How much sub is too much?

[Dazed_and_confused]

Is there even such a thing? Is there a guideline as to how much sub one should have for a given floor speaker and room size? Do the floor speakers matter? Does the room size matter (aside from being able to physically fit the sub in the room)?

The reason I'm asking this is because I have everything picked out for my new system except for the subs and it's driving me crazy. I think I mentioned this in a previous post but I will summarize...

I have a Sony STR DN-1050 receiver. I also have the Pioneer Andrew Jones 5.1 speakers minus the sub. The floor speakers are rated at 130 watts maximum output. They have a stated sensitivity of 87 dB but that is 6 ohm at 2.83 volts. IF I calculated correctly, that means I need to adjust the sensitivity downward to about 85.75 dB. I didn't see RMS power listed but I'm guessing it's half the peak, so 65 watts RMS. Given that, these floor speakers would hit about 103.8 dB at 65 watts and 106.8 dB at 130 watts. Room size is 2,100 cubic feet.

Is there any fairly straightforward way I can gauge how many watts of subs would be a good match for my setup? I want the subs to really be able to dig down low for the LFE channel but I also would like to be able to have a reasonably balanced sound. I was thinking of buying the largest subs I can accommodate size-wise and then just turn them down to an appropriate volume. Is this reasonable? Do the subs need to be at a certain volume in order to faithfully reproduce their intended range?

I believe in a previous post I was considering either dual SVS PB-1000's or dual SVS PB-2000's. I've pretty much ruled out the PB-2000's due to their large footprint. I am now trying to decide between the box style PB-1000's vs the cylinder PC-2000's. Dual PB-1000's would yield 600 watts RMS and 1400 watts peak. Dual PC-2000's would yield 1000 watts RMS and 2200 watts peak. The PC's have a much smaller footprint and are down-firing (I have young children) plus I actually like the black water heater look.

SVS recommended the dual PB-1000's for my setup but I'm not convinced. I was told I would have more headroom with the dual PC-2000's but that I wouldn't be able to take full advantage of them. He did say that a single PC-2000 would be okay. Here's where I started to doubt what I was being told. For one, I would like dual subs as I would like a more even frequency response throughout the room. Second, stepping up from dual PB-1000's (600 watts RMS) to dual PC-2000's (1000 watts RMS) represents 2.22 dB gain which is roughly a 17% increase in perceived loudness. Is that enough of a difference to deter me from dual PC-2000's?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Well, you have a $500 AVR, $260/pair speakers, so I think the $500 subs from SVS, HSU, and other ID companies would be just right. Don't worry about anything else. $500 subs are it.

 

[Dazed_and_confused]

Well, you have a $500 AVR, $260/pair speakers, so I think the $500 subs from SVS, HSU, and other ID companies would be just right. Don't worry about anything else. $500 subs are it.

Thanks, but I'm more interested in knowing if dual PC-2000's would be a good match for my system, regardless of the fact they would cost $550 more than dual PB-1000's...Not trying to be rude or anything but I really would like an answer based more on the system specs than price. Let's just say Santa has agreed to buy me the subs (but nothing else, lol)...

 

[its phillip]

No such thing as too much sub.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Thanks, but I'm more interested in knowing if dual PC-2000's would be a good match for my system, regardless of the fact they would cost $550 more than dual PB-1000's...Not trying to be rude or anything but I really would like an answer based more on the system specs than price. Let's just say Santa has agreed to buy me the subs (but nothing else, lol)...

There is no such thing as too much subwoofer bass. You can adjust the volume of the subwoofer up or down.

For that little room (2100 CF), you won't need much. The only limit you have is the actual physical size of the subwoofer fitting in the room.

 

[KEW]

Running better subs below their potential should still give you better sound.
Many would look at it as are you getting good bang out of that extra $550, but that does not seem to be your concern.
The dual PCs should be nice and you've got extra ability if you ever change uour situation.

 

[Swerd]

This seems like a case of analysis paralysis more than it is anything else.

ADTG makes the simple point that most models from SVS, Hsu, and other ID companies known for their subwoofer design quality will get the job done. That's probably correct – at least it's not wrong.

Powered subs, driven through an AVR with user-adjustable volume and crossover point, allow enough flexibility for the user to determine, by trial and error, what settings works best in his room with his speakers. Equally important for subwoofer performance is the room location, both of the subwoofer and the listener. These are also user-adjustable, within limits. These are also best done by a process of trial and error. Trying to accurately predict the best locations by formula can be tempting, but trial and error seems to work better for most people (myself included).

Some people, with difficult room location problems, have found that better overall performance can be obtained with two more modestly priced subwoofers in different locations, than one more expensive subwoofer. Keep that in mind as you select your first, and possibly your only, subwoofer.

It's up to you to pick the price range and size – and you seem to be in the right range for both. I think its fair to say, by their reputation, that both SVS and Hsu subs are well enough designed to avoid the problems of high Q and muddy sounding bass that were previously described.

 

[TLS Guy]

Is there even such a thing? Is there a guideline as to how much sub one should have for a given floor speaker and room size? Do the floor speakers matter? Does the room size matter (aside from being able to physically fit the sub in the room)?

The reason I'm asking this is because I have everything picked out for my new system except for the subs and it's driving me crazy. I think I mentioned this in a previous post but I will summarize...

I have a Sony STR DN-1050 receiver. I also have the Pioneer Andrew Jones 5.1 speakers minus the sub. The floor speakers are rated at 130 watts maximum output. They have a stated sensitivity of 87 dB but that is 6 ohm at 2.83 volts. IF I calculated correctly, that means I need to adjust the sensitivity downward to about 85.75 dB. I didn't see RMS power listed but I'm guessing it's half the peak, so 65 watts RMS. Given that, these floor speakers would hit about 103.8 dB at 65 watts and 106.8 dB at 130 watts. Room size is 2,100 cubic feet.

Is there any fairly straightforward way I can gauge how many watts of subs would be a good match for my setup? I want the subs to really be able to dig down low for the LFE channel but I also would like to be able to have a reasonably balanced sound. I was thinking of buying the largest subs I can accommodate size-wise and then just turn them down to an appropriate volume. Is this reasonable? Do the subs need to be at a certain volume in order to faithfully reproduce their intended range?

I believe in a previous post I was considering either dual SVS PB-1000's or dual SVS PB-2000's. I've pretty much ruled out the PB-2000's due to their large footprint. I am now trying to decide between the box style PB-1000's vs the cylinder PC-2000's. Dual PB-1000's would yield 600 watts RMS and 1400 watts peak. Dual PC-2000's would yield 1000 watts RMS and 2200 watts peak. The PC's have a much smaller footprint and are down-firing (I have young children) plus I actually like the black water heater look.

SVS recommended the dual PB-1000's for my setup but I'm not convinced. I was told I would have more headroom with the dual PC-2000's but that I wouldn't be able to take full advantage of them. He did say that a single PC-2000 would be okay. Here's where I started to doubt what I was being told. For one, I would like dual subs as I would like a more even frequency response throughout the room. Second, stepping up from dual PB-1000's (600 watts RMS) to dual PC-2000's (1000 watts RMS) represents 2.22 dB gain which is roughly a 17% increase in perceived loudness. Is that enough of a difference to deter me from dual PC-2000's?

Two SVS PB 1000 will be easily adequate for your requirements.

There is no thing as too much sub. There is such a thing as unused output, which is a nice high class problem.

The real issue is properly balanced bass. I find that people almost invariably have subs turned up too high. So trial and error for placement is the key. Use good reference points from live, especially is you attend live concerts. List to how cellos and double basses, typms and bass drums really are balanced to the rest of the instruments. So don't be surprised if you think your subs aren't doing much, that is the way it should be.

You probably have realized by now you have been interacting with fanatics. For some of us the smallest problems bug us. Now I know your short list, I recommend you go the SVS PB 1000s and not look back.

 

[Dazed_and_confused]

Thank you for all of the comments and advice. I've decided to heed the dominant recommendation on here and go with dual SVS PB-1000's. Will be getting for Christmas. Can't wait! Will be a nice upgrade from my 25 year old rack stereo system! lol

 

[djreef]

Ya, you can't really go wrong with SVS. Good job.

DJ