One or two JL subs?

The SMS features are in the DD series Velodyne subs, and I must say it/they are a super item. Just super.

I have trouble with the lower regions being able to tell exactly, without comparison, the actual tones being played. The EQ addresses those issues and by reducing the tops off the high nodes in the sound, everthing falls into place better and setup becomes almost a slam dunk... a dolly helps too with the more hefty class subs like the DD15, DD18, 112s & 113... A suuport person from JL told me about the dolly useage.... Sliding a 100+ sub across extra deep or plush pile carpeting simply doesn't get it IMO.

So yeah.. EQ & a dolly or two perhaps, are well worth obtaining..

Audio Advisor is selling the Velodyne SMS-1 sub controller/PEq for $450.

Even if you were to use the SMS only to optimize placement of your subs it
would be worth the incremental cost. The video readout provides visual aid
that -IME- correslates very tightly with what you actually hear. You might
get there by ear alone (without visual feedback), but it will be a long, hard
slog. I just run the sweeps, move the subs, and watch the screen. Personally,
I wouldn't ever again attempt to deploy subs without such assistance.

Moreover, you will undoubtedly use the SMS-1 for much more than that. I'm
sure you'll find that the tremendously flexible low pass controls will allow
you to optimize the integration of your subs and mains with precision that is
otherwise (virtually) impossible. Further, if your room presents persistent
problems that can't be solved via placement -and it probably will - the
parametric EQ will be quite an effective tool.

If the $450 busts the budget, I'd go with a pair of less expensive subs (maybe
F110s if you're wedded to JL) and the SMS (or equivalent device). Since you
can return the SMS to AA.com if not satisfied, I think you'd be taking very
little risk to check it out.

Good Luck,

Marty

PS - The one caveat I'd offer is that the high pass is both very limited in
flexibility and digital in nature - it subjects the main signal to A/D/A
conversion. Therefore, I don't use the high pass function in my SMS. You
can either run the mains full range or use a different device to high pass - I
use a ($300) NHT x-2.

I have just one F113 in my 18 by 19 home theatre room
it goes damn deep
a second would be nice but not necessary

my main 2 channel doesn't need a sub
Salk HT3

Peter_s
Keep the subs the same. The two different subs will NEVER integrate with each other. Two 112's would be MUCH better than a mix of 112 & 113.

Any thoughts about mixing a 113 and a 112?

stick with the 2 subs and don't look back--sub EQ is still not the same and the jl's are very easy to set up--have fun

Thanks folks for all of the great input. I wonder how much a sub EQ would add to the mix. It is a lot less than a second sub. Any thoughts?

Two subs allow you to cancel out at least one room mode. Much easier from a placement standpoint. Harmon International has a very good paper on this by Floyd Toole and Todd Welti.

If you are using 2ch for music use 2subs in stereo --I have 2 f113 in stereo for 2ch and they are just wonderful they are xover at 50hz--if you need to xover above 80hz then I would use the f112--I also have 1 f113 for a smaller room HT system--music scores from movies are outstanding--if I had only one room to share HT and 2ch and could xover at 80hz and below I would use the f113 and definately get 2 subs --they are the first subs I have heard that has excellent bass timbre and are very natural sounding--good luck --just know you won't be sorry either way you go--

Two 112's?

Yaaaay you!

For years now, everything Iv'e read online has pointed to the use of 2 subs being better than one in the majority of cases. THX says use 4!

Each of those articles also says just how difficult it is to attain very good bass performance, due to the nature of it's actual expense not too many wind up addressing it as it should be addressed.... or so they say.

I now tend to beleive they're right. I've also found the subs do more than just provide bass info... they support better the range of audio which lies above the 100 +/- hz area.

For 2ch and HT.

I'd very much like to be able to get another DD 15 for my 20 x 8ft room.

Enjoy.

two subs wired in stereo will be superior to one mono sub every time.
I would personally prefer two JL - fathom 110s to even a single fathom 113

good luck!

thanks for your input. that is the type of info i am looking for

Docrobbi,

I have two JL 112s and was going to go with two 113s. I was lucky enough to get some good first hand advice from one of the designers at JL Audio and a long time recording engineer (who deals and uses the JL subs) and they actually talked me OUT of going with two 113s and into going with two 112s (so if they were looking simply to maximize revenues, they would have told me to just go ahead with the two 113s).

Years ago I had one REL Stentor 3 and I then added a second. In my opinion, the stereo pair was better than the single sub in every way. I am a 2-channel guy. I am a firm believer that two 112s will pressurize a room better and sound better than one 113 for both 2-channel and HT (especially given you aren't into super high spls). Since your room is not is cavernous in size, two 112s will knock you off your chair if the source material has the goods and the spls are even moderately high. They go deep with great articulation, transient attack and musical nuance but can also move LOTS of air. My room is a bit smaller than yours (2020 cubic feet versus 2437) but not a lot smaller.

Save the money and go with the two 112s and never look back would be my advice - but, as always, YMMV.