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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
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
1,391 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...

briweve
123 posts
 
My girl almost died when I bought a 2nd sub, she is always yelling about how loud it is and how boomy the sound is. But as she learned by adding a second sub I could control the amount of bass and you could feel it and experience it during movies, and music(but not so much) without that Boomy over powering feeling you can get with 1 smaller sub.
gmorris
351 posts
 
Bmpnyc:

Obviously, you have not heard a Sunfire signature sub set up properly. To characterize the sound as "Boom, Boom. Boom" is entirely misleading. Typically, most users mis-position the sunfire (in corners and near to room boundaries.) In addition, the volume, in most cases, is turned up too high. When properly set up, the Sunfire Signature will produce clean and powerful bass down to 16Hz, while blending seamlessly with your main speakers (dynamic as well as ribbon, screen or electrostatics.)
alexc's avatar
alexc
265 posts
 
I use a REL Strata II with my Sf Guarneri's, and I am very happy with the results in my smallish room. Integration is seamless and, again for my room, the Strata is more than enough. Before going up in size to the next bigger REL, I'd go for another Strata myself. The Strata sells for ~ $ 1300 new. Haven't seen many used ones for sale, and they usually don't last v. long.
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