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15" vs 18" subwoofer - which to buy?

If price and room space/aesthetics were not a big issue, is there any reason to get a 15" subwoofer over an 18" one? My main issue is not disturbing the neighbors too much. I'm confused about the difference between a 15" and 18" subwoofer. I want to get the best sound quality possible for low-to-medium volume use.

I've heard that an 18" subwoofer can be played at low decibels and provide good bass resolution and fullness of sound, while to achieve the same volume with a 15" subwoofer, the power has to be much higher. So for any given sound volume, the main difference is in distortion- and higher distortion sound may be more obtrusive. Is this true? it seems counterintuitive that an 18" subwoofer could be better for neighbors than a 15" subwoofer.

However, I compared a B&W800 (12") vs B&W850 (15"). I listened from the other side of the store wall (not as thick as my apt), and at minimum levels which I found satisfying for HT, I found the 12" more obvious and 'boomy' sounding while the 18" produced a more subtle (though actually more powerful), lower frequency vibration, like a very low-level rumbling background earthquake. The 15" subwoofer did seem more of a disturbance because of it's 'obvious' sound. However, I worry that an 18" won't even start producing quality sound until a certain volume that was much higher than a 15", and consequently potentially more disruptive for neighbors. Is this true? What is the relationship between subwoofer size, low sound volume, and subjective listening experience?

Unfortunately, it will be difficult to get an opportunity to hear both the DD-15 and DD-18 which I am considering, so I hope someone can help out here.
no_slouch

Showing 6 responses by kenl

kenl
131 posts
 
Thanks guys. If you click on my system and view the pic of my current horn sub, you'll have an idea of where I'm coming from. It works wonderfully, but at 42"x42"x22", it's a monster.

I had a 9' sofa sitting on top of it acting as a 22" riser for the second row of my HT. Out of sight it provided not only great bass, but acted as a huge butt-shaker. Now that it's out in the open, my wife says it has to go. Thus my looking at Velodyne and Aerial subs, and my quandary of whether to go with one 18" or two 12".
kenl
131 posts
 
I've followed this thread with great interest, as I'm now trying to decide on one Velo DD-18 or two DD-12's. My room houses 2 separate systems, 2-ch & HT. Due to furnishings and construction, I can place one DD-18 in the right rear corner, next to the 2nd row sofa; or 2 DD-12's in the front of the room flanking the center channel speaker under the front projection screen.

My question for those familiar with the Velodyne DD series is:

When adjusting the built-in equalization using 2 subs, how does the 2nd sub take the effects of the 1st sub into consideration? Is the entire system playing when these calculations are made, or just the subwoofer that's being equalized?

And now back to the original question. If 2 subs are better than one, specifically concerning the Velo DD series, would two DD-12's be as good as one DD-18 for both 2-ch & HT? I'm particularly concerned with HT, since I'm sure 2 DD-12's would be great stereo subs for 2-ch.

Thanks for your opinions and advice.
kenl
131 posts
 
No slouch,

Thanks for your input. I'm assuming step #2 as was described by Velodyne makes gross adjustments to the 2nd sub, while step #3 fine-tunes the combined subs. Just my guess.

I'm surprised that a Velodyne rep would disparage their smaller subs by calling them toys. Aerial's sub is in the 12" category, and it's anything but a toy. Some think it may be the best under $8k sub.

I'm very much interested in your impression of the DD-18. Let us know your impressions. If possible, try and listen to the DD-12 & DD-15 if they are also available. I'd be curious as to how they compare.

Thanks.
kenl
131 posts
 
Eldartford -

Your explanation of the set-up of dual subs makes sense. However, isn't there then a chance that by making a second adjustment to sub #1, it could change a resonance that sub #2 originally saw and compensated for, but is now not needed. It almost seems like chicken and egg to me. Am I missing something?

I agree with your opinion of 12" subs. IYHO, forgetting space considerations, am I right in assuming you would opt for one DD-18 over two DD-12's?

Thanks.
kenl
131 posts
 
Sgr,

I wish my room could accomodate 4 subs, but there's really only one workable corner. I could put 2 smaller subs under my front screen, with a 3rd in the back. Ideally I'd like to get by with one great sub if possible, especially since the reasons for replacing the horn sub are space considerations and room aesthetics.

What do you think about three Velodyne DD-12's -stereo for 2-ch listening and the trio for HT? I'm assuming they can be connected for audio and HT simultaneously like the REL? Would three 12" subs equate to two 15"?

I've read good reviews of the Revel B-15, although it came in middle of the pack in the recent Sterophile Guilde to HT review. I've not read much on the Sub 30 though. How would you compare the two?

I really like your listening room. I wish my wife would allow me to treat the ceiling the way you have. Lately I've been thinking about going with a TACT TCS that would provide digital equalization rather than treating the room. But I think that's more dreaming than reality.
kenl
131 posts
 
No slouch,

I too listened to a DD-12 at a local dealer over the weekend, and while it did a credible job in a moderately large home theater room, it didn't provide the tactile shudder of an 18" sub. Like you, I'm going to go with the DD-18. Still thinking about 2 of them? I suppose you won't know until yours arrives.
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