Thoughts on having 2 different sized subs in same room


We are currently in the process of redoing our living room and "Managment", or should I say my, wife does not want any funiture in the design that will provide a place for my equipment. Luckily I still have my main system in my man cave / media room and now since I have an extra sub was considering incorporating into my main system.

Main system breakdown:

Bob Carver Crimson 275 Tube Amp

(80w x2 @ 8 ohms)

Parasound ZPre3 Pre-Amp

U-Turn Orbit TT w/ Ortofon Super OM20 

Ifi Zen Phono Pre Amp

Warfedale EVO 4.3 Speakers

SVS SB12-NSD subwoofer 

Potential Sub to add:

Audio Source SW15" 200 w Sub

Any thoughts?

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Showing 1 response by millercarbon

When it comes to subs, low frequencies make so many large bass modes and cancellation areas that more than anything else it pays to simply have a lot of them. Because more subs in more different locations adds up to more small modes spread around more and this winds up sounding a lot smoother, faster, and more articulate. Regardless of what subs are used.

Take a look at mine.

 Five subs of 3 different kinds. One powered, two ported, two sealed. Each on a different wall and/or different distance from corners. This way each one has a different set of modes and they all add up to incredibly smooth powerful deep bass. 

As long as you keep the crossover below 80 and avoid symmetry (do NOT follow advice on timing, stereo, etc!) then all you have to do to get superb bass is adjust levels. Integration is a canard. When the subs are crossed over low and distributed asymmetrically and levels are right they will blend seamlessly. Regardless of what type of sub they are.