dual sub with 2 different sized subs?

[shamrock]

[please bear in mind i'm a hifi novice]

 

apologies if this has been covered already... i did a bit of research and the arguments are mainly between mono vs dual setups using he same subs/brands

 

i currently have a paradigm seismic 110 subwoofer. it's tight, responsive and does the job, but the lower frequencies fall by the wayside. i was thinking of getting a larger paradigm sub to cover the lower frequencies, say a 12 or 15" and adjust the crossover to cover the lowest frequencies.

 

is this valid or am i completely office.

 

thanks for your input

sk

[BugPowderDust]

Lots of us run multiple subs and of varying sizes.
 

Depending on your processor you might be able to do room correction on both subs independent of another, but many AV processors just treat them like a single sub which isn’t great. 

I don’t know your sub model, but can you do treatment on it using the Paradigm Perfect Bass Kit? I have a sub1 and a sub12 in my setup that have had PBK applied.

 

Many here have gone down the path of multi sub optimisation using a mini dsp 2x4.
Read: https://www.minidsp.com/applications/home-theater-tuning/tuning-multiple-subs

and https://www.andyc.diy-audio-engineering.org/mso/html/index.html

 

 

Getting it right is important. You can easily end up with a mushy sub range that sounds awful, so don’t just think a little work on crossovers and phase settings on your subs will get you the best result.

 

Picking the right sub locations is crucial too: https://www.aperionaudio.com/blogs/aperion-audio-blog/dual-subwoofer-placement-for-your-home

 

...and don’t be afraid to do a search here on SNA. There are a laundry list of threads related to multi sub setups in here.

Edited April 25, 2020 by recur

[Dean Gale]

I think it's perfectly valid I think having two or three subs of different sizes loads a room smoother than the same size which IMO do not deal with room modes . The different sizes and placement can avoid the 50hz or there about common room modes. 

[betty boop]

If going dual sub route and a master slave setup ie one to make up of pitfalls and location Room response created issues of other then absolutely do not go two identical sub. Since if second is placed and utilised to counter the first then it absolutely has potential to neutralise and kill the sub bass of first.

 

in ideal front back Harman configuration is go large main sub up front small slave sub down back.

 

note !

 

far more important is room and locations of sub and main listening position. These are crucial !  Get these sub optimal and will have up hill battle trying to rectify and Only manage  trying to get best of a poor situation.

 

most folk struggle to even place one sub optimally let alone two. Also keep in mind two subs placed sub optimally can be double trouble ! Ie 2nd only accentuates base issues and problem of the room ! Most folk do not even have the tools necessary to place let alone adequately integrate 2 subs in the system and room for a smooth response back at main listening position. Many people don’t have main listening position adequate for one sub let alone 2 !

 

my suggestion first look at room and positioning and start with one sub ... best can afford rather than two lesser subs for same money. Locate it and main listening position within room to best optimise. There are many tools and online resources even people in each state likely to help. Get this right enjoy. 

 

Consider then 2nd sub down the track if something is missing ...

[Snoopy8]

I run 2 different sized subs using this setup

https://www.andyc.diy-audio-engineering.org/mso/html/dissimilar_subs.html

The key is to not overload the smaller sub and letting the larger sub do the work.  MSO will calculate the cross overs, delays etc. for you. 

Happy to guide you step by step if you choose to go this way.

[spottie]

I also suggest a great bass integration guide by Paul Spencer

https://www.hifizine.com/2011/06/bass-integration-guide-part-1/

[hopefullguy]

a good start would be to list the variables:

 

room size, use, open or closed, room design/furnishings.

placement options.. where best suited or where they look good

your avr and EQ situation

when you day "hi fi" is this for music or movies

tv or projector.

other speakers you are running

budget.

[shamrock]

Thank you all for your input! 

 

I'll do some measurements and write up my setup soon 

 

Thanks 

[Peta]

I have two substantial subwoofers and configured them to work together with a DEQX. Look good and sound good. Even though it seems to be an advanced thing room treatment fo\r the bass is well worth the effort and small expense.