Dual subs and room size

Yes, two subs is better, but 1 sub with acoustic treatment and eq is very very good. My point was, for a room that small, 1 sub is probably enough. So much so that the second sub may not be worth the expense.

Buy a dozen subs if you want to but if budgets and floor space matters, and I'm not ashamed to admit they do to me, then starting off with 1 sub, with bass traps and EQ may be perfect.

Personally, I would take 1 sub with room treatment and EQ than 2 subs without any day of the week. I can get damn close to perfect. So much so I no longer care about the difference, and while I may merely reduce the worst nulls, my overall response will be much closer to flat, or my version of it than having 2 subs, no matter how well placed.

But again, the buyer should make themselves happy.

Best,

Erik

I don't knwo the SVS, but I love my HSU!! :)

First, take a deep breath. If your main speakers are like the girl next door: firendly, cheerful, ready to accommodate others, subs are like the bastard drunken dad.  Making them work well is not as easy.  Well integrated, heavenly.  I point this out so you are prepared to do the work in advance. :)

How do you plan on doing the crossovers and EQ? Do you have existing room treatment?

Best,


Erik

Also, your room is kind of small, so I strongly suggest you plan to start with 1 sub. You may find yourself perfectly satisfied with that.

While I love my Hsu it lacks built in EQ. I make my own loudspeakers, so that’s not a problem. I live and breathe measurements, crossovers and EQ so going from measurements to a miniDSP is super easy. However a built in EQ that is push button may be a much more important feature to you, or having an EQ that is auto calibrating like a Dirac system may be what you want, especially in a room that small.

Again, room treatment should be the very first thing you deal with. THEN a sub, then EQ. Contact GIK Acoustics for great advice and affordable and effective solutions.

Best,


Erik

@wattsperchannel

Alone EQ's use with a sub is limited to reducing the worst peaks,  however with bass traps in place it gets much more effective.

I've tested this and there's online explanations for this. Bass traps de-energize the ringing, allowing EQ's to work better, and by reducing the peaks, you can actually reduce the decay rate. It's pretty awesome.

You also get to moderately fill in the nulls. Not perfectly, mind you, but damn better. :)

2 subs assymetrically placed are better, but again, 1 sub + traps + EQ is pretty remarkable, and my suggested STARTING point for anyone.

Best,

Erik

I call your youtube clip and present one of several online docs that goes in depth what I was trying to point out clumsily.

http://ethanwiner.com/basstrap_myths.htm

Best,

Erik

I should also add, I wouldn't be such a proponent if I didn't have personal, practical experience with everything I have mentioned. Doing it right is pretty damn awesome, but spend your money however you want to. :)

Best,

Erik

I don't disagree Inna, but in my personal spaces, 1 was so good I reached a point where I couldn't shell out the cash for the second. :)

Your own mileage and money may vary, and nothing prevents you from buying 1 now, and 1 later.

Best,

Erik

Italian,

A single well integrated sub is invisible and works very well with stereo.
You cant tell where it is, at all. Just plan your EQ solution, or get a sub with very flexible eq bulit in.

IN fact, I'll say, you can't hear the difference of most good subs, but you sure can tell the difference of their auto-EQ. :)

A poorly integrated sub stands out like a sore thumb. :)

Best,

Erik

I generally agree with @wattsperchannel

I also very much agree that integration is much more important than getting the most massive or beautiful or well reviewed sub. Very good very powerful and capable subs are available relatively inexpensively. You may find a lot of information on that here:

http://www.data-bass.com/home

However.... proper bass traps and EQ get you very close to ideal, so much that you may not want the second sub. Buying 1 sub does not stop you from buying 30 more later. Subs are not rationed per family. :) and it’s your wallet, so buy as many as you’d like. I only mean to let you know what the cost/benefits are, and that there are diminishing returns after 1 "well integrated" sub.

Lastly, I keep saying "well integrated" because subs are a nightmare for some one who does not do this professionally, or build loudspeakers, to integrate well. Whatever you do, do not expect to drop it down and have it work. It takes time, measurement, and accessories such as appropriate room treatment and adjustment for EQ, crossover, delay, phase not to mention it takes muscle to locate the sub in the ideal place. More so with 2. When I set up a sub I don’t approach it as a sub but as part of the speaker.

I’m very happy with a Hsu VTS 15, and a miniDSP unit + GIK acoustics soffit traps, but I have a background in crossover design and audio that makes this relatively easy. A sub with a push button EQ may do much for you. If you go that route then I _DO_ encourage you to ask owners. Auto EQ systems are quite variable in quality. You’ll want to hear owners experiences.

Another good source of help is the Room EQ Wizard forums. There are many people there who will help you with measurement, interpreting and setting up subs.

Best,


Erik

Hi Italian,

Best way to find out is to measure. :)

You can also approach this a step at a time. Get 1 sub, place it the best you can, measure it, plan your next move.

Empirical measurements are always better than theory when it comes to a specific application.

Best,

Erik