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1 sub? 2 subs?

I'm interested in adding a sub(s) to my current system. My system is used for both music (75% of the time)and HT. In adding a subwoofer, I would like it to be as musical as possible...explosions etc for theater are less important since I think of those types of sound as more for entertainment vs. something that must sound exactly right (anyway, I have no idea what most of the explosions really sound like because I've never heard it in person). My front speakers are Sonus Faber Concertos. The room is 16x25 with 9 foot ceilings and opens up into another room that is just as big.

I've been following many of the threads here on Audiogon(which have been incredibly informative) and have noticed that some feel that 2 subwoofers are needed to obtain the best overall sound. I'd like some views on the issue of one vs two subs in this setup. If I go with two subs could I get smaller subs eg 2 Sunfire Trues instead of one large eg. 1 REL Storm. Also, any recommendations are welcome. I'd like to keep it under $2K and am willing to buy used. Thanks for all your help.
Dave
milo
mikec
199 posts
 
Milo yes i believe many will confess that 2 sounds more tonealy correct for music. As far as recommending the subs, i'll leave that for the others. I use 2 Rel Stadium 11's . Your room sounds large enough to handle a pair. What i like about the Rel's is that for music the subs can be connected speaker level and thus sending the same signal to your main speakers. The newer Rel's even do better in that they allow you to connect speaker level for music and high level from your sub out on your pre/pro for the LFE's and give seperate control for both connections.
bmpnyc
713 posts
 
Milo, I have heard the combo of Sonus Faber Concertos and a REL sub, and have not heard a better match yet, especially for a music oriented 5.1 channel set up. As far as two subs, get one good one first (REL), see how it goes, and then consider two. The two sub set up helps with cancelling standing waves, but can be overkill in a small room. I have also heard the REL Storm with the Sonus Faber Grand Pianos and the coresponding center and surrounds. Not for one second did I think of another sub, it sounded awesome in an approximately 25' X 16' room. However, it was mated with a very good amp and preamp (Musical Fidelity) which helped me to hear just what the REL is capable of. It made me want to trade up from my Stratus III ! Just heard the Sunfire this weekend for the tenth time... very attractive size and design but it mostly goes BOOM, BOOM, BOOM!
bmpnyc
713 posts
 
Mikec is correct as usual.
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
Depends on your budget. If you don't have much to spend, one great sub will be better then two cheap subs.
sedond
1,387 posts
 
you can buy two new vmps original subs w/all the add-ons, a new marchand deluxe wersion of the xm-9 x-over, and a decent used s/s amp (or two), & still keep it under $2k. this will also give ya better electronics than are in the powered subs. for a bit more money, ewe could get the vmps larger subs, but ya mite not really need it in your room. call/email brian cheney of vmps - see what he sez. oh, and the marchand x-over is extremely flexible & easy to mate w/most any monitor.

as many on this site are prolly tired of hearing, i tink the vmps are far & away the best subs going, unless ya wanna spend >$6k, at which point yule get something as good... ;~)

regards, doug

ps, for ease of placement, proper imaging, lower distortion, i *strongly* recommend two subs, whichever make/model ewe ultimately choose...

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