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Adding a sub. - can i start with one?

I’m pretty happy with my setup I’ve assembled over the past year. However I feel I am missing some oomph and I find I am turning up the volume a lot. My space is big (converted barn) with 18 ft vaulted ceilings and about 700 sq ft of space with hardwood floors and minimal soft furniture. 
 

So I am thinking adding a sub woofer will help increase the bass and maybe give me more of the kick in the sound I’m used to in my old room and prior older speakers and amp. 
 

I’ve read that most people add 2 subs to a system instead of one. I’d prefer to spend the 2500 per side over time and just get one for now. What’s the thinking on one channel sub vs two and can I consider going from 1 to 2 later on as another upgrade?

daveinpa
larry5729's avatar
larry5729
1,008 posts
 

If you can swing it, two would be better.  I would only consider buying REL's.  Their high-level connection is incredible.  My friend had a single SVS and the sound quality was not as good as my REL's.

bjp9738's avatar
bjp9738
67 posts
 

Yes, but two is almost always better.  And IME not just for larger rooms.  My room is on the small side and I have no single space that is best.  100Hz null here, 60 Hz null there.  Two (or more) subs in different locations helps smooth out the overall response.

If you do start with one, choose wisely in the sense that the make/model you choose now should be new enough in the lineup that it will still be available if/when you go to add the second one.  Not that you can't integrate non-matching subs, but it's much easier to integrate two of the same.

ryder
1,689 posts
 

In my limited experience, the best placement for a single sub is right in the middle between the speakers, not in one of the corners. I am aware that REL recommends the single sub to be placed in the corner of the room but I don’t follow. (I have the S/510)

jerryg123's avatar
jerryg123
3,429 posts
 

Sure why not?

tablejockey
3,893 posts
 

daveinpa-

As you can see, asking a seemingly simple question will never get a simple response back. Yes, no and maybe but...

A single sub properly setup will improve overall SQ-but it's subjective like EVERYTHING in audiophooland.

1:52 into the video. I experienced a couple of REL setups w/John Hunter. Even a single is quite convincing.

 

 

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