Down-firing subs and downstairs neighbors


Hello Audiogoners,

I am looking at subwoofers for 2 channel music. I will soon be moving into the 2nd floor of an older wooden house, with neighbors below me. I don’t want to drive my new neighbors crazy.

It seems intuitive that a downward-firing sub would penetrate the floor more than a forward-firing one--but is that true? Also, can you do things to mitigate, like put a down-firing sub on a piece of stone, or a particular material?

Any suggestions/info much appreciated
abarnett

Showing 1 response by mrjstark

1. Subwoofer placement. (stay away from the corners. Try mid-front or mid-side wall). The goal is to get the smoothest respond without boominess and overloading the room.

2. Use of bass traps in all corners and sub_base like the one Auralex sells.

3. Seal all cracks, gaps etc. Use exp.foam to fill the outlet boxes, use caps to cover unused outlets. Get heavy carpet with extra thick padding.

4. Set you sub low to pickup only the lowest frequencies. Lower volume if nessesary.

Or, find another place that is more suitable for this hobby.

Full range speakers won't get you anywere. Low bass is not directional. Monitors might be a better choice for you. Use sub for referance listing sessions and turn it off for late hour listining.