Distributed Bass Array configuration

OP, I have this inquiry happening now, too. Here is a very informative discussion that moves past some top level opinions, one way or the other. 

https://youtu.be/1X_n6kG9FOc

"We take a look at stereo vs mono bass in a multi-sub 2CH and home theater environment. Does Stereo bass have merit and is it worth going through the potential complications of configuring your system to accommodate stereo bass? Watch our Youtube discussion to find out."

Thanks b_limo it is very clear, yet evidently still not clear enough on one point: there is no such thing as stereo subs! Because, there is no such thing as stereo bass, at least not below 80.

This will be like, I don’t know how many times clarifying I am losing count. And apologies in advance for shouting. But when everything is done right it SOUNDS AS IF the bass is stereo, BUT IT IS NOT!

If I have one weakness it is not bothering to keep track and being able to reference every tiny little thing. So times like this I forget where it comes from. But some big engineer paid a lot of money did an in-depth study of a wide range of recordings and found none of them had stereo bass, and anyone interested can look it up.

Another good one to look up is my mega DBA review. Mine uses two Dayton amps partly because at the time I wasn’t sure and thought two might be better. Just in case. Once I had them though some of the first things I did was to try running my new DBA in all possible configurations. I went through the gamut. 4, 8, 16 ohms. One amp mono. One amp stereo. Two amps mono. Two amps stereo. Played with phase. Tried all the time waster put the sub in a chair while you crawl around on the floor. About the only thing I did not try is the even worse stuff that requires a microphone. When the day comes a mic is better than my ears, take me out and put a bullet in the head, I’m already dead.

BUT, and this is a very big important BUT, it sounds as if it is. Why? The answer can only be that information above the low bass is somehow integrated into one seamless whole. This happens in the brain. Not in the ears, but between them. For proof look no further than the Supertweeter thread where everyone who tries them says two things: 1. they can’t hear them- too high frequency- and 2. they improve the bass. So how does ultrasonic 60kHz improve bass way down below 60Hz? You tell me. But it does.

Here’s a key moment from the video above -- https://youtu.be/1X_n6kG9FOc?t=970

Point: there is a difference, because there is such a thing as stereo sub effect, but these are limited cases and depend on the recordings; plus, even when it is in the recording, it is not always easy to hear; plus, and this seems key, it may not be as effective as running all subs in mixed mono because that’s more effective in dealing with room modes. That’s what Poes says, at least.

Like always it depends. It depends on the crossover point which depends on the type of main speakers you are using. Any full range loudspeaker benefits from a higher crossover point. Any system with a crossover point above 80 should be using stereo subwoofers in a symmetrical array with the main speakers. Any line source main speaker set up should have a line source subwoofer array. This usually requires more than 2 subwoofers, 4 in most residential settings. If the crossover point is below 80 hz there is no problem I can think of with mono subs only benefits. It will not hamper envelopment at all. Having said this I prefer higher crossover points. I think if phase and delays are handled properly there are no disadvantages only benefits in headroom and distortion levels. This is crucial for full range main speakers, just my humble opinion.