Subs?


Looking at adding a sub or subs to my system.  My room is a dedicated room, 13’x25’.  My speakers are B&W 804/D3.  Levinson amp and McIntosh preamp.  Looking JL Audio.  My question, is a bigger sub better - 13” over a 12”? Is a bigger sub better than 2 x10” subs?  Thx

goducks44

I have 2 set of JLAudio E110, and 1 set of JLAudio E112 in three systems, the build quality and sound is excellent.  My fourth system I has a set of HSU ULS-15 MK2 and they are excellent.

@goducks44 Great topic and qood question.  

I would strongly favor getting two subs over one sub.  If you have room to place the subs outside of your lovely B&Ws it will stretch the sound stage and you will very pleased. 

I have a room, slightly smaller than yours  at 13 x 16 feet.  I started with one JL audio F112v2 and got very good results.  When the budget allowed I added a second matching sub and the overall improvement of adding the second sub was more than 2x just the single sub.

I'm aware that JL has had some reliability issues but my understanding is that it was more with their entry level subs not the Fathom line.  I have two SVS subs in my HT room and I've had issues with both SVSs that had to be warrantied.  My JLs have been fine.  

As far as sub size goes, either the 12" or 13" will work in your room.  I don't think that you will miss anything using the F112v2s.  I measured my room and the 112s are playing full volume down to 10hz (yes I was shocked too).  the 13" subs will move a little more air.

One final thought, I upgraded the JL footers to the Gaia feet and the bass tightened up a lot and it was a very worthwhile investment. I have wood floors.  

Good luck and cheeers.

@goducks44 

I replaced my KEF Reference 5’s, with Sonus Farber, Amati G5’s and now I rarely use my 12” subwoofer anymore. I also have a set of Acoustat Model X’s, that can  blast me out of the room with 40 watt amps. Having said that, they really need a subwoofer or two at lower sound levels.

Have you ever thought about getting a pair of Planar headphones?

All the best.

Was just in this same situation. Went out and auditioned the JL subs, they KICK! 

If you only get one, get the bigger one, if you get 2 get the smaller ones. They will put out way more bass than you think, or even need. However, the bigger sub does have room correction. But during my audition, we were swapping them all around, without and DSP, they integrated really well. 

In the end, was talking to a friend who sold me his old sub array, 3x10 600w, it is way more then I'll ever need. Like you my mains go down around 36htz, crossed over my sub at 44htz. 

I just added 2 Rel S510 to my setup and I wish I had done it before. Everything is playing more in coherent and the soundstage is more 3D and instrumental. Voices are smooth and realistic, I’m very pleased with how they sound.