Best sub for music,

Hi All,

First time poster here.  Thanks to the OP for the discussion topic.  

I've also been contemplating sub(s) for my 2 channel setup.  There is many that say 2 subs is the best way to go.  Can someone explain this philosophy a bit more (simple terms preferred)?  I have a small-ish music room (13 x 11 1/2).  The REL T/5x is my target but my mind is telling me that 2 subs in this room is going to be A LOT of sub.  Is the dual sub more for balancing both channels to have depth added vs lopsided if only 1 sub?  Again, 2 subs in this room seems overkill but I may not be taking into account more than volume (in room measurement and SPL).

As a listener's room size goes up would a person simply scale up the size of the subs to the larger T/7x, T9x or the S series?  Is there a 2 channel music scenario where adding 1 sub makes sense Vs. 2 subs?

My humble setup includes - AVA CF Pre, Odyssey Stratos Stereo PA, B&W CM9s, Schitt Bifrost MB, Vintage Sony DD Turntable, Denon DL-110 cart, Moon 110LP Phono

Thanks in advance for any responses. 
-Sam

mijostyn - Thank you for the warm welcome.  I agree, pro sound / commercial amps may be all you need for subs.  I have used QSC amps for decades and they are very solid performers.  As well, a decent Crown professional amp isn't too expensive and will drive (home) subs with the good damping factors found in those amps.  Your assessment of 1,000 watts of A/B power with high damping factor for subs is spot on. 

Side Note:  The JBL SDA-2200 amplifier is the identical twin to the Arcam PA-240.  Somewhat clinical sounding in audio reproduction, but very, very accurate and controlling of the driver.  Plenty of power too for in the home and the ability to bridge the amp for mono use is helpful in my situation.

ditusa - The B460's are fantastic.  Great sounding and looking sub for home use.  What do you use for power on them?

I've played my system for two audiophile friends that have great, reference systems for the first time after I had it complete this spring.  The look on their face when they hear subs at this level (not just volume, but sound quality) is priceless.  It's just a whole different experience when that area below 50 hertz is fully realized by a decent driver designed specifically for that frequency range with good power behind it (and crossed over correctly).  I'm not saying my system is excellent or of audiophile quality (though I do highly recommend the 4349's)...it's just very enjoyable (to me) and has made me want to listen to music much more now than I had in the past 15 years.  I'm also lucky I have a large enough room to enjoy it in and my wife couldn't care less about how many big, ugly boxes I stack up in the living room.  I'm fortunate she enjoys the new system too.  

I have noticed a large shift in music production recently where it's obvious the music is being mixed and mastered on studio monitors with extended low frequency reproduction and with instruments with the computing power to get down low.  Where as you used to have listen to pipe organ music 30 years ago to get into really deep frequencies, standard pop tracks are reaching way down into the 40's and 30's (or maybe lower at times).  [Grab some rock albums from the late '70's or early '80's and you wonder if they mixed it on anything but Yamaha NS-10's.  Is the kick drum and bass guitar really in the mix...?]   Another argument for adding subs to your two channel system.  D_mn, I'm having fun with the mess of junk I have in my living room.

Great discussion, and again, thank you for letting me add to it.

To the fellow who said there is nothing below 160hz, if you're serious about that statement, it might surprise you that some people listen to music that you obviously don't. 

There is many that say 2 subs is the best way to go. Can someone explain this philosophy a bit more (simple terms preferred)?

Yes. If the subs are asked to go above about 80Hz they will begin to attract attention to themselves. At this point you'll need two, one for the left and right in the same vicinity as your main speakers.


If the subs have no output above 50-60 Hz it won't matter where you put them so long as you can get the bass right at the listening chair. This might be hard with only 2 subs; very easy with 4 as discussed prior in this thread.

+1 for Rythmik.  Can't beat a well-done servo for musical bass, IMO.

As for nothing below 160 Hz, I've got a few words for you:

Toccata and Fugue in D Minor (as well as a LOT of pipe organ music, just to name one source).