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Adding a sub. - can i start with one?

I’m pretty happy with my setup I’ve assembled over the past year. However I feel I am missing some oomph and I find I am turning up the volume a lot. My space is big (converted barn) with 18 ft vaulted ceilings and about 700 sq ft of space with hardwood floors and minimal soft furniture. 
 

So I am thinking adding a sub woofer will help increase the bass and maybe give me more of the kick in the sound I’m used to in my old room and prior older speakers and amp. 
 

I’ve read that most people add 2 subs to a system instead of one. I’d prefer to spend the 2500 per side over time and just get one for now. What’s the thinking on one channel sub vs two and can I consider going from 1 to 2 later on as another upgrade?

daveinpa

Showing 2 responses by ozzy62

ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,292 posts
 

That said the only downside of having only one sub, especially if you want the sub to add audibly to the bass, is that the imaging may distract you as the low bass might always seem to be coming from wherever the sun is despite the bass player actually being on the left or right side, so be prepared for that. 

Absolute BS. As long as you are using a subwoofer as a subwoofer and not a woofer, there will be no localization of bass instruments. None.

 

ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,292 posts
 

I still contend that any single subwoofer that is doing subwoofer duty will not "unbalance" the soundstage. Now if you choose to run the xover up to 150-200 hz, all bets are off. If the sub is crossed over low enough, even running the volume too high will not localize the sub, it will only negatively affect the tonal balance.

That said, I choose to use two. In my opinion it gives a more even bass response, twice the output, and two only have to work 1/2 as hard. But you can get good results with only one.

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