Are two Dayton subwoofers better than on SVS or HSU?

[Mancave]

All movies.

The Dayton Audio subs get a lot of good press. I'm going to get one. Of course, there will always be the "SVS" and "HSU" are the only good subwoofers and if you'll only "save a little more..." you can get the "real" subwoofers. That may not be the case on this forum, but on avforum that's the mantra. I despise it but I digress.

Do you think that if I have two Dayton 12" subs that that is better than having one SVS sub (or HSU)? I read that on here in an old thread. Thanks.

 

[Adam]

In the big picture, what ever makes you happier is the better option.

First, two subs versus one sub is one discussion. Two subs can have advantages in terms of output and being able to get a flatter response across the listening area, but you do have to put some effort into getting them set up properly. If set up wrong, they can cause either big dips in certain frequencies or big gains. There are guides on the main Audioholics site for setting up two subs to help out with all of that, though.

Next, is an SVS or HSU going to be that much better than one or two Daytons? Depends on what model you get and what you want. Do you want shear volume, low frequency response, the best "value," or just enjoyable sound? For many, the answer will be Dayton because of the cost and the bang-for-their-buck. For me, it was an SVS - but not any SVS. I got an SVS PC13-Ultra because I wanted to go below 20Hz, and the company had a great rep back in 2007 when I was shopping (and I've been very happy with them since). Doesn't mean that I get much audio response below 20 Hz from the sources that I play - but I wanted it, and I knew that I wouldn't be happy until I had it...so it was the better choice for me. An SVS NSD model wasn't going to give me what I wanted, so even within a brand, there are models that may not fit what you want.

 

[lsiberian]

Some Dayton subs are probably better than an SVS sub. But I'm assuming you are talking the Sub-120s. A pair of them is probably good enough for 99 percent of people. I had one back in the day it wasn't bad, but SVS is another level.

 

[ImcLoud]

Which subs and price range are you considering? How big is the room? Is placement an issue?

 

[j_garcia]

If we are talking about the sub1000/1200 as mentioned, then the answer is no. Both are only good to 25hz by design, and cost wise are not using components that are of the same level of quality or build quality. What you will get is twice the output that one Dayton will offer and that will get you plenty of output, but that output still might not be that much more than one PB12 or VTF-3, if it even exceeds them at all. This is a case where you want to go with the better sub.

 

[Mancave]

I want to enjoy movies, action movies, without boomy mess hurting my ears. I've found that subs often just flat out hurt my ears after a while. Don't know why. Don't know if it's just me. Maybe no subwoofer is good for me. At one time I had a Mirage S12. Loud but after a while it was fatiguing.

 

[Jeepers]

I want to enjoy movies, action movies, without boomy mess hurting my ears. I've found that subs often just flat out hurt my ears after a while. Don't know why. Don't know if it's just me. Maybe no subwoofer is good for me. At one time I had a Mirage S12. Loud but after a while it was fatiguing.

It's all about placement and setup. The idea is to have the sub blend with the speakers versus playing loud, shaking the room and hurting your ears and possibly those of your neighbours.

 

[jinjuku]

WHICH Dayton Subs? They make a ton of them. What is your budget?

Which SVS sub are you comparing too? They make a ton of them.

 

[rnatalli]

The inexpensive Dayton subs are okay, but I wouldn't take two of them over a single HSU or SVS sub generally speaking. Also, HSU and SVS aren't the only ID brands worth looking at as PSA and Rythmik also offer excellent subs at various price points. What's your budget and room size?