Are big subwoofers viable for 2 channel music?


In thinking about subwoofers to get for a large future listening space (30' x 30'). So far there seems to be a lot of great options for smaller subs for music.. such as the rel s812. Now my main focus will be music but I do plan to do some home theater on the system and I do enjoy subs that reach low and have strong but clear sub-bass. Would a large sealed sub still be able to provide clean tight bass that digs low and thus satisfy both duties. Can it ever match the speed and precision of a pair or more of rel 812s? Something like PSA S7201 or Captivator RS2?

A realize a smaller sub has a smaller moving mass and thus for a given level of power would be faster than a bigger sub with a bigger moving mass (driver mass). But a large sub would have to move less to achieve the same SPL and would reach lower.

Anyhow what do you guys think? Thanks.
smodtactical
Post removed 

Some subwoofer processing have multiple customizable EQ presents that can be set for HT and two channel as well as inputs for HT and two channel. While both systems can be connected only one system can be used at a time. 

I'm curious if anyone has tried having a multi-way sub array with several small subs throughout the room and one big one that only plays the lowest notes.  If you give a big sub a gradual rolloff starting at 30 or 35 hz it's less likely to have negative interactions with the room in the higher frequencies that tend to have the most problems.  Then add a bunch of smaller, cheaper subs that rolloff above 30 or 35hz.  It'd be a hassle but might get the most bang for the buck.  

I've got a tiny psb subseries 100 that sounds fantastic but has very limited dynamics and extension.  There's a used one on ebay for around $100.  I might be able to buy 10 small subs for not that much money.  Having a whole bunch would even out room response everywhere but the lowest bass.  The limited dynamics would be greatly improved by having a whole bunch of them.

@jon_5912  That is sort of like a rel six pack except you have different sizes and types of subs. I bet it would work well if it was properly setup.

For a large space like the one initially lined out by the OP (or be that even a smaller ditto), serving home theater duties to boot, I'd wager to keep the thing of it all the most "musical" - i.e.: with low distortion, effortless and smoothly distributed bass - is to go with two or more big, higher eff. subs. Many seem to be hellbent on the "multiple smaller subs vs. fewer or only a single big one" division. For Pete's sake, what's with the self-imposed limitations? Have your cake and eat it too with a bunch of large subs like the ones from the reasonably priced and quality items PSA, and make them no less equipped than with 18" diameter woofers. These are high eff. pro drivers with a moving mass to cone diameter and motor force ratio that in no way makes for "slow" bass, contrary to some high moving mass, very low eff. (<85dB's) woofers meant for ultra small sub cabs with a bass reproduction that never really "gels" with the mains. Yes, very generally large, high eff. subs to my ears sound somewhat more musically "right" and well-integrated, because you don't sense they're using any real effort reproducing bass with their large diameter cones that barely move. Sonically in some regards REL subs are one of the more notable exceptions from the small cab/low eff. "camp" being not least they don't try and squeeze out infrasonics from their designs, that would have otherwise necessitate a higher moving mass in the driver and thus resulted in even lower sensitivity and likely bass lag. But, again: big (higher eff.) subs are not only viable for music reproduction; they would seem wholly essential if you ask me, while providing for a very worthwhile impact watching movies as well. What people won't do to avoid size in subs, and the hassle this has a tendency to bring with it (sometimes unknowingly, because they haven't heard the difference). It may even come down to large size being judged as "not looking cultivated enough," or "too brute for hi-fi." 🙄 When you got the space, use it. Bass properly sized/scaled is all the better for it.