Which is better? 1 sub or 2 subs?

[kirbyevie]

Hi guys,
I'm Planning to buy a sub from paradigm (PDR12) for my system, is it advisable to use 2 sub? or just 1 sub is enough? which is better 1 or 2? I'm using my system 50% on music and 50% for movies.

I'm using the Northridge series from JBL for my system.
front = E100
center = EC35
surround = E30
rear = E10
amp = yamaha RX-V2500

The cost of paradigm PDR12 here in Dubai is 235 USD, and I'm planning to take the last 2 units. These are their last units and won't take more orders from suppliers. Besides Paradigm, any other good subs around?

Thank you for your help and suggestions.
more power to all. GOD Bless.

 

[shokhead]

Hi guys,
I'm Planning to buy a sub from paradigm (PDR12) for my system, is it advisable to use 2 sub? or just 1 sub is enough? which is better 1 or 2? I'm using my system 50% on music and 50% for movies.

I'm using the Northridge series from JBL for my system.
front = E100
center = EC35
surround = E30
rear = E10
amp = yamaha RX-V2500

The cost of paradigm PDR12 here in Dubai is 235 USD, and I'm planning to take the last 2 units. These are their last units and won't take more orders from suppliers. Besides Paradigm, any other good subs around?


Well you left out the info that would be the reason for 2 subs,the size of your room. Unless its HUGE,i would rather have one better sub then 2 lesser subs. BTW,that sub wont do a lot for movies,it will help but not the low loud fun stuff. I would hold off and save for a bit better sub but thats just be.

 

[kirbyevie]

Hi guys,
I'm Planning to buy a sub from paradigm (PDR12) for my system, is it advisable to use 2 sub? or just 1 sub is enough? which is better 1 or 2? I'm using my system 50% on music and 50% for movies.

I'm using the Northridge series from JBL for my system.
front = E100
center = EC35
surround = E30
rear = E10
amp = yamaha RX-V2500

The cost of paradigm PDR12 here in Dubai is 235 USD, and I'm planning to take the last 2 units. These are their last units and won't take more orders from suppliers. Besides Paradigm, any other good subs around?


Well you left out the info that would be the reason for 2 subs,the size of your room. Unless its HUGE,i would rather have one better sub then 2 lesser subs. BTW,that sub wont do a lot for movies,it will help but not the low loud fun stuff. I would hold off and save for a bit better sub but thats just be.

thanks shokhead... the size of my room is about 8 X 10 meters. Any suggestion for a good sub? thank you and GOD Bless

 

[billnchristy]

I really don't have anything to add but I wanted to tell you I visited Dubai 6 times over 5 years while I was in the Navy. Beautiful city, I loved the architecture and the mix of old and ultra modern. I can't imagine how much it has grown since 1999.

 

[gene]

I'm Planning to buy a sub from paradigm (PDR12) for my system, is it advisable to use 2 sub? or just 1 sub is enough? which is better 1 or 2? I'm using my system 50% on music and 50% for movies.

2 subs are ALWAYS better than one sub, especially in small rooms. It's not about the added SPL as much as it is about superior modal control to achieve smoother bass response in a wider listening area. If budget is a concern go with the lower model and get 2 instead of one higher model unit.

Check out our Setup Tips section for articles on this topic.

 

[Nick250]

2 subs are ALWAYS better than one sub, especially in small rooms. It's not about the added SPL as much as it is about superior modal control to achieve smoother bass response in a wider listening area. If budget is a concern go with the lower model and get 2 instead of one higher model unit.

Check out our Setup Tips section for articles on this topic.

Gene, does specs come into play when adding a second sub? For example, assuming equal quality, if one had an existing 12" sub from one manufacturer, would adding a second 10" sub from different manufacturer be an issue?

Nick

 

[shokhead]

2 subs are ALWAYS better than one sub, especially in small rooms. It's not about the added SPL as much as it is about superior modal control to achieve smoother bass response in a wider listening area. If budget is a concern go with the lower model and get 2 instead of one higher model unit.

Check out our Setup Tips section for articles on this topic.

Thats a heck of a broad statement,"ALWAYS better"

 

[gene]

Thats a heck of a broad statement,"ALWAYS better"

Yes the truth is often broad especially when its backed by math, and modal analysis in small rooms not only by us but from the likes of Dr. Toole of Harman, HAA, THX and most professional installers

Gene, does specs come into play when adding a second sub? For example, assuming equal quality, if one had an existing 12" sub from one manufacturer, would adding a second 10" sub from different manufacturer be an issue?

Not really but its usually a good idea to choose 2 subs with similar output capabilities.

 

[JAD2]

Thats a heck of a broad statement,"ALWAYS better"

Totally concur!!

While math and professionals may have some proof it may be, the average user which far outweighs professional setup people, couldnt without a small fortune spent, get it to sound better than one which needs to be told to others.
2 subs setup wrong wont be better than one thats just a bit off!!!

 

[gene]

While math and professionals may have some proof it may be, the average user which far outweighs professional setup people, couldnt without a small fortune spent, get it to sound better than one which needs to be told to others.
2 subs setup wrong wont be better than one thats just a bit off!!!

There is far more than "some" proof. The average user doesn't even setup 1 sub correctly. But most folks on these boards go beyond the "average" user. Thus if you wish to have beyond "average" performance, then using multiple subs is the way to go.

It doesn't cost a fortune either. Rather than spending $2k on one super sub, spend $1k each on two smaller subs.

Follow basic setup guidelines such as the ones in our articles and you are as good as done. Even front wall placement as rudimentary as 1/4th the length of the front wall from each side wall will do the job nicely in most rooms.

It's bizarre that someone serious about good home theater would ignore the facts in favor of their misconceived ideas of proper setup.


References:

http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/roomacoustics/hometheatercalibration.php

http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/setup/loudspeakers/SubwooferplacementP1.php

http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/setup/loudspeakers/subwooferplacementguide.php

http://www.harman.com/wp/pdf/multsubs.pdf

 

[JAD2]

There is far more than "some" proof. The average user doesn't even setup 1 sub correctly. But most folks on these boards go beyond the "average" user. Thus if you wish to have beyond "average" performance, then using multiple subs is the way to go.

If the 3rd sentence was true, you'd be 100% correct. But based on the questions we see, the systems used posted, this is not the case. 2nd sentence is the vast majority if board people and you even state, they dont set 1 up properly, so 2 wouldnt be a good suggestion in all cases and needed to be mentioned.

 

[gene]

If the 3rd sentence was true, you'd be 100% correct. But based on the questions we see, the systems used posted, this is not the case. 2nd sentence is the vast majority if board people and you even state, they dont set 1 up properly, so 2 wouldnt be a good suggestion in all cases and needed to be mentioned.

Most people are better off with headphones and forgetting about setting up a multi channel speaker system with bass managed subwoofers

 

[shokhead]

There is far more than "some" proof. The average user doesn't even setup 1 sub correctly. But most folks on these boards go beyond the "average" user. Thus if you wish to have beyond "average" performance, then using multiple subs is the way to go.

It doesn't cost a fortune either. Rather than spending $2k on one super sub, spend $1k each on two smaller subs.

Follow basic setup guidelines such as the ones in our articles and you are as good as done. Even front wall placement as rudimentary as 1/4th the length of the front wall from each side wall will do the job nicely in most rooms.

It's bizarre that someone serious about good home theater would ignore the facts in favor of their misconceived ideas of proper setup.


References:

http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/roomacoustics/hometheatercalibration.php

http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/setup/loudspeakers/SubwooferplacementP1.php

http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/setup/loudspeakers/subwooferplacementguide.php

http://www.harman.com/wp/pdf/multsubs.pdf

So get 2 and set both up wrong?

 

[majorloser]

I wouldn't call 8 meter by 10 meter a small room (26'x33'). That size room will need some hefty speakers to properly fill it with sound. My room is half that size and I have multiple subs. I'm even thinking to buy two VTF-3HO's to replace them.

 

[Sheep]

I wouldn't call 8 meter by 10 meter a small room (26'x33'). That size room will need some hefty speakers to properly fill it with sound. My room is half that size and I have multiple subs. I'm even thinking to buy two VTF-3HO's to replace them.

Agreed. Remember, some people use the metric system.

SheepStar

 

[SMM]

2 vs. 1 Sub

Planning to purchase Monitor Audio RS Silver 7.1 speaker system with the new Pioneer Elite VSX-84TXSi receiver in a room thats 22 x 13. I was leaning towards the SVS PB12-Plus/2 as we do 85% movies and want very strong LFE. Should I concider using two of the RSW-12 Monitor Audio subs instead?

 

[mtrycrafts]

Thats a heck of a broad statement,"ALWAYS better"

Well, JBL Harman research, very extensive, would show this to be true and actually would dictate 4 as best. But, not sure 'Always' means 100%. May need to re-read their research. Perhaps there may be an exception someplace?

 

[mtrycrafts]

Gene, does specs come into play when adding a second sub? For example, assuming equal quality, if one had an existing 12" sub from one manufacturer, would adding a second 10" sub from different manufacturer be an issue?

Nick

Interesting question. Not sure if Harman-JBL experimented with that combo, different size subs in combo.

 

[mtrycrafts]

thanks shokhead... the size of my room is about 8 X 10 meters. Any suggestion for a good sub? thank you and GOD Bless

You might even consider 4 subs as research shows this to be the best. You certainly have the room size.

 

[kirbyevie]

I really don't have anything to add but I wanted to tell you I visited Dubai 6 times over 5 years while I was in the Navy. Beautiful city, I loved the architecture and the mix of old and ultra modern. I can't imagine how much it has grown since 1999.

Hi Billnchristy, well Dubai is growing so fast now. there are a lot of construction going on,.. I mean, massive construction. Still, Dubai is a very busy city and a lot of places for hang out. It's been a long time since you're here, try to spend your vacation here in Dubai.. DSF (Dubai shopping festival) will start early this year. GOD bless