Multiple subwoofer vs more powerful subs.

[yepimonfire]

My current subwoofer is a Dayton sub 1000. It has a 100w rms amplifier and a response of 30hz - 3dB as measured in room by myself, which is plenty low for me. I am plenty happy with the sound quality of the sub, but lately I have taken a liking to watching movies at reference level. I generally listen about 5dB below the 75dB C weighted pink noise measurement because 75dB is just too loud on dialog.

To finally get to the point, this means I need my speakers to achieve 100dB from the speakers on peaks and 110dB from the sub. The speakers I'm using are all klipsch, so this is easy even with a lousy underpowered amplifier. The sub is rated at 88dB 1w1m, which means with the sub sitting 5 feet away the most I'm going to get from it is 105dB, 107dB if I account for room reinforcement however, I've noticed at about 95dB I start getting audible port noise.

I figure that in addition to a 3dB gain from the extra sub being place in the same spot, I also get double the xmax, and double the port so to speak. Unfortunately I don't have a lot of cash to just drop in a monster Svs sub or something of a similar caliber, so my options are to get a second sub, or replace the one I have with one that has a more powerful amplifier.

Which would be the best route?

Sent from my SM-G360T1 using Tapatalk

 

[lovinthehd]

Well, you still need to adhere to a measured standard of 105/115 for the reference thing; your avr displays these numbers?

Increasing the amp power in a sub will depend on that particular sub driver/box combo as to what it will translate to in performance. If you want to keep your budget to a minimum a second sub like you have gives you some advantages, usually smoother response thru the room by allowing two separate sub locations. Mutual coupling (placing them within 1/4 wavelength of each other) can get you up to 6dB gain theoretically, but seems its usually more in the range of 4-5 dB depending on room.

You might simply want a more spl capable sub...as long as you're happy with 30hz extension that shouldn't be too hard. Ever consider something like a pro/dj type sub, something more music oriented than home theater... but not particularly nice looking.

 

[yepimonfire]

Well, you still need to adhere to a measured standard of 105/115 for the reference thing; your avr displays these numbers?

Increasing the amp power in a sub will depend on that particular sub driver/box combo as to what it will translate to in performance. If you want to keep your budget to a minimum a second sub like you have gives you some advantages, usually smoother response thru the room by allowing two separate sub locations. Mutual coupling (placing them within 1/4 wavelength of each other) can get you up to 6dB gain theoretically, but seems its usually more in the range of 4-5 dB depending on room.

You might simply want a more spl capable sub...as long as you're happy with 30hz extension that shouldn't be too hard. Ever consider something like a pro/dj type sub, something more music oriented than home theater... but not particularly nice looking.

Actually I have, but many of those fail to reach below 40hz. Spl is definitely a priority, but fairly accurate response is important as well. I don't care if it looks ugly. Audio is about hearing, not seeing. My receiver does not show whether or not it's reference level, I am using an spl meter. The second would likely be placed directly on top of the other sub, as there is exactly one position in my Square room I get good results.

Sent from my SM-G360T1 using Tapatalk

 

[lovinthehd]

Then your spl meter still needs to read 105/115 standard for reference....are you measuring with all speakers playing or one at a time?

I know I've seen some of those dj/pro subs that work well into the low 30s but I can't think of any specific ones to point at....