One LFM-1 Plus or 2 LFM-2's

[adk highlander]

I am in need to upgrade my Sub and I wanted to get an opinion from the group.

My budget will be around $600-650 for a new sub. I have been looking at the LFM-1 Plus from Outlaw and I noticed that they offer a pair of LFM-2's for the same money. The are lower power and a smaller woofer but would the pair give a sound advantage over one due to better placement etc.?

My room is in my basement and is approx 20 x 25. At this point it has a tile floor (vinyl tiles) with a throw rug. I am also putting 2 layers of insulation and a drop ceiling to help keep the sound in the basement.

Thanks.

 

[Buckeye_Nut]

Multiple small subs will never be able to go as low, or be capable of the same performance of a single larger and more able subwoofer. Im not very familiar with the outlaw subwoofers, but calling the LF-2's a subwoofer is a bit of a misnomer. Acoustic bass module might be a more fitting name.......

If you want a sub that can go low...... effortlessly...... You'll need a single bigg'un!! Pure physics wont allow the little guys to do the same, no matter how many of them you purchase.

happy shopping....

PS.... soundproofing is futile. You'll need to construct a floating sub-room within the room to achieve any real soundproofing benefits. IE... secondary walls, fllooring, and ceiling utilizing the proper materials and construction techniques. A drop ceiling with mere insulation wont provide any significant soundproofing benefits. However.... if done correctly, it may provide some acoustic benefits within the room.
(acoustic treatment is not to be confused with soundproofing) You should also research acoustic room treatment because no theater is complete without addressing reflections within the room.

 

[jcPanny]

Sub options

ADK,
I think that HSU still designs the subs for Outlaw. Check out the 12" subs from HSU and SVS in your price range for a few more options. AV123 will also have a 15" ported sub out soon for $600.

 

[adk highlander]

PS.... soundproofing is futile. You'll need to construct a floating sub-room within the room to achieve any real soundproofing benefits. IE... secondary walls, fllooring, and ceiling utilizing the proper materials and construction techniques. A drop ceiling with mere insulation wont provide any significant soundproofing benefits. However.... if done correctly, it may provide some acoustic benefits within the room.
(acoustic treatment is not to be confused with soundproofing) You should also research acoustic room treatment because no theater is complete without addressing reflections within the room.

I know it will not do that much but my 4 year olds room is directly above the theater. And yes I'm hoping the ceiling adds some acoustic treatment. Once I close in the stairs and figure out what to do with the floor I will definately look into bass traps or some other treatments.

ADK,
I think that HSU still designs the subs for Outlaw. Check out the 12" subs from HSU and SVS in your price range for a few more options. AV123 will also have a 15" ported sub out soon for $600.

I've been drooling over the PB12-Plus but I just can't part with $1000 and get the room finished. The Wife has been patient with my endevor and even took my latest home theater mag to the beach to read and did get a bit more of an understanding as to what I'm trying to acomplish. We use the room to work out in as well so when I mentioned I wanted to paint the room a dark color she freaked but after reading the articles on room design she now said "you know you should really paint the wall that the tv is mounted on darker "

Go figure.

I'm open to the HSU's as well it just looked like I was getting more thump for my money with the Outlaw. Hmm 15"

I'm planning on posting pics soon of where I am. I just finished building an in wall cabinet and wiring my second zone speakers and intellipad.

 

[no. 5]

Multiple small subs will never be able to go as low, or be capable of the same performance of a single larger and more able subwoofer. Im not very familiar with the outlaw subwoofers, but calling the LF-2's a subwoofer is a bit of a misnomer. Acoustic bass module might be a more fitting name.......

However, multiple subs (be they small or large) will provide much better distribution of bass then a single large sub.

The LF-2 may not be a PB12-plus, but 28Hz at 2dB down, and a max SPL of 110dB 'ante too bad (though it may not be enough for a room the size of ADK's).

 

[Buckeye_Nut]

However, multiple subs (be they small or large) will provide much better distribution of bass then a single large sub.

The LF-2 may not be a PB12-plus, but 28Hz at 2dB down, and a max SPL of 110dB 'ante too bad (though it may not be enough for a room the size of ADK's).

Unless you're an expert in room calibration, more often than not...... multiple subs end up serving the role of dueling subs.............and each negates the others output. Heck, most people in this forum have yet to address acoustic room treatments....let alone the art of multiple sub calibration!!

With that & proper calibration aside.... a single capable sub will offer more waaaaay performance and be able to outperform and go deeper than several multiple inferior smaller subs combined.

It's pure physics...... Heck, an infinite amount of "little subs" cannot approach or have the capability of hitting a single low note well within the reach of any capable large well made subwoofer.

If you want real performance.... there is no substitute. If 'micro' LFE content is your thing... then micro subs are exactly what the doctor ordered.

A single capable sub is in an entirely different league.......

 

[no. 5]

Unless you're an expert in room calibration, more often than not...... multiple subs end up serving the role of dueling subs.............and each negates the others output. Heck, most people in this forum have yet to address acoustic room treatments....let alone the art of multiple sub calibration!!

A person may not need to be an "expert", but they would definitely need to know what they are doing.

With that & proper calibration aside.... a single capable sub will offer more waaaaay performance and be able to outperform and go deeper than several multiple inferior smaller subs combined.

It's pure physics...... Heck, an infinite amount of "little subs" cannot approach or have the capability of hitting a single low note well within the reach of any capable large well made subwoofer.

Right, if a sub bottoms out at 28Hz, putting the whole production run in your house will not get you to 18Hz, but my point is that if properly placed, two or thee of the same subs will provide smother bass distribution then a single large subwoofer (but, as you said, they won't be attaining anywhere near the extension).

A single capable sub is in an entirely different league.......

And two capable subwoofers....