Are two less powerful subs better than one more powerful sub?

[lsiberian]

In the simulations done by Harman research 2 subs when placed midwall on opposite sides of the room(not with the left and right speaker) have a fantastic smoothing effect in rectangular rooms. The problem with the left and right speakers is you are getting room equalization only on one axis. With midwall placement you get equalization on two axis. I realize midwall might not be an option and if this isn't an actual room then you will do best with a crawl test.

Dual subs have numerous advantages that a single sub doesn't, but you they also cost a lot. For extension driver size is your best friend. A 12" driver is not going to dig as deep as a 15" in general, but if you really love upper bass most then a 12" is probably a better choice.

 

[ack_bak]

Compared to what a $1k sub can do, that will come at the cost of a lot of output, not just a little. I think a Hsu VTF15h or PSA XV15 would dwarf the output of two PB1000s. It would not be a close contest at all. I think the PB1000 could do 19 hz, but it won't do it very spectacularly, and if you look at SVS's own FR chart for it, it looks to be down by 6 dB at 19 hz from a flat FR. When you factor in human's lower sensitivity to low frequencies, if you are going to chase after 20 hz output, you will want it at a level that's easily perceivable, and not something that you will have to strain to hear. I would say if you are going for two subs, I would go for two Hsu VTF2s instead, they will have substantially more output and deeper extension, but they are slightly more expensive and are a bit larger and heavier. Even then, I don't think two will quite match the output of a single VTF15h, but they will come a lot closer.

I agree but it all comes back to your goals. Not everyone is a bass head and if they are only going to use 25-30% of a high output bigger sub, they might actually benefit from two smaller but still capable subs.

Comes down to what you are trying to accomplish, the size of your room, and your budget. Not knowing that, we are just guessing.

 

[shadyJ]

I agree but it all comes back to your goals. Not everyone is a bass head and if they are only going to use 25-30% of a high output bigger sub, they might actually benefit from two smaller but still capable subs.

Comes down to what you are trying to accomplish, the size of your room, and your budget. Not knowing that, we are just guessing.

I agree with you partly, but I still generally recommend as much output as you can afford if there isn't any special considerations involved. The reason is when the sub does not have to work as hard, it will perform with much less distortion, it will be better for the long term reliability, and more headroom means less compressed peaks. For me two subs are good, but only after a certain level of performance has been reached. I find when most people are shelling out $1k for a subwoofer, they are hoping for that blazing wall-of-sound THX you-are-at-the-movies goosebumps. While a single decent $1k sub is unlikely to replicate that Imax experience (unless you are listening to it in a closet) it will get closer to that than any two $500 subs. I think when you can get a beastly sound from your sub, then get other subs for the purpose of smoothing out FR through out the room, the reduction of localization, and, of course, the extra headroom and lower distortion.