Subwoofer placement - does it matter?

Thanks, Erik. Didn't realize it had that!

Positioning is the *most* important thing in locating a sub. Then level matching, then phase adjustment.

Simulators are great for giving you ideas. When I’ve used them, I’ve never had measured response in the room agree with the simulator. Maybe simulators have improved since -- I would expect the REW one to be top of the class -- but don’t rely on them too heavily.

The lenghth of a 40 hz sound wave is 28 feet.  I don’t see placement of a sub to matter all that much unless it’s in an auditorium

Placement makes a huge difference that is easily measured with a real time analyzer and measurement microphone.  I did a bunch of that when I was younger and differences can be huge.  Resonances build up and the sub in a certain spot will excite certain resonances way more than in another spot.  You can just put on some bass heavy content and walk around the room and notice huge differences.  Some places will be very bass shy but if you stick your head near a corner the bass will be much stronger.  It's not subtle.

If I need to measure it, it seems it can’t be heard.  Diff spots in room are diff for sound which makes sense.  It sucks that main speakers generally don’t do well with wide dispersion, which is another issue.