Two Different Subs, Single output AVR, can it be done?

[KiterSuperFly]

So, I have an SVS SB-1000 Pro, and a smaller Mission MS-200 10". My Denon AVR has only single channel, parallel subwoofer outputs. I am constrained in my sub placement (WAF), but the SVS is between mains, the other is opposite wall/right side of listening position.

Is there a process where I can utilize both these subs effectively? I am trying to think of a process; perhaps I REW the SVS, then again with the MS-200, then let Audyssey have a got at then together? Is there an option that would work? Only the SVS can be tweaked internally, the MS-200 only has a phase invert switch. I don't want to have them cancelling each other out out of phase or something, but have a good suckout at 105Hz I'd like to fix. Or, is a 2 channel DSP my only option?

 

[j_garcia]

Splitter will do it. Yes, you would need to individually calibrate. Generally, two dissimilar performing subs doesn't result in optimum results, especially if the gap is big.

 

[KiterSuperFly]

More thoughts...It is the individual calibration that is the roadblock.

I can use REW to individually calibrate the SVS. I could then run Audyssey through the AVR to optimize the MS-200. Then I would plug the already-calibrated SVS into the AVR also and adjust the SUB level down a touch. Which leads me to the question, do two individually calibrated subs add up to a pair of calibrated/optimized subs working in harmony? Or, can the sum be less than the parts sometimes?

 

[j_garcia]

That's what I was getting at. In a setup like that, the result is limited by the lesser of the two subs and you get the possibility of them not working well together as they will have different room interactions. Ideally for dual subs, identical is the way to go.

 

[KiterSuperFly]

Fair enough. If I were to add a DSP for the MS-200, the cost adds up for unknown or at least limited improvement. I was deciding if it is worth the cost/trouble, if there was even a reasonable path to successful integration of the two. Really, It was pretty good with just the MS-200, the SB-1000 replacing it will improve enough that I can get away with just the one.

 

[j_garcia]

Fair enough. If I were to add a DSP for the MS-200, the cost adds up for unknown or at least limited improvement. I was deciding if it is worth the cost/trouble, if there was even a reasonable path to successful integration of the two. Really, It was pretty good with just the MS-200, the SB-1000 replacing it will improve enough that I can get away with just the one.

Tough to say because there are too many factors: room size, listening position, how loud you like to listen, etc... I see the specs for the MS200 show -3dB at 35Hz, so the SB-1000 is -3dB at 24Hz, so you will gain extension but maybe not a ton of output down low since it is sealed. Though you are going from a 10" to a 12" driver. I can't tell if the mission is sealed or vented, but it looks to be sealed too.

Honestly, I'd pick up the splitter and run them both, especially if you have REW available to you. Audessey won't work with the two of them at once I think, so I'd run it on one and REW on the other. Maybe REW on the SVS as you said, leave the MS200 on Audessey and see how it goes. Then run REW once you have both setup to see what the result is with both and tweak it to where it sounds good. It might take time to tweak, but it could work out.

 

[KiterSuperFly]

Thanks for the advice. I will give it a try when I get a chance.