1 or 2 subs?

[Hobbit]

I've been wanting to update my long-in-the-tooth Paradigm reference PW2200 sub. What I want to know is what is a guideline between getting one more expensive sub vs. two less expensive subs? For instance, a pair of SB/PB-1000's vs. a single SB/PB-2000 vs. a single different sub altogether that cost the same as the pair of 1000's?

It seem on the boards here 2 subs are preferred but very often the recommendation is for a single more expensive sub (with better specs of course). Are there any good guidelines to this choice?

To make matters more confusing if I look at SPL vs. Freq of the 1000 vs 2000 they look very similar except the 2000 delivers few extra low end hertz before starting to drop off the cliff. Is this noticeable? I'm assuming both are powerful enough for my 2250sqft room.

Thanks!

 

[3db]

Have a read here and this may help you out.

http://www.audioholics.com/subwoofer-setup/two-subs

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

It's generally preferred to have multiple subwoofers to smooth the bass response in your room.

So I would rather have 2 x $500 subs than 1 x $800 sub.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

It's generally preferred to have multiple subwoofers to smooth the bass response in your room.
So I would rather have 2 x $500 subs than 1 x $800 sub.

True, with caveat of two of $250 subs are NOT better than one $500 in almost all cases. (DIY is the exception)

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

True, with caveat of two of $250 subs are NOT better than one $500 in almost all cases. (DIY is the exception)

It depends on the actual sub and how much discount you got. If you got 50% off vs. 00% off. A $500 passive sub may be a lot better than a $500 active sub. etc.

 

[Hobbit]

It's generally preferred to have multiple subwoofers to smooth the bass response in your room.

So I would rather have 2 x $500 subs than 1 x $800 sub.

To throw the typical wrench into the works, how about comparing 2x$500 vs 1x$1k subs? Comparing 2xPB-1000's vs. 1xRythmik F15 (or ?)? When I dig through threads, this is how the responses starts to get dicey on the choices (then add in the "for $x more...").

That said, I'm cheap but a couple of hundred dollars either way is not an issue. IOW, I'm looking at spending about $1k +/-20%.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

2x HSU VTF-2 MK4 > 1x E15 - No doubt

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

To throw the typical wrench into the works, how about comparing 2x$500 vs 1x$1k subs? Comparing 2xPB-1000's vs. 1xRythmik F15 (or ?)? When I dig through threads, this is how the responses starts to get dicey on the choices (then add in the "for $x more...").

That said, I'm cheap but a couple of hundred dollars either way is not an issue. IOW, I'm looking at spending about $1k +/-20%.

IMO, the difference in "quality" between a $500 SVS/Rythmik/HSU vs $1,000 SVS/Rythmik/HSU sub is still practically diminishing. So I would get dual subs.

 

[mike c]

this has too many variables.

it depends.

if your room has room issues that can be solved by dual subs, then even a 10,000usd single sub is beat by two 500usd subs.

also depends on what 2 subs versus what 1 sub you are comparing. dual SB1000 i believe, is no match for a single PB2000 for HT use.

basically, if there's a chance in the near future for you to buy a second sub, then i would recommend the single better sub.

if that's not gonna happen soon, then go for the dual subs now.

 

[Hobbit]

this has too many variables.

it depends.

if your room has room issues that can be solved by dual subs, then even a 10,000usd single sub is beat by two 500usd subs.

also depends on what 2 subs versus what 1 sub you are comparing. dual SB1000 i believe, is no match for a single PB2000 for HT use.

basically, if there's a chance in the near future for you to buy a second sub, then i would recommend the single better sub.

if that's not gonna happen soon, then go for the dual subs now.

LOL, I made a comment and realized you compared the SB to the PB. I could see that point.

My listening room is a rectangular 14'x20'x8' where one of the 14' sides has a bar to the kitchen, the other a fireplace, and one 20' side has a picture window. I don't see/hear any real sound problems. The only thing I fought was sub placement which I felt was most due to aesthetics (and the rear firing port keeping it further from the wall I would like... more aesthetics). I will say I like smooth non punchy bass that blends in like a good jazz band or orchestra.

BTW, I never buy into the "if there's a chance in the near future...." argument. If it is really going to be the near future I would just buy both and be done. Otherwise, next year the upgraded version will come out and then you won't have two matched subs anyway.

 

[herbu]

next year the upgraded version will come out and then you won't have two matched subs anyway.

In my experience, "matched" subs is not important. If money is an object and you can't get 2x what you want now, get 1 and add a second when you can. You can locate the 1 such that YOUR primary listening seat gets full benefit from the 1. The only drawback could be that when you have 2 or more listening positions, some may not get the full effect. You can add the 2nd sub to make your friends happy at your leisure.

 

[mmulhern]

To clarify, mis-matched subs does NOT affect performance? Different make, different models, different size, etc.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

To clarify, mis-matched subs does NOT affect performance? Different make, different models, different size, etc.

My first choice is always identical subs (passive subs in my case) with identical amps. I'm very OCD that way.

But just like mismatching the surround speakers with the front 3 speakers (which I don't do either because of my OCD), I do think mismatching subs will also work just fine. It's like integrating your full-range towers + subs. The woofers in your full-range towers are basically another subwoofer (if you use full-range).

But personally I would just wait for enough money and buy 2 identical subs at once.

 

[lsiberian]

Intelligently mismatched subs can out perform single and dual sub setups in some cases, but I've found the front speakers far more important for my listening preferences. With that preference I haven't even considered building a second sub yet. All my time and resources go into the speakers. If you are a basshead you should corner load 4 subs otherwise you might get more enjoyment out of a speaker upgrade.

 

[herbu]

Keep in mind that the purpose of multiple subs is generally not more bass, but smooth/equal bass response in various listening positions. One sub will likely set up areas in your room where the bass sounds strong, and areas where it sounds weak... peaks and nulls. Seems kinda strange, but it's true. Two chairs right next to each other... bass sounds strong in one chair, weak in the chair right next to it. Multiple subs, properly placed, will even out those peaks and nulls, so everyone in the room hears the same level of bass.

There are lots of good subs that will provide more than enough chest-thumping bass for the average room. So ask yourself if other people in your house are as critical listening as you. Maybe your wife/kids/roommate are more casual listeners. Maybe spending $1k-2k to make the system sound better to YOU would take priority over making it sound better to THEM. In this case, it may be wise to buy THE BEST single sub you can afford now, and place it where it sounds great to YOU. (It will still sound good to everyone else in the room.) Later, you can buy a second sub, matching or not, to smooth out the bass response for your wife/kids/roommate/friends/visitors/etc and take them from good to great also.

 

[walter duque]

2 subs to me is a must. I live in a small apartment 14'x14' and I was running 4 subs. The two rear subs where actually powered towers with build in subs but I only used the sub section on them, sounded great. Well I sold the towers but I am getting 2 rear subs since I did get a taste of 4 subs.

 

[herbu]

2 subs to me is a must.

Me too, after having them. But I have 2, now unused, baby subs that I bought before my first serious sub. And when I installed the first serious sub and heard it for the first time, I was blown away. It was head and shoulders above the 2 baby subs together. Then the addition of the second serious sub was a much more subtle difference.

If I knew then what I know now, and had the funds then, I would have bought the single serious sub first and lived with it until I could add the second. It would have sounded better from the outset, and I wouldn't have spent $ on something I have no use for now.

 

[lsiberian]

2 subs to me is a must. I live in a small apartment 14'x14' and I was running 4 subs. The two rear subs where actually powered towers with build in subs but I only used the sub section on them, sounded great. Well I sold the towers but I am getting 2 rear subs since I did get a taste of 4 subs.

I'm pretty sure you are a basshead. I do dream of having 4 subs. I could do 3 more epic 12" sealed and have plenty of head room in my small room. Though I'm actually considering a JL Audio w7 build.

 

[walter duque]

I'm pretty sure you are a basshead. I do dream of having 4 subs. I could do 3 more epic 12" sealed and have plenty of head room in my small room. Though I'm actually considering a JL Audio w7 build.

I don't know if I would call myself a bass head. I've owned a few subs over the years. Now I am running (2) 15" passive Isobaric subs and finally I have what I've been looking for, subs that don't sound like subs, just an extension of the mains. Makes any sense or what??