Subwoofers: add a JL Audio or switch to 2 Rythmic subs?
Am considering adding another subwoofer to my main rig. System features Magico A5 speakers and one JL Audio E112 subwoofer in a dedicated 29' by 16' by 10' listening room.
The speakers run full range and the sub runs off the second line output of my Audio Research Reference 5SE preamp. The sub is crossed over at about 40 hz via its own internal low pass crossover.
As is the system produces plenty of bass, which reaches to about 25 hz. The sub is not detectable sonically but it's output in the low bass is a little down compared to mid and upper bass.
I've been contemplating adding another sub to smooth the bass response a little and also add a little output at very low frequencies. I was also thinking about adding bass traps in the front corners behind the speakers, again to aid in low frequency smoothness (room currently untreated).
I'm intrigued and have been reading about the Rythmic subs (12SE). They seem to be highly regarded by users on this site. Additionally, they are available as a pair new for the same cost as one new JL E112.
Not sure if it's worth the trouble to even go down this road and looking for advice.
Thanks!
You don't say where or how your subwoofer was located. Sounds like your subwoofer is choking in a bass null. Map the rooms bass modes by using the crawl test then position your E112 in the loudest mode. All you may need are a pair of long cables from Blue Jeans or a WiFi devise. +1 Ozzy. If needed a used F110 series v2 would make a sensible master controller. There's a very good reason JL's cost more. You only need to do the test once. |
@ozzy point/good question that should be examined. Don’t just go with your thoughts bobbydd. Listen to these bass hounds!!! |
The E112 is located near one of the main speakers - outside it closer to the side wall. As stated the low pass crossover is set to 40 herz range; in effect, we’re talking 40 foot long sound waves. Mid and upper bass from the A5’s is ample. Low bass from the sub is good but not quite at same level. If I crank up the output of the sub more, it becomes audible which obviously is a no no. Basically, I’m seeking the best path for improvement. I was under the impression that mixing different subs (such as a JL F series) is also undesirable. Maybe not? Thanks again. |
Add another E112 and get a real two way crossover. JL makes one. 1/2 the benefit of using subs is being able to remove the low bass from the main speakers which lowers distortion dramatically. With two subs up against the wall between the main speakers you can run them up higher without affecting the image, 80 Hz or even higher in some instances. The ultimate set up would be to use digital bass management but as an AR buff you probably will not want a digital conversion at the output of your system. Do not mix subs! Now, in a room your size you will not get the ultimate slam factor out of two 12 inch subs. In a room about your size I use eight 12" drivers in 4 enclosures. You could probably do it with 4 subs. |
The job of speaker positioning is to prioritizes sound stage. The job of a -3dB subwoofer position is to evenly load the room with low frequency. Don’t be confused by the sight of -6dB sub-bass speakers stacked next to main speakers. Sub-bass speakers roll of much earlier than subwoofers and barely begin to excite the rooms modes compared to subwoofers. The only relation subwoofer/s have to the speakers is within the subwoofers crossover region which gets accomplished from an unnoticeable distance. A single sub without any signal processing located in the rooms loudest mode will most likely provide an increasingly unnoticeable integration at the listening position and require the least amount of the subwoofers volume. Two and three subwoofers in the rooms other modes can compound the size of the listening position, further reduce the rooms modes as well as the individual subwoofer volume. Four subwoofers become a distributed bass array requiring far less, if any, room mode attention. Do the test before you spend a dime. |
