Pressurizing large spaces vs. SPL

[KEW]

My living room is mostly two stories high and open to the two level entry way, kitchen/dining area, office, and upstairs hallway. The LR is around 4500 cu. ft., but by the time you add in all of the rest, it ends more than 9000 cu.ft.
I am not interested in taking on the Warpdrivesque task of attempting to pressurize this volume, however, just thinking about it, have to wonder...

My bass is tuned and balanced with system for music and I like the sound. I listen as loud as I consider sane without working the subs that hard. If I wanted to pressurize this space wouldn't I effectively (whether by additional/different subs or volume control) have to turn up the volume of the subwoofers?
It just seems like adding enough output to pressurize the space, would result in extreme SPL or forfeiting the balance between subs and speakers by turning up the subs without turning up the speakers.

Am I missing something?

 

[fuzz092888]

If you're getting the appropriate SPL's at your listening position, then I wouldn't worry about it. If it sounds balanced to your ears where you listen to it, then why worry?

If we're talking about evenly pressurizing the entire space, then you might be lacking (or you almost definitely are lacking) or if you're trying to dig especially deep in that space you might be under-subbed. However, it doesn't sound like you are.

 

[TheWarrior]

Where in GA are you? I have almost as much space to fill, and have done it with dual SVS PC-12's. After installing bass traps and general acoustic treatment I found myself wanting to crank the subs up, but found it too loud for general listening.

Point is, if you're anywhere close to Alpharetta, and want to 'hear' a second opinion, feel free!

 

[WaynePflughaupt]

If you’re able to play your subs as loud as you like without bottoming them out, then you’ve adequately “pressurized” your room. If not, the best thing to do is add additional matching subs.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

 

[KEW]

Where in GA are you? I have almost as much space to fill, and have done it with dual SVS PC-12's. After installing bass traps and general acoustic treatment I found myself wanting to crank the subs up, but found it too loud for general listening.

Point is, if you're anywhere close to Alpharetta, and want to 'hear' a second opinion, feel free!

Cool! PM sent!

 

[KEW]

I'm happy with what I've got, just trying to understand why I am different from what is often recommended for such a large space.
I assume it is either
1) because I don't often listen to reference levels, or
2) because I am mainly listening to music rather than HT LFE.

Thoughts?

 

[TheWarrior]

Both of those factors make a huge difference. Thats why this site exists, to use science to find fact, and then allow it to be subjected to personal opinion and preference.

Part of the Audioholism is not in buying every new accessory, its in relentlessly seeking perfection. But my ear canal isn't shaped exactly the same so what I like, differs. So it is strongly encouraged to seek out and hear as much as you can! Unfortunately for me, that has involved talking with people living in FL, OK and MN!

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I also have a giant room. When I first spoke to SVS we determined I needed between 4 and 6 PB13U's to properly pressurize my room. I started with one and then add a second. The second sub added maybe 10% to the overall deep visceral impact I was looking for. I sold the second one and became happy with just one. It digs deep and loud, adds a perfect texture and extension to my system and I realize that a huge open room will never be perfect.

 

[TheWarrior]

Both of those factors make a huge difference. Thats why this site exists, to use science to find fact, and then allow it to be subjected to personal opinion and preference.

Part of the Audioholism is not in buying every new accessory, its in relentlessly seeking perfection. But my ear canal isn't shaped exactly the same so what I like, differs. So it is strongly encouraged to seek out and hear as much as you can! Unfortunately for me, that has involved talking with people living in FL, OK and MN!

I feel the need to edit what I said previously:

Physiological differences are one thing, but being tested to have normal hearing is what makes or breaks a subjective opinion. According to hundreds of double-blind, monophonic tests conducted at Harman, listeners with normal hearing almost always agree on the quality of a product when all biases are eliminated (double blind).

However, below the transition of the room, perceptions of bass are as variable as the rooms a product will be played in. Good bass requires knowledge, and sufficient measurements to compensate for variables as simple as the dimensions of the room itself. All of it matters, so you have to deal with it!

That said, since most of us will never get the chance to audition speakers in a laboratory setting, yes, go out an hear as much as you can, but, know what differences can be attributed to the room, the electronics, or if it's just a crappy speaker.

 

[TheWarrior]

Oh, and yes, KEW, we will get your room sorted this year!