Which is the best way to connect 3 subs?

[toquemon]

Hi, I just got another sub. It would be the third one in my collection... but i have a question for you, fellow audioholics:

Which is the best way to connect 3 subs?

1. I'm thinking in connecting only one sub using line level input (the .1 in the 5.1 config) and connecting the other two subs via speaker level connections.

2. Connect the three subs chained via line level connections (receiver line out to sub1linein-; sub1lineout to sub2linein; sub2lineout to sub3linein...)

3. None of the above...

 

[toquemon]

Please, somebody help me!

 

[Timn8ter]

My gut reaction is that 3 subs are just that much harder to integrate into a system/room. High level sub/sat setups are more challenging than using a digital bass management system. Adding the two together just seems problematic. More isn't necessarily better. Also, you haven't said if the 3 subs are the same or not. I think I would be inclined to use line level on all three for starters but integrating them with each other and your speakers will be a challenge. For positioning maybe (maybe) two in the front and one in the rear center.

 

[jaxvon]

I think option 2 would work, but I think you'll have bassmanagement issues. You might want to think of using a device like the Behringer DCX2496 to tailor the sound of each subwoofer. With the DCX, I think you could use the preouts from your receiver in addition to the sub output (or just the sub output).

The chaining option might work as well.

 

[tomd51]

Pushy Pete;
Your second option is probably your best, although as Jaxvon noted, you're going to have to overcomes some bass management issues with a parametric EQ so they're not cancelling each other out.

Not sure of your listening environment or configuration, but you may want to consider separating them as much as possible (e.g. two up front, one in back as Timn8ter noted).

Something like Velodyne's SMS-1, which handles up to three subs would help with the cancellation issues and would almost be necessary with three subs, assuming they can produce a decent amount of SPL... -TD

 

[brendy]

i have a total of 3.One is part of my Infinity TSS-750 system,the other two are SA-WX 700's.The Infinity one is up front and the other two are in the back right corner.I have offset crossover points for the back ones.My sub out is split at the receiver.The SA-WX 700's have a line out for daisy-chaining.Took a some time to get them all "playing nice with each other",but worth it.

 

[toquemon]

Thanks for the replies.

Ok, it seems I will connect my subs via line-level inputs "chained".

Another question about the crossover frequency: I'm using bass management from the receiver, cutting anything above 60hz. Each and every one of my subs has a "hi-pass" filter for line out, it means that everything above the hi-pass frequency will not go to the other sub. Would this be sufficient or do i really need a PEQ?

 

[westcott]

My gut reaction is that 3 subs are just that much harder to integrate into a system/room. High level sub/sat setups are more challenging than using a digital bass management system. Adding the two together just seems problematic. More isn't necessarily better. Also, you haven't said if the 3 subs are the same or not. I think I would be inclined to use line level on all three for starters but integrating them with each other and your speakers will be a challenge. For positioning maybe (maybe) two in the front and one in the rear center.

I agree with you. Subs seem to be easier to integrate into a room in sets of two, usually opposing one another.

Using three, two up front and one in the rear would be a good starting point. Maybe one up front in the center and the other two opposing one another on the left and right wall would be another layout to try.

I would use EQ as a last resort.

Post some pictures. I know a lot of people around here who would love to see your set up. I am sure you will get plenty of suggestions for your subs and everything else.