Single vs. Dual Subs

All IMO:

• the most bang for the buck are the Martin-Logan x series. Complete control set, available Perfect Bass Kit make integration a doddle.
• JL Audio are very good, but pricier.
  
• REL ain't what they used to be and are more jewelry than engineering. Their web malarkey is geared to the uninformed and WAF wimps.
• Never heard or used SVS

My perspective is from fidelity and integration standpoints. If you want to be punched in the stomach [which does not happen when recording a kick drum] I'm outta my depth.

see  ieLogical SubterraneanHomesickBlues for more info and a primer on integrating small subs.

1. mc ~ " It is all summed at that frequency anyway. But, whatever. "

2. Kindly explain HOW, in your opinion, that happens???

Why am I required to explain HOW?

What if the HOW is automatic? What if it turns out the HOW cannot be anything BUT?

The wavelength at 80Hz is 4.3m or about 15 feet. At 20Hz it is over 17m or about 55ft. https://www.translatorscafe.com/unit-converter/en-US/calculator/sound-frequency-wavelength/ HOW are you going to ever manage to record that in "stereo" with any sort of ability to localize the sound without using microphones placed at least that far apart?? And in a room many multiples of those dimensions?

HOW are you going to do that?

Even if you do, HOW are you going to manage to play it back in stereo, in a room with dimensions smaller than the wavelengths involved?

HOW?

mc, Why state the obvious, then attempt to justify it?

Why have two Low Bass Stereo SUB Woofers, when as you state it's difficult to record  Very Low Bass Frequencies in Stereo?

Wouldn't summing Left & Right Low Bass Frequencies Electronically, (which can be done efficiently, with a Summing Electronic Cross Over) then playing them back from a Central Low Bass Sub Woofer, as I suggested, provide a better option?

As I indicated, I still have Stereo Bass from my 12 Inch Sub Woofers for Localization of those Mid Bass Frequencies; via their placement on far left & far right, which provides such localization for those frequencies.

Providing Very High Power to a Single Centralized Low Bass Sub Woofer definitely puts the SLAM into those frequencies, which can be felt, but not heard by most people.   

Try it, I guarantee that you will like it!

eagleeye7

  
 

Properly integrating a sub is really hard work, and rarely done by 90% of those who buy a subwoofer.

As a result most audiophiles have never heard a single subwoofer properly set up and think that stereo subs matter for the sake of Left/Right imaging or sensation. They do not if you set them up correctly.

They matter for frequency smoothing, and then only in cases when you have absolute control of their placement, and then, only somewhat.

Better room acoustics and EQ can make a single sub sound glorious and enhance the experience from dual subs as well.

Most audiophiles also try to stick to subs below 40Hz, when in fact cutting off their mains at 80Hz or so tends to greatly reduce doppler distortion (assuming small 2-ways) and increase the amp dynamic range.

Sadly people tend to want to just throw money at a problem that needs expertise. Hire an expert, or get a system with built in room calibration and sub management. You’ll be really glad you did.

Amen!