Who Else Is Using Two Subwoofers?

[slbenz 110]

Hi Everyone,

 

Because of an impending kitchen remodel, I had to take my Mirage sub/sat system out to make room for the remodel.  Now I am using the Mirage Omni S-8 powered subwoofer for the left channel and my Velodyne HGS-12 Series II powered subwoofer for the right channel.  Seems to bring the sound stage into balance with my Magnepan IIIas.  There is definitely a cleaner, more defined low bass sound.  I guess I am surprised since the Mirage is a relatively inexpensive subwoofer compared to my Velodyne.  I was under the assumption that the Mirage couldn't keep up with the Velodyne based on specs and price, but it seems it is without issue. Maybe my hearing isn't what it used to be to pick up the differences between these two subs.  

 

Anyone else on this forum using two subs for stereo?  

[fill35U 1,847]

Well, I *plan* on using four, as soon as I find the time to build them! 

 

FWIW, I don't think there's anything magical about stereo subs, so much as using multiple subs can bring room modes under more control (with proper placement). 

 

That said, easy enough to see if there's a significant difference: feed them both a combined mono signal, and compare to the stereo performance. I'd be curious about the results!  

 

[Gene C 1,748]

Currently using 4 right now slbenz but feeding them with the LFE signal not the L or R channels.

[jldeni 442]

Yes - I'm using two Klipsch RW12-II powered subs on my HT system. Sounds great for the intended purpose - nice clean balanced image and, like I explained to my wife, I needed one for each side to hold up the front bookshelf speaker. The plate amps in the subs are rated 275 rms. Mine are both fed with LFE as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[slbenz 110]

Both of you sound like my neighbor who is currently using four Genesis subs to even out the room modes.  Having my subs in stereo seems to even out the room nodes.  I may have to try running the subs off one cable and see if I hear a difference.  It has been an interesting experiment so far.  Time for more testing. 

[BobSmi57 25]

I have been using 2 Sunfire Signature subs with my AL3's for about a year, now. I tried them in stereo and in mono using the sub out on my tgp4. I could not tell a difference. It does sound more balanced with 2 than one.

 

Bob

[chiroacademy 833]

I would like to add a second sub at some point. But I have to ask what is the LFE signal that many of you are using?

[Daddyjt 9,805]

 

 

I would like to add a second sub at some point. But I have to ask what is the LFE signal that many of you are using?

 

LFE is a discrete channel that exists in Dolby Digital and DTS (and probably a few other formats, but DD and DTS are the big ones). It is low frequency information specifically mixed into its own channel.

 

If you run sub(s) with a stereo set up (or even pro logic or neo 6) you're FILTERING the low frequency info out of the main left and right channels, to create info for the sub. LFE has its own "track" on the recording, so the sound engineer can send whatever they want to the sub, independent of what the main L/R channels are doing.

[BobSmi57 25]

LFE stands for low frequency effect. It is a separate output or outputs on HT processors to hook up your subwoofers. The processors have built in bass management to enable you to set the crossover frequency between the sub and your other speakers-usually anywhere from 40hz to 100hz or so.

 

Bob

[fill35U 1,847]

I'll add that my receiver, a venerable HK AVR210, allows for the front main speakers to be sent not only the full frequency range for their channels, but also the LFE channel mixed in. It also allows the sub channel to handle either just the LFE, or the LFE mixed with the lows from the front main speakers as well. I would hope that newer receivers and processors give similar options. 

[Gene C 1,748]

 

 

I explained to my wife, I needed one for each side to hold up the front bookshelf speaker.

 

 

Nice!   

[slbenz 110]

I'll add that my receiver, a venerable HK AVR210, allows for the front main speakers to be sent not only the full frequency range for their channels, but also the LFE channel mixed in. It also allows the sub channel to handle either just the LFE, or the LFE mixed with the lows from the front main speakers as well. I would hope that newer receivers and processors give similar options. 

 

My Pioneer Elite AV receiver does the same. 

[zumbini 6,153]

I have been running a pair of identical Legacy subs in my 2 channel system since the late 80's.

I don't notice any difference between stereo and mono when they are crossed over below 100.

 

Here's an older shot with the grills off. (My M-500t's were being reacapped at the time.) 

 

 

and here's a current photo:

 

[BobSmi57 25]

Very nice, Zumbini!

 

Bob

[jazzman53 1,280]

I use two subs also... replaced a single sealed box sub with a pair of Ripole subs, each with (2) Peerless SLS 12" woofers in push/push configuration.  Very clean and... I agree, two is better than one 

[xavionics 2,254]

My humble HT setup is based on a Denon HV receiver, pre HDMI.

Driving a Jamo 5.1 speaker setup.

I ditched the Jamo sub and installed dual Klipsch KSW-10's in opposite corners.

This made a world of difference. They blend really well even with small front/rears. Can't really tell they're there. I'm not much of a TV guy, but Concerts on BlueRay still sound pretty darn good.