Thinking I need a Sub...

Wolf,

I thought my statement re: distortion was clear enough, but here's a link that should be crystal clear:

The REL R-305

http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/subwoofer-tests-archived/990-rel-r-305-a.html

If you scroll down to the THD graph, you'll see that this sub produces +/- 30% THD at +/- 30hz at 90db (quasi anechoic). BTW, this is hardly crushing SPL and as you turn it up, the story gets worse. The direction of these curves says a lot about what happens to THD as excursion increases, which was the real point of my OP.

Hope that this clarifies precisely the frequency/output levels at which a familiar sub reaches 30% + distortion.

The mention of guitar was merely made to point out that my comments were subjective as well as empirical. I'm a musician (tho sadly not a terribly skilled one) and my subjective evaluations are based on many hours a day around live music (my own) - for whatever that's worth.

And, while I play more acoustic than electric guitar, if the distortion in your class A tube amp is anything like mine, it is to be treasured - talent in a box. Not quite applicable to the conversation at hand IMO.

I am always dismayed by the clearly humorless, but that's my cross to bear...do you really think I was serious about my guitar amp? Your points have been deducted for condescending douchebaggery. Man...in any case, I don't own a 305, and seriously doubt the veracity of the test you posted if only due to personal experience...I think this guy needs better microphones.

Well, at least you've kept your sense of humor.

Sorry if any post I've contributed here reads as condescending - that was never my intention. I've tried to keep it civil but on point. Guess I came up short. What can I say? Sorry.

You can doubt what you like, but these test results are completely consistent with pretty much every other published set of #s I've ever seen on subwoofer tests. I 've reviewed a lot of test results on a lot of sites over the years and they all show the same thing: Most subs (regardless of brand) produce large amounts of THD as excursion increases, which was my point.Have a go at Google, if you like. Maybe there's been an epidemic of poorly calibrated test mics out there - who knows? (Alright, that might be condescending - but you earned it.)

I chose a REL sub as an example, not because it fared poorly (tho most RELs did consistently fare poorly vs the pack back when I was current on the data), but because it's a brand you know. It was simply to limit the debate a bit. It's entirely possible that newer REL models fare better, but none will fare particularly well, because -other than a few absolute monster efforts in no holds barred design - no subs fare particularly well on this test.

That point isn't meant to be condescending. You made the observation about powerful subs, room overload, etc. In fact, that was the condescending statement in this thread. My response was only meant to demonstrate the reasoning behind running powerful dual subs at settings designed to minimize excursion. I still think it's a pretty reasonable point - neither humorless, condescending, nor "douchebag-ish".

As to the guitar amp comment - that was largely context for other readers here. So, give it a break.

I've never stated that my opinion as to best practices for subwoofer installation are gospel. I acknowledged your credentials and stated that qualified evaluators - like you - disagree with me. I've consistently stated that anyone interested in making a determination should try an A/B and decide for themselves.

You might want to reconsider before pointing fingers again.

I suppose NOW you want those points back...no way man...and everybody distorts when their excursion increases. On that we agree.