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Subwoofer between speakers?

After reading through a thread relating to the equipment rack between speakers, I assume that the sub between the speakers is also a no-no?

My speaker stands are 24.5" high, and my sub is 24" high, so I was thinking that the sub cabinet being below the mid-range driver might mitigate the detrimental effects to imaging. But I read a reply in the thread that I alluded to which talked about an amp between the speakers having a negative effect on imaging . . . therefore it stands to reason that a big bulky sub cabinet would be about 20 times worse.

I know that ideally I should experiment with placement . . . this is an extreme near-field listening room, and options are limited. I could get it to the outside of my right channel speaker . . . in theory, would that be better than in between?

immatthewj
mike_in_nc
1,163 posts
 

+1 @soix

The best place for a sub is where it works best in your room. There is no general rule, at least none that makes sense.

Evenness of bass response at the main listening position will vary tremendously from position to position. That’s why many of us use two, three, or four subs to get the most even bass response.

Don’t neglect adjusting sub phase, as that makes a large difference in overall bass response when both the mains and the subs are playing. By "large," I mean the worst phase arrangement can give a 30 dB null. (This issue also is reduced in importance with multiple subs.)

immatthewj OP
2,454 posts
 

Thanks again for all the helpful replies.

What I was intending to ask was not so much on how to maximize my sub's potential, but more along the lines of how not to have my sub's placement/physical presence have a negative effect on the imaging & sound staging of my speakers.

@ghdprentice  I still haven't watched the youtube yet (in a moment I am heading out into the garage on still another project) but I intend to watch it before I do some listening this evening.

ghdprentice
7,341 posts
 

@immatthewj  👍 it is a big eye opener.

jpan
139 posts
 

There are two ways to do this properly. One is subjective by moving the sub around your room and listening to what you think is the best position. The other is objectively by using electroacoustic analysis (i.e. software-defined) by which you can pinpoint the optimal position of your sub. Then, depending on your sub/amp you can dial it in from there. Also, more than one sub will yield better results.

erik_squires
16,414 posts
 

Little off topic but I find this resource on placement of subs useful:

 

https://www.minidsp.com/applications/subwoofer-tuning/tuning-multiple-subs

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