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Why dual subwoofers ?

Just got a new processor ( EAD 8000 pro ) that has outputs for two ( stereo ? ) subwoofers. What advantage is there to going with two subs ? Does it really make a difference ?
robedk
lej1447
117 posts
 
Actually, I have couple questions. Since my AVR does not have two outputs for two subs, is it true that I can use a Y connector for dual subs? If such is the case, does any A'gon member know if the sound is as comparable as the AVR w/ two outputs for 2 subs? If we I want to go w/ 2 subs, should I get a new AVR w/ two outputs for dual subs, or should I save the money by purchasing a Y connector. I have the Yamaha RX-V1400, which has the microphone for automatic room calibration, and the AVR is used as a pre/pro. The amp is a 5-channel Marantz w/ 150wpc. HT setup is 5.1. AR speakers, Phantom 8.3 (X4) for main and surround speakers, and Phantom 252C (X1); 50-250w, 40Hz-20K; 89db sensitive. Current sub is Polk PSW350, a 150W powered amp. Thinking of getting a HSU VTF MK-2 as a second unit since the store is only few miles away from my house. I have been contemplating b/c room size is only 12'X13', and I need to cough out another $500+tax, and not sure if 2 subs would drive my neighors crazy, which is the opposite of what these posts have stated, i.e. 2 subs should be less boomy as sound and dynamic range or sound freqency should improve. There is a 30 day trial, but you all know what happen when I carry home that heavy sucker with many rave reviews. That is why I want to remain objective, not bias, and listen to your valuable advice. Thank you all for reading. Any input is greatly appreciated.
mitch4t's avatar
mitch4t
1,611 posts
 
Robedk,

What are the dimensions of your listening area?

mitch
rysa4
266 posts
 
Lej1447- I use two subs from one dedicated subout and split with a Y from the receiver, as well as a y on each sub cable to input to BOTH r and L inputs to each sub. I stack mine and I have a somewhat small room which enables me to do this. I am still tweaking but can make some brief comments on a much lengthier topic; Stacked subs give me more DB at the lowest extension of the sub. Splitting the signal of course allows a lower gain to be used on each sub for same SPL. Separating the subs can indeed "clean up" the bass, but also can easily reduce the volume.

I have a fair amount of tweaking left to do but I am leaning towards one sub for music and two for HT and I like being able to do that frankly.
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
I consider the subwoofer to be an integral part of the speaker system, just like the woofer, midrange, and tweeter. The fact that it happens to be in a different enclosure is a detail. Accordingly, I think that each main speaker deserves its own subwoofer, colocated with the main speaker, and driven by the LF signal component of the particular channel (not a mono SW mix). Thus, for my multichannel rig I have three SW (for the fronts) and will some day get around to installing SW for the rears. In my view the main function of the SW is to avoid extreme excursions of the main speaker woofer cone (or planar diaphram) so that the main speaker can do a better job on the upper bass.
morbius396c
134 posts
 
Let me second the post by Exertfluffer.

Exertfluffer is absolutely correct - that the use of dual
subwoofers can give you better, smoother bass.

However, that is only true if you know what you are doing during
the setup.

With dual subwoofers, you can get phase cancellation, and
comb filtering - and really create a very peaky and uneven
bass response in your room.

If you understand acoustics - by all means - go with dual
subwoofers.

If you don't understand acoustics - you run the risk of
creating a very poor soundfield in the bass. Setup of a
single subwoofer is far less problematic.

Dr. Gregory Greenman
Physicist
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