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Are big subwoofers viable for 2 channel music?

In thinking about subwoofers to get for a large future listening space (30' x 30'). So far there seems to be a lot of great options for smaller subs for music.. such as the rel s812. Now my main focus will be music but I do plan to do some home theater on the system and I do enjoy subs that reach low and have strong but clear sub-bass. Would a large sealed sub still be able to provide clean tight bass that digs low and thus satisfy both duties. Can it ever match the speed and precision of a pair or more of rel 812s? Something like PSA S7201 or Captivator RS2?

A realize a smaller sub has a smaller moving mass and thus for a given level of power would be faster than a bigger sub with a bigger moving mass (driver mass). But a large sub would have to move less to achieve the same SPL and would reach lower.

Anyhow what do you guys think? Thanks.
smodtactical

Showing 10 responses by big_greg

big_greg
6,567 posts
 
It's good to have headroom, and with a space that size, having multiple subs will help with that as will using larger more powerful subs. I have two Rythmik F25 subs and two SVS SB13 Ultra subs in my system. I'm really happy with the quality/ quantity of bass in my system. 

I dont have any experience with either sub you mentioned. Both look like beasts! The PSA sub appears to be geared more towards home theater. Which doesn't necessarily mean it can't do music well, but it might not be optimized for music. 

You might get more feedback on subs like those on avs forums or audioholics.
big_greg
6,567 posts
 
Ask big greg what he thinks of his Rythmik’s...his SVS SB 13’s are beasts too.  Note that he is using 4 subs.  Seems more is more better!
I've been super happy with the Rythmiks.  I like the servo system and Brian and Enrico have been helpful when I've had questions, even though I bought mine second hand.  I've had a few SVS subs and they are great performers also.

Using 4 subs is great.  At first I only used all 4 in my home theater system, but since setting them up for 2 channel listening I find the music more enveloping and engaging.  On many music pieces where the bass isn't prominent, all you hear is clean tight bass that doesn't draw attention to itself.  When playing something with a lot of bass in it, they come alive and give you the feel of listening to live music.
big_greg
6,567 posts
 
I just want to make sure your realize that either Rhythmik option option will cost significantly more and will be less convenient to setup since you'll need to set the volume, frequency cutoff and phase controls separately on each sub, rather than once for all four subs on the Swarm.
Not owning a Swarm system I may be missing something, but I would think that having the ability to fine tune each individual sub would give one more flexibility and customization in their setup.  When I set up my four subs I took SPL readings for each sub to adjust the output so that they would be equal from my listening position.  I have one sitting just a few feet from my listening position and another on the far side of the room.  It doesn't seem that having them all at the same level would be a good thing.


big_greg
6,567 posts
 
@tyray

"The absolute best-in-class performance from an American made subwoofer. The S7201 is a high output, high performance powered subwoofer destined to set the new standard in home theater bass."

That's from PSA's website. Which isn't to say it can't be good for music also. 

A couple of other things. I use 4 subs in my two channel system. I'm not knocking PSA subs, I own one, and I'm aware of the pedigree. I think they're well made, sound good, and represent a good value. 
big_greg
6,567 posts
 
@tyray Actually, he asked about subs for music that would also work for home theater.  "Now my main focus will be music"
big_greg
6,567 posts
 
Tim, it might surprise you to hear that the system with the best bass I've ever heard consisted of two subwoofers and that they were crossed over at 120. I was quite surprised at the crossover point, but there was no denying what I (and a number of other pretty serious enthusiasts heard).

There's more than one way to skin a cat. 
big_greg
6,567 posts
 
Tim, the last time I talked about something like that having to do with cats my post was deleted by the mods, so I'll refrain.  I should have asked more about the why of the crossover setting.  It just came up in passing as we were heading out the door.  I'd like to get that guy to come over to my place and help me get my subs dialed in better once things return to whatever the new "normal" is.  I've tried a high crossover setting with my subs.  It didn't sound bad, but it bothered me that the sound was localized.  I could "hear" the two behind me.  In my friend's setup, I couldn't tell at all by listening where the subs were.  He had a lot of room treatment, so I'm assuming that helped.  His system sounded fantastic.
big_greg
6,567 posts
 
@audiorusty I think you're right about the placement of the subs.  I can adjust the crossover on each of my subs, so might play around more with the crossover point on the two front subs.
big_greg
6,567 posts
 
 As they roll out their 16" subs... I'm a fan of SVS, but c'mon.
big_greg
6,567 posts
 
How SVS fixed it...
I think it's a little disingenuous of SVS to imply that they're the only ones that know how to use a big driver.
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