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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
sedond
1,391 posts
 
i've heard the 18" velodynes, the sunfires, the rel stratus - in all cases i was extremely underwhelmed: boomy one-note thump. then again, the set-up seemed to me to be less than optimal. the only time i ever heard a powered one-sub set-up integrate well was an old-style hsu (the short, fat model), centered between the speakers, & in the nearfield.

i'm a firm believer that the best way to do low-frequencies right is not to try & defy the laws of physics by cramming one or two drivers into a small box, & then using electronics to compensate, but to keep everything as simple as possible, and use big boxes, optimized to the drivers. thus, my preference for the vmps subs, which are far more accurate than the smaller powered-subs, and the equal to the largest way-expensive powered models. the only subs i've heard that competed on an equal footing to my pair of larger vmps' were the sub towers from the old infinity irs series, similar to the top-line genesis - six 12" servo-controlled drivers per side, in 75"-tall towers.

ymmv, doug

drrasta
224 posts
 
Try titan II at www.audioc.com
gmorris
351 posts
 
Bmpnyc:
Our different experiences with the RELs and Sunfires underscores how system/room and preference dependent observations can be. To wit, my friends and I who live in houses with "sprung" floors have encountered difficulties integrating the RELs with the main speakers (ranging from Watts, Maggies, Proacs) in our listening rooms. For the most part, the RELs have been "boomy" (maybe due to the fact that the woofers are firing downwards.) I agree that the RELs are excellent subs, but properly set up Sunfire Signatures seem to work better in the systems alluded to above.

What is your opinion re using a single sub vs a stereo pair?

Have a good day.
gmorris
351 posts
 
Sedond:
Could you please describe the improvements gained by using stereo subs versus a single sub in your system and room?
bmpnyc
713 posts
 
Gthirteen, thanks for the clarification. I have a friend with dedicated home theater in a custom built room who uses two Sunfire subs. The sound in the room is excellent, without the subs calling any unnecessary attention to themselves. Your explanation of the flooring aspect makes a lot of sense. In stores the Sunfire was consistantly boomy. Although I was not bowled over with excitement listening to my friends system, there was nothing wrong with it at all. I use my system for 70% music and 30% movies and TV. The REL had such good pitch that I couln't make an improvement on it, without mucho dinero to spend. Hope you enjoy your system.
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