Added A Second Subwoofer To System


I haven't created a Virtual System yet so I will give a quick overview of my room and system.

I'm currently using a Classe CP-50 Preamp into Black Ice Audio Fusion 3502P power amp using the balanced in/out.

Speakers are Sonus Faber Lumina III's.

Subs are SVS SB2000 Pro and SVS SB1000 (not pro version)

Room is 13'L x12'W x 8' H

Subs went from both front corners of room to half way along both side walls.  

Listening position is approx. 7.5' from main speakers and 3' from rear wall.

I like the way the bass sounds with the subs in this position and although they appear close to my listening position, I can't hear or am aware of their locations.  

I set the phase for loudest output at these new locations.

My problem (?) is I feel that the overall volume of my system has dropped a bit.  I feel the need to turn the volume up a little louder than I did before the change.  

I'm actually concerned that I lost a little hearing overnight.  I am 63.  In all seriousness,  I doubt that I did although I know that hearing loss is inevitable.

Anyone experience anything similar? 

nicktheknife

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!