correct such a glaring weakness in their approach.

In my listening experience with my DBA system after adding the fifth sub it was like my room disappeared and only the music was left with at ambiance of the place it was recorded . I would call DBA active room treatment . Must be heard to understand its effect