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Choosing Sub-woofers. Please advise ASAP.

Finally, I have committed to the new home theater system and need sub-woofers. My listening and theater space is about 16' x 14' but then total open space (kitchen in the back) is 16' x 32'. I would like to listen to non-dealer advise. Thank you.

Mcintosh MX160
Mcintosh MC1.2Kw x 2
Mcintosh MC205 x 2
Wilson Audio Alexia - Front Left and Right Speakers
Wilson Audio Mezzo - Center Speaker
Wilson Audio Sophia - Side and Rear Surround Sound Speakers
Origin Acoustic D88 - Atmos Speakers

I like the REL and the JL Audio but JL Audio is my primary choice. The question is 2 x 12" or 2 x 10" or single Dual 12"? The stereo dealer told me 10" would blend in better with music while HT dealer says 12" will have better effect because even my listening space is mall but overall room is large.

Your thought please? I need decision by tomorrow so I can close the final piece. Thank you.
sautan904

Showing 2 responses by almarg

almarg's avatar
almarg
9,670 posts
 
I have a wood floor on concrete so not an issue with weight.
Good!

Another factor that should be considered is how all this equipment will be powered. Assuming 120 volt AC the four McIntosh amplifiers have specified current draws (presumably when outputting maximum rated power) that total 44 amperes, although under typical listening conditions I would expect that number to be much less. But the current draw of multiple subs on high volume bass transients will add to the total considerably, at least for brief instants.

So it would seem probable that dedicated runs from at least two 20 amp circuit breakers will be necessary.

Regards,
-- Al
   
almarg's avatar
almarg
9,670 posts
 
Tim, thanks for providing us all with some excellent inputs and food for thought.

On a different note altogether, I would ask the OP in all seriousness if he has considered the ability of the listening room floor, and its support structure, to handle the weight of all this stuff. By my calculations, including the not particularly heavy E-110 subs the equipment that has been listed weighs a total of about 1600 pounds. And given that the kitchen is adjacent, the listening area is apparently not in the basement.

Seems like a lot of stuff and a lot of weight to be putting in a 16 x 14 foot room, in addition to equipment stands and racks, source components, furniture, and people. And even more so if you were to go to larger subs and/or more subs.

Regards,
-- Al

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