What process did you use to integrate multiple subwoofers for 2 channel listening?


Today I will be trying to integrate up to three subs. Two are matching Rythmiks F12SE, and one is a REL R-328. The Rythmiks have a variety of adjustable parameters, including phase, crossover, and gain. There are other switches and passes on the sub, but I'm going to try to keep it basic to begin with. The REL has variable gain and crossover; the phase on REL is either 0 or 180.

I have REW for measurement. I will be buying a few more furniture sliders this morning, on doctors orders. ;-)

QUESTION: If you have multiple subs, by what process did you integrate your subs? One at a time? More? Which adjustments did you try first and in what kinds of increment?

I know that trial, error, measuring, and listening will all take time. Rather than look for a needle in a haystack, I'm curious what sequence or process was most effective for you.

Thank you.
128x128hilde45
@djones51 @soundsspectacular 

Yes, I listen nearly near field. I bought speakers based on how they sounded in this space. My stands are at 20" (not the usual, higher 24 or 27") and I sit a bit lower, too. I have carpet and ceiling absorption, too.


QUESTION: Bit of a side question -- At present, I have my REL hooked up to BOTH mono block amps' speaker terminals -- left and right. This has worked really well in providing left/right sides to my single REL.

However, now I have 3 subs -- two Rythmiks which hook up the the L/R on the PRE-amp, and the REL, still hooked up as it was.

So --  one Rythmik to Left Preamp RCA, one Rythmik to Right Preamp RCA, one REL to BOTH R&L Amps speaker terminals.

QUESTION: The REL has forced me to keep my monoblocks about 3 inches apart. Can I now just have the REL connected to one monoblock rather than two? I know that technically the answer is yes, because that's the design in the first place. But the other factor is that now two subs will be connected to one channel (say, Left) and only 1 sub will be connected to the Right channel. Make any difference?
@mapman  Interesting. I just listened to a couple of podcasts with Duncan/Darren and they are sub integration fanatics. They said that no full range speaker, even the Wilsons, are immune from some benefit from at least one sub.

Yes, I've moved them all over the place, etc. Bought sliders. Best. Tweak. Ever.