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!

nankaroad

@nankaroad

In a 40'Lx30'Wx12'H room with B&W 801 D4 speakers no less than two 18'' subwoofers. Subwoofer integration is key see here and for bass myths see here.smiley

Mike

My B&W 803 D3 speakers sound improved significantly after adding two JL Audio subs positioned beside each speaker with the plane of the subs and the plane of the speakers equidistant from the listening seat in my 14x15' room.

At 15Hz-28kHz (+/-3dB) your 801's low frequency capabilities produce substantially lower output than any six of REL model sub-bass speakers, all of which typically begin a dramatic -6dB low frequency roll off in the mid 30Hz region. 

While your 801's clearly outperform REL they're probably located in the middle of your rooms null which can suck their full range low frequency output into thin air. 

To enjoy the subtle extra low frequency presentation provided by any of the suggested -3dB actual subwoofers and the ability to go +dB in the 15-25Hz region the subwoofer will require optimum room positioning typically along sidewalls.       

https://www.audioholics.com/home-theater-connection/crawling-for-bass-subwoofer-placement

While all rooms are different you only need to mark and map any room once using one sub at the listening position. Download and use a low frequency tone cadence.

I suggest using well made and inexpensive custom length subwoofer interconnects from Blue Jeans or Monoprice Cable.

Welcome to the deep end, Rock on.