HELP selecting and placing sub/subs!

[Rowdy S13]

Hey guys, I am currently in the planning stages of my first "HT" build and had some bass specific questions. You can see my main thread HERE to get a more detailed idea of what I am doing. Quick run down is as follows

Room:
Length ~19.5'
Width ~11'
Height ~8' (just under)
The room has two doors on one side that open to a bathroom/utility room, and a bedroom/office. There are stairs that enter in the back corner that open up to the main floor. There are also windows on two walls, one behind where the screen will go. The floor is laminate on top of a concrete slab, and it is about half underground (41" below grade). Here is a quick drawing of the room.

This is showing EMPTek speakers (E5Bi main and rear surround, E56Ci center, and E55Wi side surround), and SVS PB1000 subs in the front. Obviously I am here about that last little part

So originally I wanted to go with two SVS PB2000 subs, and I was thinking of placing them in opposite corners. So one would be on the front wall straight ahead of the stairs, and other on the back wall opposite the stairs. Well as we know, those are some big subs, so I moved them both to the front so I didn't eat up all of the room behind the bar area. Then once I started playing around with the screen to get an idea of size (still not decided 100%) I realized a new problem of the subs being in the way of the motorized screen.

SO since nothing has been done, or ordered yet I figured I may as well try and sort this out as much as possible now. I am trying to determine two things.

1. What would be ideal location of each sub? Is there a way I can experiment with 1 sub (different make/model) in an empty room to help this?
2. What sub(s) should I go with? I am very partial to SVS, and would be hard to convince to get any other brand, but I am open to any they offer within budget. Budget would be $1,500 max right now.

This will be used almost exclusively for movies, and I like my bass A LOT! I am really looking for even, hit you in the chest, earth shaking bass.

Lets hear what you all think!


Thanks,
Sean

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Does the size of the subs matter to you or waf issue?
If Not at all I would recommend pair of passive Chane VS18.1 subs plus their Chane 3600 outboard amp.

 

[Rowdy S13]

Size is more of a consideration based on placement. If they can go behind the screen (and the port is below the screen) then they can be big. If they need to be placed around the room, or under the screen then they have to be smaller.

Those are pretty massive, and not the best looking (WAF). They would be a hard sell on the wife, and honestly on me as well. Again though, placement is going to be a deciding factor as well, and I have no idea how to figure that out ahead of time. If I need them in opposite corners, I would probably have to go to a sealed sub to save space behind the bar. Same if they need to be on the side walls. Those beast could both go on the front wall, laid on their sides. Otherwise Id have to move the screen forward to come down in front of them, and move the seating back.


Sean

 

[Rowdy S13]

Anyone else care to chime in?


Sean

 

[shadyJ]

Hi Rowdy, I would definitely go with the PB2000s. They look to be very good. To be honest, the PB1000 looks somewhat weak, especially from the measurements I have seen, and is not a sub I would use in a dedicated theater. As for placement, no one here can tell you where they will sound the best in your room. What you need to do is try all of your available positions and measure what their response is. You will want an SPL meter for this. Use the two spots that give you the flattest overall frequency response.

Btw, Here are some placement tips.

 

[Rowdy S13]

Thanks for the response! My issue with placement is I would really like to get the placement sorted out before I run wiring. I was planning on running wiring before I had the equipment. So you can see the dilemma. Is there any possible way to experiment with anything other than the actual subs? OR do I place them based more on looks, and hope I can adjust them for good (not ideal maybe) performance?


Sean

 

[shadyJ]

Room acoustics with regard to bass is a very finicky thing, so I would really try to place them based on measured locations rather than best appearance. As for wiring, I would not let that hold you up, you can get some wireless adapters for subs, try these things. Wireless adapters will grant you much greater placement freedom.

 

[MidnightSensi2]

Wire is cheap, why not just run rca to each wall? Can get RCA jack terminations.

You'll have to place the subwoofers last, I'm afraid. A good place to start in my opinion is 1/3 and 2/3 along the front wall. I almost always end up moving them, but I've found in rooms like yours it's not a bad wild guess

 

[MidnightSensi2]

Here are some placement starting recommendations. This reflects using a smaller pair of subwoofers. I'd run RCA's to the rear, as in the future you could add another pair of subwoofers if you wanted more bass in the future, although I doubt your mains would be able to keep up with two if the EQ is left flat. If the subwoofers overpower the mains too much, then you start to loose the 'punch' of kick-drums, explosions, etc. (which comes from the lower midrange on your mains).

I'd be sure to run both RCA and speaker cables. I'd run some speaker cables to the ceiling too, even if you don't cut to access them. Wire is so cheap, if its tied down and marked, it's always there if you need it.

 

[jcparks]

hey rowdy...
I run the emp's that you have with single SB2000 in a larger raised foundation room. While I am planning on adding a second later I can tell you from personal experience that it is a good match for the emp's, and placement for it is a snap. If your worried about the size of the PB for placement, maybe you should give the SB a chance. It really may surprise you...

 

[Saturn94]

I realize you said you prefer to stick with SVS, but how about something from the "V" in SVS? I'd suggest you also check out Power Sound Audio.

(Ugh....tried to post a link, but can't until I have more posts )

For reference, I bought an SVS sub in 2003 (loved the sub and customer service). Last year I finally decided it was time for an upgrade. Having dealt with Tom V. when I bought my SVS, I was comfortable going to him again (now at Power Sound). I was not disappointed! I'm loving my PS sub!