Your experience of moving to two subs


Hi all, I have a 2.1 system with the sub sounding best in the center between the loudspeakers. My speakers have substantial, deep, and detailed bass for their size and with the SS amp I’ve chosen. Thus, the sub’s optimal crossover setting is only at about 28hz. I have plenty of bass amplitude going on -- don’t need "more" bass.

I’m wondering about soundstage effects of having two subs on the outsides of my speakers, though. Having my sub in the center does result in some apparent compression of the low frequencies towards the low-center area. The L and R channels from my preamp are combined at my sub. I know some people may disagree and think that the source of frequencies below 60hz can’t be located by human hearing, but my experience tells me differently.

Does anyone have an opinion on the benefits of 2 subs vs only 1 when there’s no need for more bass oompf?

128x128gladmo

Showing 1 response by jpan

@tony1954 Agreed: a distributed bass array is the way to go. But if you can’t get there then two is better than none. Regardless, as others have stated, you need to put in the time & effort to optimize it. For me, it was one of the most cost-effective, biggest bang for the bucks that I’ve spent in this hobby. Huge, comparatively speaking. (Assuming you have a fairly well treated room too. Which is another big bang for the $$.)