Two subs better than one?

[SinaiSound]

With dual subs you run the risk of bass cancellation and phase issues as well

Short version = don't bother

Or if you want to have a play about, try this

Move the sub to where you normally sit, play some bass heavy music, then wander around the room until the bass sounds how you like it, now move the sub to here

 

[Lowe]

I'll throw the question wider here. Who here has bought/borrowed (an)other sub of exactly the same kind and tried running two or more?

All this "Think of the cancellation!" talk - have you ever considered that as soon as you put a single sub in a room, that's exactly what's being introduced anyway? I can understand why you believe multiples will cause more issues but the actual fact surrounding this is that multiple subs often actually evens out the frequency response in a room for a greater space/number of listeners. Have a look for the paper that Harmann put together a couple of years back examining this very question. The conclusion they came to is that actually 4 subs is the perfect combination to give the greatest number of people the best overall response in most rooms.

Now, I appreciate there's a cost implication here, not to mention a space/WAF one. However, not everyone has these concerns. So, to those that haven't actually done it, rather than spouting what is the general uninformed consensus from the internet and making assumptions about whoever asks the question, can we please give the facts first and let the OP make a choice?

Taking this slightly further out of the home, how many larger audio systems do you see with just a single sub? What about nightclubs, 'actual' cinemas, gig venues etc. Do you think that suddenly the installation engineers say, "No, we can't have more than one sub, it'll ruin the response. We must spend more money on one better sub."

Me, facetious? Possibly

 

[Vonhelmet]

Taking this slightly further out of the home, how many larger audio systems do you see with just a single sub? What about nightclubs, 'actual' cinemas, gig venues etc. Do you think that suddenly the installation engineers say, "No, we can't have more than one sub, it'll ruin the response. We must spend more money on one better sub."

Me, facetious? Possibly

Cinemas, gig venues, etc have sufficient money to employ decent engineers to work all this shizzle out for them, and are doing it in dedicated large rooms, rather than the general rabble of the Internet trying to install a second sub in a 10'x14' front room with 2 sofas in it.

Me, devil's advocate? Possibly

 

[Participant]

Taking this slightly further out of the home, how many larger audio systems do you see with just a single sub? What about nightclubs, 'actual' cinemas, gig venues etc. Do you think that suddenly the installation engineers say, "No, we can't have more than one sub, it'll ruin the response. We must spend more money on one better sub."

Me, facetious? Possibly

Are you really comparing a budget living room setup with those in clubs and gig venues? Very high volume is much more of a concern than sheer sound quality in those places, whereas I'd have thought it's mostly the other way round in the living room.

I used to run two 10" subs in my car. Albeit that's a different environment, but I swapped it for a single 10" that cost roughly twice as much and put more power through the sub...it sounded 100% better...tighter more controlled bass that still went plenty loud enough. There are loads of ifs and buts in this discussion, but for the OP's scenario this is exactly the strategy I'd employ. (At least if his budget wasn't 20p).

 

[Sneaky Peaky]

lol, well I'm gonna spend my 20p on one and see if it makes any difference I think. Can always move it on if not..

I agree though in principle if I had a higher end set up and bigger budget I'd probably go for a single quality sub.

I'm trying to be restrained though as I have enough expensive hobbies and I can see myself already peering down the slippery slope with this one!

 

[Lowe]

Cinemas, gig venues, etc have sufficient money to employ decent engineers to work all this shizzle out for them, and are doing it in dedicated large rooms, rather than the general rabble of the Internet trying to install a second sub in a 10'x14' front room with 2 sofas in it.

Me, devil's advocate? Possibly

True, I'm just trying to get over that the general consensus about multiple subs is wrong and that worrying about phase isn't as consequential as many worry about. It's also not that difficult to sort out, especially with room EQ systems and the like being built into home receivers.

Are you really comparing a budget living room setup with those in clubs and gig venues? Very high volume is much more of a concern than sheer sound quality in those places, whereas I'd have thought it's mostly the other way round in the living room.

I used to run two 10" subs in my car. Albeit that's a different environment, but I swapped it for a single 10" that cost roughly twice as much and put more power through the sub...it sounded 100% better...tighter more controlled bass that still went plenty loud enough. There are loads of ifs and buts in this discussion, but for the OP's scenario this is exactly the strategy I'd employ. (At least if his budget wasn't 20p).

As above really, I understand where you're coming from and at this budget the money is probably better spent on a single better sub. But, where do you draw the line? Most people will never ever consider getting a second because they're brainwashed into thinking a second is instantly a bad idea.

With regards to larger systems, quality is still very much at the forefront if I'm designing them. Yes they need to go louder than a home system but if the quality isn't there then it's a compromise I'd not be happy with. d&b audiotechnik are my preferred brand for this reason.

lol, well I'm gonna spend my 20p on one and see if it makes any difference I think. Can always move it on if not..

Try them very close together initially (will work pretty much like a single larger sub) then try them in different positions spaced until you get the sound you like and can find good positions.

 

[Sneaky Peaky]

Try them very close together initially (will work pretty much like a single larger sub) then try them in different positions spaced until you get the sound you like and can find good positions.

Unfortunately as well as being fiscally constrained I also have spacial and marital issues to contend with which means placement of the Subs will be constrained to either side of my cabinet with the front speakers sitting on top

Will have a play with levels etc though and report back

 

[Sneaky Peaky]

Ok well I can report that with 2 subs in my set up and with a bit of playing around the net result is that overall the bass is improved in as much as it goes louder without distorting but doesn't really add anything in terms of punch. A bit more rumble then I guess but that's it.

Probably worth spending £40 on though for movies and at least the wife is aesthetically happy with the new symmetrical look lol

 

[DirtyJester]

Ok well I can report that with 2 subs in my set up and with a bit of playing around the net result is that overall the bass is improved in as much as it goes louder without distorting but doesn't really add anything in terms of punch. A bit more rumble then I guess but that's it.

Probably worth spending £40 on though for movies and at least the wife is aesthetically happy with the new symmetrical look lol

Well if her indoors is happy then the world is at peace