KEF LS50 Metas. They have rising distortion under 200Hz at higher playback levels.
-Ed
Yes, what you're describing is essentially a tiered or hierarchical subwoofer array, and it can absolutely work if implemented thoughtfully—especially since you already have the tools (like a miniDSP Flex and Dirac Live) to manage crossover points and timing alignment properly. You're not alone in exploring this kind of setup, though it's still relatively rare in the home environment due to complexity.
Summary of Your Idea:
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Stereo subs (SVS 3000 Micros): Currently crossed at 160Hz from your mains, symmetrically placed in a force-canceling configuration.
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New sub (e.g., SVS PC-2000 Pro): Crossed over to the stereo subs at ~60Hz to handle the deeper stuff (<60Hz).
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System architecture: miniDSP Flex will apply Dirac Live to the mains and stereo subs as one logical system, while independently managing crossover and EQ to the big ported sub.
Why This Can Work:
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Stereo imaging & upper bass clarity:
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The 3000 Micros near your mains can localize bass more accurately up to 160Hz, maintaining imaging integrity.
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By keeping them in a higher crossover zone, you're allowing them to handle upper bass where directionality starts to become perceptible.
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Deep bass impact:
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The PC-2000 Pro, with its larger driver and ported design, will fill in the <60Hz range where the Micros fall off.
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This can yield more tactile slam, weight, and room pressurization without compromising clarity.
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You have DSP control:
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The miniDSP Flex gives you delay and gain control over each output, which is critical for aligning arrival times between subs and mains.
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Dirac Live can flatten phase and frequency response at the listening position, further optimizing integration.
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Considerations & Tips:
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Timing Alignment:
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Carefully align the ported sub’s delay with the stereo subs. Group delay in ported designs can cause integration issues if not corrected.
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Use REW (Room EQ Wizard) with UMIK-1 to measure impulse responses and adjust delay in miniDSP accordingly.
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Crossover Slope and Type:
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Consider using steeper slopes (24dB/oct or more) to cleanly separate the responsibilities between sub types.
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You might want to experiment with Linkwitz-Riley or Butterworth filters depending on how they interact in your space.
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Phase & Polarity:
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Check polarity and group delay interactions between the ported sub and the stereo pair.
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A misaligned phase can result in comb filtering or cancellation around the crossover point.
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Room Modes:
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A large ported sub can exacerbate room mode excitation, especially below 40Hz. Placement will matter here. Corners vs mid-wall may yield different outcomes.
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Dirac Live can help smooth this, but using the ported sub to strategically excite low-frequency nulls may also be useful.
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Others’ Experience:
Yes, people have done this in high-end home theater or 2-channel listening setups, particularly:
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Mastering studios that use a large sub below a smaller nearfield sub setup.
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DIY audiophiles using multiple subs (e.g., swarm arrays) often tier them by frequency to mitigate room interaction.
They generally report:
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Improved deep bass feel and cleaner imaging up top.
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Occasionally some integration challenges, which are solvable with measurement tools and DSP.
Final Thought:
You're on a promising path. You already have the right equipment and understanding to try this successfully. The PC-2000 Pro is a great choice—high output, ported depth, and fits nicely below 60Hz without stepping on the Micros’ strengths. Just be methodical in integration, and you’ll likely get the best of both worlds: tactile deep bass and responsive, musical upper bass.
If you'd like, I can help guide the exact crossover and delay settings once you get the new sub.
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