Help buying a new sub

[cgott42]

if I get a 2nd sub, where would I put it. The only spots would be front corners (left or right). wth 2 subs does positioning matter? Though currently have my existing sub on the left (though a ways removed from the corner)

 

[djreef]

O ya, positioning matters.

Read through the stickies at the top of the forum's main page. A lot of real good info about placement options there.

DJ

 

[cgott42]

Thanks for the info, and trying to get me up to speed - 3 Questions:

1. Also, what are the pros/cons of getting a single SVS PB13 Ultra vs. two 20-39PCi?
2. Also - any info on how a StoneHedge 2/HT18 - 18" driver DIY sub compares - in what ways would it be better?
3. Lastly, for times that I want the sub, but don't want to shake the house - can you cut off the low frequencies (as I have my HT subproof/sound contained - and it contains most all high (of course) and low frequencies - but some scenes still shake the house if the volume is on reference levels - so I was wondering if I left the volume up, but cut off some of the low frequencies - perhaps there's a point where I can be happy even at the times where I can't bother / shake the upstairs

thx!

 

[djreef]

Firstly, unless you can find one used the 20-39 PCi won't be an option. If you can find one, then I would do that vs spending all the extra $ for the PB-13 ultra. Esp since freq coverage/dispersion and not output is your primary concern.

If you're handy, I don't think anyone would dissuade you from building your own. It's hella fun and a good way to get to understand how things work in the LF arena.

If you have a DSP Bass management function on your receiver you should be able to control the LF output there. If not something like the Behringer 24/96 unit can be cheaply inserted into the system to do that for you.

DJ

 

[cgott42]

Just got a 2nd 20-39 SVS sub. Now to buy the cable.
With this in effect I have 5 subs - 2 built in subs in the Goldenear Triton Two with RCA LFE connectors, 1 Buttkicker tactile transducer + 2 SVS 20-39 subs. My receiver has only 1 RCA sub preout. How do I hook them up? What do I buy to split the signal to 5 separate signals? One sub has an RCA in and RCA out, so I guess I only need to split the signal 4 ways. What do you recommend?


Also, of the two SVS 20-39 subs I have - 1 is active , and one is passive. The active one is teh 20-39PCi, and passive the 20-39CS. On the panel for the PCi there are connectors for standard speaker cable (in addition to the RCA type) - can I hook my passive 20-39CS to this and use it as the amp to drive it?

 

[djreef]

Just go to monoprice.com and pick up a 3 male to two female RCA splitters, and the cables necessary to get the subs hooked up from the splitters - or hit a Radio Shack near you, if it's still open.

Congrats on the acquisition. Your system is going to throb.

DJ

 

[cgott42]

thanks, I took a look and didn't see what you mentioned. The only thing that I saw was to split a single signal into 2. Also, I don't understand how that would split the single signal into 4?

 

[djreef]

thanks, I took a look and didn't see what you mentioned. The only thing that I saw was to split a single signal into 2. Also, I don't understand how that would split the single signal into 4?

Yes split a single signal into 2. From the sub out put - 1 Male to 2 female. Then get 2 more and run those two from the female ends of the splitter that you just plugged into the sub output in the back of the receiver. Then you have 4 sub out puts coming from the back of the receiver.

 

[cgott42]

gotcha - will that cause a problem degrading the signal?

 

[djreef]

Nah, it will lower the output by roughly 3dB each step, but that can easily be made up for by increasing thew volume at the sub.

This is what I'm referring to:

http://www.parts-express.com/streetwires-zn1y2f-zeronoise-1-series-rca-y-adapter-pair-1-male-to-2-female-14--263-1710

 

[cgott42]

gotcha, thanks

 

[cgott42]

Next Q - I looked at the article on multi sub placement, however it requires a $2,000+ audio analyzer. Is there a cheaper way to do this? How much do the pros charge? In my rectangular room, I have 2 possible locations (a) front left + front right or (b) front right + back left - which is preferred (or are both poor)?

 

[djreef]

Do a search here on 'sub crawl'. Then there's good old trial and error if your placement areas are limited.

 

[cgott42]

I'm familiar with the sub crawl - but isn't that only for 1 sub (i.e. swap positions, putting the sub in the listening position, and you on the floor - and if it sounds good where you are, it'll sound good when you swap positions back with the sub on the floor and you in the listening position) - but how would that work with 2 subs (can't crawl in 2 spots at the same time) - or do you set up one via the crawl, and then repeat for the 2nd?

 

[djreef]

Well, you could sub crawl then set up both subs based on the listening spot, or you could trial and error based on placement options. Just keep in mind the law of room thirds (usually the point where you want to be positioned for best reinforcement) when choosing positions, and keep in mind that most nulls occur right dead center in the room. To be honest experimental positioning has always gotten me surprising results. Just keep in mind that in many cases less is more, esp where volume settings are concerned. Try for a balanced blend with your mains, tweak a bit then enjoy.