Your experience of moving to two subs


Hi all, I have a 2.1 system with the sub sounding best in the center between the loudspeakers. My speakers have substantial, deep, and detailed bass for their size and with the SS amp I’ve chosen. Thus, the sub’s optimal crossover setting is only at about 28hz. I have plenty of bass amplitude going on -- don’t need "more" bass.

I’m wondering about soundstage effects of having two subs on the outsides of my speakers, though. Having my sub in the center does result in some apparent compression of the low frequencies towards the low-center area. The L and R channels from my preamp are combined at my sub. I know some people may disagree and think that the source of frequencies below 60hz can’t be located by human hearing, but my experience tells me differently.

Does anyone have an opinion on the benefits of 2 subs vs only 1 when there’s no need for more bass oompf?

128x128gladmo

I dunno... I might not be popular here in this discussion, but oh well here goes:  I went for many years without a sub at all, with my Epi 100s...  never felt the need.  Have one now, though, and do like it, but it wouldn't be the end of the world if I didn't have one at all. 

Maybe it'd be worth the effort if I have time, space, money, and the correct tech and meters and whatnot to balance it all out with two subs, but I'll cross that bridge if I even feel like it when the time comes.  Maybe if I have a bigger room or something, or just if curiosity gets the better of me.  I'm quite satisfied as is, both with my Epi and my Heresy each w one sub in different rooms.

I do like the one dual-side firing sub that I have with my Heresy IV, positioned right between the speakers... and maybe that two-sided firing helps with the "balance" in my room, but I never localize the sub w my ears... it is a complete disappearing act.

@curtdr, Honestly subs are more for movies or just messing with.  They do make a difference with some music but if you mostly listen to music that doesn't have much below 40 hz you don't need them.  If you want good bass the most important thing is to live in a lightly built wood frame house that lets a lot of the bass escape through the walls.  

I have two rel 812s, crossed over at

32 cycles. What I experienced when I added

the second sub was a bigger soundstage

and more clarity in the mid range. All the best.

If you believe you got good bass - work harder. Don't be satisfied. The reward is great!