Combining sub brands...any problems?

[Nestor]

Anyone have two subs of differing brands in a system? Any problems dialing them in?

I currently have a Paradigm PW2200. It's been acceptable for the room it's in now(19X32X8 = 4864 ft^3 open concept apartment), but I'm moving into a new house with a much larger (22X29X9 = 5742 ft^3) family room and I don't think this sub will give me the extension I'm looking for.

I'd like to buy two and get it over with, but with all of the other expenses of moving, I think I'm better off getting one for now.

Anyone thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[Warpdrv]

Thats nearly 6000 cu ft, is that room open to other areas of closed off...?

I would suggest a pretty large sub, and add a second later down the line, you could use that PW200 as a nearfield sub to hold you over until you can match the larger one you buy.

Many people have mixed and matched, but its not the ideal situation - certainly worth a try as you already own it.... Placement will be the key and getting it dialed in properly.

 

[Nestor]

It's a four-level back-split. Here's some pics. (hot-linked from realtor listing)

 

[Warpdrv]

Your going to have a hard time getting huge impressive impact with it leaking sound all over the place, rather then sealed, but I would look at a pair of larger ported subs, 15" at least if your looking for powerful bass...

List your other equipment and listening pref - % of music / movies...

 

[Nestor]

Was looking at SVS, but I'm guessing the PB13 won't cut it?

 

[Warpdrv]

I wouldn't say that.... the Ultra 13's are amazing performers and have amazing output - I would say you would be more then ok with that choice, add a second later if you need it....

 

[darien87]

I don't think anyone has really answered your specific question yet. I think most people will tell you to not only stay with the same brand, but to use the same size woofer when doing multiple subs. This is probably the best way to do it, but mixing not only brands but sizes can work.

I have a Rythmik 12" and a DIY 15" sub with two 18" passive radiators and I think my system sounds great. So yes you can mix different subwoofer brands. But just know that whatever sub you choose, if it is markedly better than your current Paradigm sub, you will always be somewhat limited by the weaker sub.

 

[Nestor]

DIY?

Aww, man! You just had to mention that, didn't ya?

Sorely tempted. A future build is a dedicated home theater in the basement, and this could be easily relocated.

Hmm...

Good excuse to upgrade my table saw.

 

[jostenmeat]

Then I'd just save the money towards the theater, and build a sub for that day. You're going to want all the play money you can have at your disposal for something like this. That also likely means forgetting about the saw upgrade. According to Bill Fitzmaurice, designer of the Tuba HT, even $100 is enough for a table saw to build your sub. He says so right on his website.

JMO. Otherwise, do as you please. If you have to spend now for a sub, I might consider selling the digm to pool funds into a single sub upgrade for the time being. A thought.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Was looking at SVS, but I'm guessing the PB13 won't cut it?

I have ~8,000 cubic/ft room and use 1 PB13U. I had 2 in there for about 3 months but 1 is plenty for all but true reference levels.

Start with 1 and add the second or third as money allows. For me, the second one was great but I only "needed" it about once a month. I realized that in a big, open room it was a never ending battle so I quit throwing money at it and accepted it for what it is.

 

[its phillip]

You should have just stacked em

 

[Nestor]

After reading the Folded Horn thread, I find that idea appealing. The PB13's are gorgeous subs, but they don't deserve to be hidden, which will happen when they move into my theater.

I've built car sub boxes several times over the years. My last was fiberglass/mdf underneath the back seat of my Nissan Titan. Tuba appears straightforward.

If I build one, may as well just build two...