Best place to put a single subwoofer?


I know there are many opinions regarding subwoofer placement. I have had multiple subs (4) all in the same listening space. Way too much! I have had matched pairs hooked up in stereo. Right now I own only 1. It is part of my dedicated 2 channel music room and not a theater system. I have a pair of MBL 101e Mk2's which are excellent speakers IMHO, and they produce POWERFUL bass in their own right. However I am a bass freak (as noted above), so the harder it hits the better. Plus I tend to listen to a fair amount of rock music which I like to play loud, (hence MBL 101e's). Right now I have my sub positioned dead center between the two Radialstrahlers and it does ok. But I feel as though I'm missing something and that I ought to do something to increase performance, although I'm not exactally sure where to go with it. Not too many places I can move it to, but input and suggestions would be much appreciated. I have tried moving it closer, and then farther away from the wall but have not noticed any dramatic improvements. What about bass "suck out"? Could I be having some cancellation issues? What things would you Audiogoners do to improve on (already good) bass performance?
martinmobile
A friend of mine read in the book 'Get Better Sound', that the best location is just in front of the speakers, in-between them, for a single sub. I moved mine there from the wall, and will never move it back. Blends so much better!

I'm not an expert, just know what sounds good in my room. Give all the ideas a try and see what works for you.
For high end 2 channel systems, my experiences have always lead me to a pair of matching subs, as opposed to one, set up equally from the listening position as are the mains. Of course, serious time and tweaking are expected for good to excellent results.
Hello,

For a single sub in a 2 channel setup the proper position is between the L/R speaker center front.

regards ,
You folks are all great! Thanks so much for all the input. Now my head is SPINNING! Oh where to start? Sounds like I have a few projects that lie ahead. In response to Mrdecibels input- I used to have stereo subs, (Von Schweikert Towers of power), And they DID mate very well with my Martin Logan Quest z's, but they didn't have that hard hitting "slam" factor I love. I suspect the MBL's would overshadow them alot. I have since sold the VS subs.
I HAVE given consideration to selling my JM Lab/Focal Utopia sub and perhaps replacing it with a couple of JL Audio subs. However, I want to optimize what I already have. I want to arrive at some type of solution to my current situation...and not just throw MORE MONEY at the problem, or buy more stuff. I have done that already. Gone through subs like Charmin toilet paper (15 different subs owned, and sold in the last 15 years). Don't get me wrong, my sound is KILLER right now. I just know it can be better. It's that never-ending Audiophile quest to improve what we hear. Kinda like a drug addiction if you will. I know there are many variables here, and I recognize the differences between MY system, and those that MBL sets up in hotel rooms at CES each year. The 101e's absolutely slam. The bass is powerful and punchy. I LOVE that stuff. My bass is....NOT SO MUCH. Kind of "lacking" in authority. A bit "soft" if you all know what I am getting at? So I have been disappointed. I am clearly looking for a much higher leval of quality in the bottom end.
I do not have any testing equipment, or room equilization software. Not yet. I do have one of those cheapo Radio Shack sound leval meters-works alright I guess? I have in fact moved my sub all around the friggin' room, and discovered where NOT to put it, (cause it integrates like shit). Maybe my listening room is too small? Maybe I have "over damped" it with sound absorbtion stuff? Maybe my expectations are too high? Nah! that's not it. Things can ALWAYS be better.
I will no doubt continue to try and improve upon what I already have. Anybody want to come hang out for the weekend? I'll buy the beer! I have some great Scotch and fine cigars too. I'll order pizzas and you can impart your Audiophile wisdom upon me, help tweak my set up, and then lounge around all weekend long and listen to tons of great music! No shit! I would do that. The learning experience continues. Thanks everybody for all your advice and input so far!
Martinmobile, what is the rest of your system ?, amp/equipment, etc. My experience with MBLs have always been with Krell monos, and, a Crown Macro Reference. They love lots of power and lots of current, especially at a louder volume. I am not sure what spls you are trying to get, but you should use you Radio Shack meter and find out. Maybe you are taxing the MBL's to beyond their limit of staying clean and controlled. What are the panels you had built made of. They might be sucking out some of the bass punch and slam. Do you have dedicated outlets for your amps/equipment ? This all makes a huge impact (no pun intended) on what you are looking to achieve. I also want to add that sub woofer matching and set up is one of the hardest things I have encountered in all my years in this hobby. No offense meant in anything I have stated. MrD