Question about running dual subs that are of different makes.

[Bloodstriker]

I've just purchased a y-cable and extra long sub cable to connect my old PSB Alpha Subsonic 5 in conjunction with the SVS. The reason I'm doing this is that I have an opening on the side of the room, and when running the SVS alone, I can tell that a lot of the bass is escaping.

I've tried running both at the same time, and it definitely helps with evening out the sound across the room, however, the big drawback is that the two subs are extremely different in terms of sound quality and power handling.

Ideally, I would like the SVS to run everything 80Hz and lower, and the PSB to run from 50Hz-80Hz. I'm guessing that this might help a bit with the quality of sound, as the PSB doesn't sound too great when going low, and I find that it's the range where I have a serious 25dB null in the room.

Is there any way I can achieve this?

 

[j_garcia]

The simplest way would be to use an inline passive filter (such as F-mod) to the PSB and then adjust the x-over of the SVS to the desired blend. You will still have some limitations and when you have two subs and one doesn't perform to the level of the other by a fair margin, you end up being a bit handicapped by the lesser sub.

 

[Bloodstriker]

Thanks for the link!

So I'm looking at getting a High Pass model and setting it to 50Hz (filters out anything under 50Hz) and set the AVR to 80Hz?

What limitations would I be looking at?

 

[j_garcia]

When you calibrate, your system level still has to accommodate whatever the limitation of the PSB sub is, which should be a little higher with the F-mod installed because it won't struggle as much with the lowest lows. That's what I mean by limitation, if the lesser sub can't handle the levels you are after, you could still be limited by it. Let us know how it goes.

 

[annunaki]

Get the highest order F-Mod you can. The steeper the roll off the better for the PSB.

 

[j_garcia]

Yes, you want the steepest roll off so you don't end up with a peak where it blends with the SVS. Note that this will likely require some careful calibration to blend the two together, but I'm sure you realize that.

 

[Bloodstriker]

Hehe. I was just seeing if this was even an option. So, theoretically, this can work? (i.e. reinforcement of the null area by using another sub).

Yes, I realize that this will not be an easy task, and probably way beyond my knowledge level. Oh, well, that's what's nice about this hobby - learn new stuff everyday.

The only other option I have is to try to build a wall plus door to seal off the opening, which is a last resort.

So, where can I get my hands on a good test dvd/cd that will go down to, say, 5 Hz. All on different tracks? Avia has a LFE sweep, but it moves too quickly - I can't get good readings for specific frequencies. And it only goes down to about 27Hz or so. I want to see what the ultra can do!

 

[j_garcia]

I was able to download test tones from various sites for free and then burn them to a CD - both sweeps and individual tracks by frequency. That's what I use to test. The site I got the ones I am currently using doesn't seem to be free any longer though, but I'm sure there are still some out there.

 

[Bloodstriker]

ah. Thanks!!!!