One Sub or Two?

Hey folks, looking for some thoughts here on subs…

Putting together a system with B&W 801 D4s and a HTM81 D4. I don’t think B&W makes the best subs necessarily, so…

1. Looking for recommendations for other sub brands…I’ve heard good things about REL for example

2. Wonder whether I should get one “really good” sub or two “pretty good subs?”

System is for 2 channel listening to classic rock and also 5.1 audio for home theater purposes.

McIntosh amps and pre/pro.

Many thanks in advance for your advice…I appreciate it!

nankaroad03-09-2025 1:26am

hilde45 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 5,231 posts 03-09-2025 at 01:59pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I went with F12SE Rythmiks because of the ability to dial them in variably (rather than 0 or 180, as the case is with REL subs) to a pretty tricky room. I got a pair. Love them. I have an older REL, too, and it is my third sub. The subs are coordinated using MiniDSP (link is about subwoofer integration). Again, REL has a huge fan-boy contingent but not many models have variable phase. REL has 0/180, mostly. A simple 0/180 switch allows for a complete reversal of the subwoofer’s polarity, effectively inverting the signal. But variable phase control on a subwoofer allows you to fine-tune the bass output to blend seamlessly with your main speakers, maximizing bass response and avoiding cancellations at the crossover frequency.
hilde45 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 5,231 posts 03-09-2025 at 10:23pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete It probably depends on the room, but I'm surprised that I'm the only one on this thread who thinks that variable phase is important. I may be the only one who measured with REW, but I could see that variable phase was critical for integration.