Added A Second Subwoofer To System

You most likely reduced some resonance that you were perceiving as additional volume.  It's unlikely that the volume of the primary content itself is reduced.

My 3 subs are integrated in a way that boosts certain frequencies and attenuates others which were "boomy" because of room acoustics.

When the subs were adjusted to cancel out (attenuate) certain frequency peaks, the overall volume appeared to go down. But the other frequencies were allowed to come forward, no longer obscured by peaks from 20-300 hz. 

There's no substitute for measuring these things, in my opinion. The free REW Wizard program plus a $100 Umik is one indispensable way to do that.

First off, thanks for all the responses, suggestions and advice.

I really like the way the bass sounds with the two subs as opposed to just one.

I also like how the bass sounds with the subs mid-way up the side walls as opposed to the corner placement. It feels more balanced, louder and less strained(?). So, yes to rc22 . I think the tonal balance is better with the subs out of the corners. And, as I said, although I’m actually sitting closer to the subs I’m not aware of them at all. I had to make sure they were "on" and working.

I was just more concerned with the perceived drop in overall volume since the relocation of the subs.

I’m hoping that my hearing hasn’t all of a sudden just dropped off and I lucked into" smoothed out the bass so it is less prominent and more blended. It only sounds lower because it is smoother." as kota 1 suggested.

I’m also going to try what musicaddict suggested.

Looking forward to further experimenting today.

rc22, I like your analogy of driving 85 in a smooth quiet car as opposed to a noisy one when I went from my old pickup to a Lexus ES350. I had to watch my speed as it didn’t feel like I was going fast. In the truck, I knew how fast I was going without looking at the speedometer.

asymmetrical placement of subs can also make a nice difference...easy to do and worth a try...

I’ve tried some of the suggestions with not much change. I guess that’s just how it is or I am losing my hearing which wouldn’t surprise me. I’m happy with the bass and that’s what getting a second sub and putting them in the best position was all about to begin with. No?

I did realize one thing, The Classe pre amp has a gain switch. I had it set to the higher setting and I thought why do I need to turn the volume up so high when I have the gain on the higher setting?

I looked at the phono pre amp (MoFi Studio) and the gain switches were set too low for my cartridge. I flipped the switches to the correct position for my cartridge and now I have to put the Classe pre gain switch in the lower position!

For some reason it never dawned on me to check that. I’m an idiot!