20-39 PCi, 2 vs 1?

[duncan618]

It's never good enough is it! I've got a 20-39 PCi and love it but can anyone who has two of these monsters tell me if adding a second is that beneficial?

 

[mazersteven]

Have you e-mailed SVS and asked?

 

[duncan618]

No, I was hoping for more of a personal experience reference from others. And it doesn't have to be SVS specific either, anyone who has gone from one to having two of the same subs no matter which brand.

 

[Sheep]

It's never good enough is it! I've got a 20-39 PCi and love it but can anyone who has two of these monsters tell me if adding a second is that beneficial?

2 subwoofers is ALWAYS beneficial. It will help flatten out the room response and enlarge the bass sweet spot, while increasing headroom. Please, if adding another subwoofer is feasible, do it, you will not regret it (buy the same subwoofer you already have).

SheepStar

 

[jvgillow]

You might be able to get a used PC-Ultra (12") from someone who is upgrading and sell your current PCi. I've seen some go for $500-600 range. That would probably make a more noticeable improvement then just adding another PCi. Unless you have lots of room issues in which case having 2 subs in different locations might be more advantageous.

 

[j_garcia]

I agree with the Ultra line of thinking. I believe it will equal if not outperform 2 PCis. Yes, there will be a definite improvement with two of them though, if you have the space and decide to go that route.

 

[Sheep]

You might be able to get a used PC-Ultra (12") from someone who is upgrading and sell your current PCi. I've seen some go for $500-600 range. That would probably make a more noticeable improvement then just adding another PCi. Unless you have lots of room issues in which case having 2 subs in different locations might be more advantageous.

There is always lots of room issues.

SheepStar

 

[tomd51]

Two PCis will provide you with more sheer output than just a single one. I built a clone of my 20-39 PCi last year w/an identical driver and it definitely helps not only in output, but as Sheep mentioned, with proper placement and calibration, it can help even out the response of your room.

Are you looking to improve one/both of these or a difference in sound quality? Two as opposed to one may also help from an SQ perspective if you're taxing your existing PCi... -TD

 

[hogfan]

I agree with the Ultra line of thinking. I believe it will equal if not outperform 2 PCis. Yes, there will be a definite improvement with two of them though, if you have the space and decide to go that route.

This is the same thing I aked Eric@svs. I wanted know if 2/20-39pci's would work in my 23'x30' room. He adviced the pc-ultra as a better fit for my 1500.00 budget. I thought that when using twin subs the output would be better. I read a paper by JBL speakers that said by using lesser subs in multibles to equal one big sub. What would be a better fit for keeping up with my JBL CF120 speakers. They are 96db sensitivity.

 

[duncan618]

Thanks Sheep and Tom, that's exactly what I wanted to hear!

 

[Sheep]

This is the same thing I aked Eric@svs. I wanted know if 2/20-39pci's would work in my 23'x30' room. He adviced the pc-ultra as a better fit for my 1500.00 budget. I thought that when using twin subs the output would be better. I read a paper by JBL speakers that said by using lesser subs in multibles to equal one big sub. What would be a better fit for keeping up with my JBL CF120 speakers. They are 96db sensitivity.

Multiples is always preferred over 1 single larger/better subwoofer.

SheepStar

 

[Exit]

I do not remember where I saw it but I believe adding a second identical subwoofer will add +3 dB sound pressure level, which represents a doubling of amp/acoustic power.

I favor one subwoofer over more than one because you can't always get two subs properly located and phase matched to avoid some cancelation. Placement is always a compromise with larger subwoofers and two larger subwoofers are more likely to trigger a WAF reaction. I like one subwoofer with a parametric EQ to tame room modes.