2-CH Subs and You!

[audioguy3107]

One of the keys to subwoofers in a two channel system is proper integration with your mains which can be extremely difficult. I don't think I would use a a single sub in mine, it just causes too many room interaction issues. Once you add a second, then you have a lot more flexibility in placement and really dial in a smooth bass response. Stereo subs are the way to go if you're gonna do it in a 2 channel setup.

[Omerta]

Most music doesn't go below 25hz. At least that's how it used to be. Of course you have your pipe organ music and hip hop, you are going to need subs for them. I have used subs in 2/ch and while I enjoyed the extra bass I never was completely satisfied with the over all presentation. My mains could probably use a little help all the way down but for the little help subs can give they cause cancelation issues in my experience.

[redm]

Originally Posted by Omerta

Most music doesn't go below 25hz. At least that's how it used to be. Of course you have your pipe organ music and hip hop, you are going to need subs for them. I have used subs in 2/ch and while I enjoyed the extra bass I never was completely satisfied with the over all presentation. My mains could probably use a little help all the way down but for the little help subs can give they cause cancelation issues in my experience.

I wonder if that is still the case? It certainly makes a big difference as to what is important..

[doggiehowser]

I'm pretty sure there's some information from double bass and cellos that benefit from subs as well.

[Kal Rubinson]

IMHO, the real value of subs with large, full-range systems is that the subs can be situated and EQ-ed for optimal low bass while the main speakers can be situated for imaging and balance (with or without EQ).

[chessman]

Originally Posted by Kal Rubinson

IMHO, the real value of subs with large, full-range systems is that the subs can be situated and EQ-ed for optimal low bass while the main speakers can be situated for imaging and balance (with or without EQ).

Amen!

[Omerta]

A speaker builder sets out to create a full range speaker. They put in countless hours of R&D sculpting the cab for the best response, choosing crossover parts and tweeking the crossovers function and selecting or creating the drivers for the sole voice of the speaker. If that speaker was fully capable down to 25hz and feed ample current.... Would reducing it's load with subs make that big of an improvement?

[Kal Rubinson]

Originally Posted by Omerta

A speaker builder sets out to create a full range speaker. They put in countless hours of R&D sculpting the cab for the best response, choosing crossover parts and tweeking the crossovers function and selecting or creating the drivers for the sole voice of the speaker. If that speaker was fully capable down to 25hz and feed ample current.... Would reducing it's load with subs make that big of an improvement?

IMHO, in such cases, it has nothing to do with reducing the load.

[Omerta]

Originally Posted by Kal Rubinson

IMHO, in such cases, it has nothing to do with reducing the load.

in that scenario you crossing the subs over in the 60-80hz range or just using them to fill in the bottom end while the mains are running full?

[Kal Rubinson]

Originally Posted by Omerta

in that scenario you crossing the subs over in the 60-80hz range or just using them to fill in the bottom end while the mains are running full?

Well, to take advantage of positioning and EQ in the sub, you would want to roll off the main speakers so they to not pollute that range.