2nd sub?

[Mega2000]

I have a pretty good size home theater room (a converted 2 car garage) and was thinking about adding another sub, just because I can. Does it even matter if the subs match? or should I get the same exact sub?

I was actually looking at just getting the 10" version of the 12" one I have now. I really like the sub I have now (JBL 250E) and thought about adding a second sub (the JBL 150E) for like $150+/-(ebay special)

 

[warnerwh]

If I were you I"d sell the JBL and buy a much higher quality single sub. HSU, VMPS, AV123 rocket should have a 12" pretty soon that should also be up there with the best deals for the money. I've liked the M&K's I've heard and a used one isn't very expensive. One good sub is better than two lower quality subs and once you hear a high quality sub putting out the decibels you'll be glad you spent the money. I had a friend who had been very apprehensive about spending a grand on a sub. Now my friend has high end bass for music and the power to rearrange the living room and shows it off whenever he can. I've been in the hobby for over 30 years and enjoy passing the best knowledge I feel I can offer. For the money any of those new or used will do well. There are others but they cost more too. The new model from Mark Schifter's Rocket line in the 12" should be out. Check out AV123.com or go over to the AV123 forum at Audiocircle. A side benefit of the Rocket sub is that the cabinetry is absolutely gorgeous. There's a review of the 10" on this site and read how the reviewer describes the cabinet. I own VMPS speakers made at the same factory by Mark's crew and they are the nicest furniture in the house. Trust me on this, one good sub is better than two lower end subs. If you really want to make the walls breathe pm me and I'll tell you how for about a thousand or better yet just put the the title of "best boom for under a grand" at Partsexpress. Even 500 you can do very very good and I was very surprised to get private emails from experienced builders to help me and give proven designs.
Last option. Are you capable of doing some woodwork. You can build a sub that is excellent for 500 dollars. You need some knowledge which is easily attainable at the DIY forums at partsexpress.com and madisound.com where there's many nice people that can answer questions. Subs are relatively simple. Everything you need to buy can be bought from these sites although I'd buy the MDF at HD and veneer myself as it's supposedly easy to do. Best of luck to you!

 

[golfhack]

Yeah, I agree with warnerwh...a good sub is better than two bad subs. Not counting the pain you might encounter in dialing in BOTH subs to your room. There are some benefits to having two subs, but not worth the downsides IMO.

But if you are going to stick with the sub you have, then yes, it is best to buy another sub of the same quality. Also I would put the two subs side by side or on top of each other. This will make it easier in dialing them in, added output, more efficient. Hope that helped.

 

[warpdrive]

I agree, I'd just upgrade to a bigger/better one instead of adding a second.

If I am not mistaken, the JBL you have only reaches down to 25Hz. If so, you can do better...because you are not hearing all the sound that is encoded on the DVD.

If you are going to buy a second one, go for one that matches.

 

[3beanlimit]

Also consider a DIY if your handy or have a friend who has woodworking skills. You can maximize what you get that way.

Subs aren't that hard to build compared to speaker systems.

 

[shokhead]

I agree, I'd just upgrade to a bigger/better one instead of adding a second.

If I am not mistaken, the JBL you have only reaches down to 25Hz. If so, you can do better...because you are not hearing all the sound that is encoded on the DVD.

If you are going to buy a second one, go for one that matches.

True but isnt it something like 98% of bass&LFE is 25 and up?

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

I have a pretty good size home theater room (a converted 2 car garage) and was thinking about adding another sub, just because I can. Does it even matter if the subs match? or should I get the same exact sub?

I was actually looking at just getting the 10" version of the 12" one I have now. I really like the sub I have now (JBL 250E) and thought about adding a second sub (the JBL 150E) for like $150+/-(ebay special)

What's your budget? $150? By getting a 10", you'll be able to dial in different bass notes the 12" isn't giving you. There's a lot of debate about two different sized subs in a room. A lot of better subs have their best db performance in the low hz range, but lack the mid hz. Adding a 10" may be exactly what you need - probably better than the 12". There's no doubt an SVS cylinder type sub will sound better, but you'd be spending $700+ with shipping. For $150, try it out. If you don't like it, sell it.

 

[warpdrive]

True but isnt it something like 98% of bass&LFE is 25 and up?

Yes, true....but any decent action movie soundtrack will have some noises that reach down below 25Hz. The impact when a noise goes below 30Hz is unmistakable, and if your sub is capable of below 25Hz with any authority, it will be a new experience. I had a 10" sub that was flat to 25Hz, and I just got a new one (Mirage S12) that is only down 2dB at 20Hz by my own in room measurements. Even with the new sub dialed in for flattest response.....the difference in impact is just unmistakable..even at moderate regular listening levels..it's a new experience. The aftershock of the depth charges in U571 are well felt, you can feel the aftershocks swelling up around you, something that was only hinted at with my old sub. WOW!

If I invest in new equipment, I can only justify it if I get something new in return. Extra extension is something I was missing before....now I have it. I could have easily bought a second 10", but that would have just allowed me to turn it up more, but I still would have been missing out on the deepness of bass I am enjoying now.

 

[Mega2000]

I didn't really ask this because I felt my bass is weak and needed more. I was just wondering if I put $150+/- into buying another sub to position in another part of the room would that even make a difference. I have no desire right now to but a new "better" sub. If I am going to do that I would do it right and get something closer to the $800-$1000 range. I just saw the 10" version of the sub I had and though... "Hey, if I got that would it make a noticeable difference?"

i actually think the JBL sub I have now does a pretty good job for movies and have no desire to upgrade at this moment. Next big speaker purchase for me will be bigger/better fronts and center.

 

[shokhead]

Lower and louder is an improvement otherwise just save your money.

 

[warpdrive]

I didn't really ask this because I felt my bass is weak and needed more. I.

Then buying another sub is not going to make much of a difference.

Bank that $150.00 and put it toward a new sub down the road. There's a lot better stuff to be had, and one day you may look back and say "I started with the JBL, but am I glad I upgraded this YYYY model XYY-1000. It was worth every cent!!!"

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

I didn't really ask this because I felt my bass is weak and needed more. I was just wondering if I put $150+/- into buying another sub to position in another part of the room would that even make a difference. I have no desire right now to but a new "better" sub. If I am going to do that I would do it right and get something closer to the $800-$1000 range. I just saw the 10" version of the sub I had and though... "Hey, if I got that would it make a noticeable difference?"

i actually think the JBL sub I have now does a pretty good job for movies and have no desire to upgrade at this moment. Next big speaker purchase for me will be bigger/better fronts and center.

Your E250P is actually a darn good sub for the money. The only complaints I've heard about it though are that it's "directional". You can sometimes tell where the bass is coming from. Downward facing woofers don't suffer from this problem. Two E250P's would give you amazing bass. Add a 150P and you'd hear a tighter bass that you are missing from the 250. Make no bones about it, it's a heck of a deal for your dollar. Not everyone has $800 to drop on a sub, or $1200 on a receiver. Two is much better than one. Just go to a high end audio shop and you'll see one in each corner of their "prize" room.

 

[slopoke]

A few things...

JBL insists on 2 subs on it's high end systems.

2 subs will let you balance out room modes and a smaller one should give you tighter bass.

2 subs will be an absolute pain to get dialed in. If you want to dive into playing with spectrum analyzers go for it.

 

[shokhead]

Of course they do.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Or just one sub if you have this one...

www.jblpro.com/pub/cinema/4642a.pdf

 

[dmoss]

Where do you find the SVS Subs. I tried SVS on epinions and got Pioneer

 

[shokhead]

www.svsubwoofers.com

 

[jbracing24]

I inherited a smaller sub from my father. Researching, the suggestion of multiple subs had me place the second sub on the second level of seating, behind the back row but away from the corner. Combined with the Denon 2805, the setup gives a smooth, clean "feel", without the booming. I think it adds to the surround effect without always cranking the volume.

 

[shokhead]

I dont have any booming with one sub and you cant tell its coming from the sub,its just bass coming from both mains like it should. Its magic.