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

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

The improvement past one sub was not better in a "subjective"  sense. As if it was just my whimsy that I liked it better. No, it was better in an "objective" sense. It was better objectively in terms of (a) measurements (additional subs helped eliminate both peaks and troughs as measured) and from (b) an experienced listening standpoint (bass was clearer, more accurate, not boomy etc.)

Everything in audio may be particular (contingent on many factors) but it’s not all "subjective."

snapsc

One more thing, if the sub is really going to be crossed 60hz or below, remember that there isn’t a heck of a lot of tone being created down there...its mostly grunts and groans and booms and ambience . . .

 

Totally disagree. You just described poor bass management / reproduction.

I hear tone, timbre and PRaT - from classical to jazz to rock & definitely electronica.

daveinpa- as illustrated by hilde45's response to my comment  on JUST ONE sub. 

Yes,no and....the poster who is compelled to go beyond with their "absoluteness."

Sigh

 

It is a simple test.  Turn off your mains.  Turn on your sub and set the crossover at 50hz and then play a number of songs...not much tone.  Walk around the room...still not much tone.  I've done it with four different brands of subs and it always ends up the same.

But, when played with the mains, the additional grunt and the additional ambience provides the illusion of a change in tone...but when you listen to the sub alone, crossed low, not much tone there.

That has been my experience...no doubt, mileage may vary.

 

I am fortunate I don’t need subs in my room but if I did Rel would be the way I would go. Good luck ! 
 

@blisshifi 

Looking at your system it seems a few G1 Mk2 subs wouldn’t be too much of a stretch. Impressive indeed! I’ll bet it sounds amazing ! 
 

Happy listening !