To get a good answer, I think you need to talk a little about what your system is and what you like and don't like about it. Otherwise, you will get a lot of random comments that will, most likely, be of no use to you. |
Sorry! The title is supposed to be" TWO 10'S OR ONE LARGER SUBWOOFER? |
I will give you a random answer. The frequency extension does not always correlate with driver size or "better" sounding bass. Just check the specs on the subs you are considering. I am sure that some will claim that the bottom octave is a must.
Personally I really don't find subs a good fit with my gear which doesn't claim to reproduce anything lower than 28 Hz. I like a clean, solid, punchy and dynamic bass. My system does this. Thus I am not interested in a bigger bass emphasis which I hear when most subs are integrated into the sound. Home theater is another matter where LFE are important. |
I am aware that larger subwoofers typically have lower frequency response. Does that mean better bass? Are you wanting more bass from what your speakers already have OR add bass that your speakers can't reach? Example I have monitors that are rated to 45hz (they do go deeper than the ratings) and I wanted to blend the lowest octaves without adding to what the monitors already can do. If I set my crossover at 32hz I just add the lowest octave(s). It blends in perfect with my monitors (I can't hear where the sub is located). Now some will say cross it over at 80hz and what you will do is add to what the speakers already provide and have the lowest octave(s) BUT the lowest octave(s) will not be proportional to mid and upper bass (which tends to let you hear where the sub is located). So which scenario is better? You have to answer that. That being said larger drivers will go sub sonic and pressurize a room better. How low do you want to go? My Rel B3 is rated to 18hz @ -6db so I can only guess it goes to approx 25hz @ 0db. |
Tmega,
I wouldn't be so worried as to the size of an actual driver. If you want to make bass from a driver you can either, all things being equal, move a large driver relatively slow or move a small one very fast. What this means is that you can get the same low frequ. with different size drivers. There are many different, and valid, ways to achieve the same result. The reason I requested you list your system is just for this reason. If you are using some, cheap, mass market, receiver that only makes power on a spec sheet, I can absolutely guarantee that a new amp will be a much bigger upgrade than a sub. Like the cops say, you just better come clean and tell us everything. |
Blk25 and Xti16
I am generally pleased with the sound of my system. The highs and mids are to my liking, yes they could be better but overall not a concern (FOR NOW). When I pull my speakers out from the front wall to increase the depth of the sound stage the low frequencies seem to fade fast. According to the manufacturer the frequency response is 30hz-28khz @ +/-3dB. Also they claim a low frequency limit of 27hz @ -10dB and should be placed no less than 12" off the front wall. They are 36.5" away now. I would like to cross the subwoofer(s) over as low as possible so my speakers can do what they were designed to do. What I want from my system is more QUANTITY of low frequencies but I am not willing to sacrifice QUALITY. |
Blk25
HaHa. My system is as follows: Anthem TLP 1 pre amp, Anthem MCA 20 power amp (200 watts per), Arcam DV137 universal player, APC H15 power conditioner, Wharfedale Evo 2 50 speakers (6.5" woofer, 6.5" mid woofer, 2" dome midrange and 1" silk tweeter), Ultralink Ambiance 8' speaker cables (10 awg), MAC & Emotiva interconnects and power cords. That's it full disclosure. |
I recently designed a dedicate Home Theater for a friend. Using 'Golden Ratios' and good room construction...trying to do everything correctly.
When it came time to chose the sub(s), I chose 2 JL's.
There's a 'balance' that I hear when two subs are loafing along...placed in the right locations...that I never get with just one.
You may have other thoughts...that's fine, this is only my impression.
His room is seamless...the bass is terrific for my (his) taste.
YMMV.
Larry |
Larry,
Thanks for that, my thought is that 2 would fill the room more evenly than 1. I just wanted some input from experienced listeners so I could draw my own conclusions. As for 2 JLs that would be way outside my budget.
Tony |
Thanks to everyone for their opinions. Feel free to offer more I like to hear what others are thinking about this obsessive but enjoyable hobby.
Tony |
Tony,
There are other subs...you may try used ones to start. One, then a second as funds become available.
My friend has 'no budget'...frankly, I'm jealous, as most of us do.
Might try right here on 'Gon...see what's available.
Good luck,
Larry |
My trusty 10" driver REL Q150E sounds amazing (with Silverline Prelude mains) from a 1 foot sealed square box, verifying that they (REL) know what they're doing. I mean really...I also have couple of pro bass rigs with various cabinets: An Eden 15 ported, Eden 2X10 (the larger one with tuning vents on top and bottom), and an Eden 12 combo ported. Of all these the 2X10 cab goes lowest in frequency, and sounds amazing stacked on top of the 15. I can get the 12 combo to sound very similar albeit at lower levels. Don't know if this helps the topic, but at least it gave me a chance to talk about my bass stuff and use the word "albeit." |
Larry & Wolf,
I picked up a Rel T2 and this thing has added what I was missing. I mean that it makes my system sound so much better. So with that said this a great start but I already want more. Which takes me back to my original question 2 small subs or 1 larger sub (or 2 larger)? This stuff never ends!
Thx,
Tony
I love the way that the Rel integrates! |
The output differs among various REL models so it's hard to say if you need 2 of them. Some insist on 2 subs, but I think I'd overload my room if I had 2 of the 150s as I barely use 30% of the gain anyway...I lucked out in placement though as the spot it landed in really loads up my room well...some areas have standing waves that could sink a trawler but it sounds excellent from my listening spot. |
Tony,
I answered your original question....you didn't read it.
Two gives better balance IMHO...while some if not most of us can't do two, given cost constraints, it IS better....more balanced.
Good luck.
Larry |
Larry,
I read your response, I guess I was just thinking out loud. I understand what you are saying as well as agree.
Thanks for indulging me.
Tony |
