One or two?
 

Looking to add sub capability to my 2-channel system which has Focal 1028be as my speakers. Budget is around $4k.

Would I be better off with one Fathom or a pair of e-subs?

One or two?
 

IMO go with a 12” Fathom. It has a better driver, better signal processing, and Digital Automatic Room Optimization (D.A.R.O.) with a calibrated mic. As more funds become available, you can always get a second one.

I think the pertinent question when deciding on a sub is: how big is your room? I would wager a guess that the majority of rooms only require one sub, especially when considering frequencies in the lower octaves are omni-directional.

Listening area is approx 12x14, but that opens to an area that’s roughly 18x20.

I had two Fathom F112 in a 14x16 room.

It started with one F112 and it was great with a pair of Sonus Faber Guarneri Memento speakers.

Then it progressed into 2xF112 or one for each speaker. The decision was made to implement a Bryston 10B-SUB crossover between the preamp and monoblocks so that neither the amps, nor the speakers would ever see anything below 65Hz.

It was magic. :music: I've never heard drums fully fleshed out way out beyond the speakers and anchored solidly to the floor as if holographic.

Having said that, go with one F112. Two are a royal pain in the butt to setup properly.... Took me weeks to dial them in.