General Thoughts on Stereo Subs?

intangible

I was curious what you guys thought about running two subs in stereo for two channel listening. In the little bit I've managed to find to read on the subject, I've seen everything from it being necessary to prevent the sub from collapsing the sound stage to it having an actively negative effect on bass response. It looks like there was one fellow who was trying it on here a couple of years ago, but most of the threads he posted in just resulted in a bunch of people calling him crazy. Anyone tried it since?

RuSsMaN

In general, I like stereo subwoofers.

tonyb

We have more than one using stereo subs with good results. Key I think is getting 2 of the same subs. When useing different subs,you have alot of issues to overcome and they will never sound right.

newrival

tonyb wrote: »

We have more than one using stereo subs with good results. Key I think is getting 2 of the same subs. When useing different subs,you have alot of issues to overcome and they will never sound right.

this is correct. The exception to this is in home theater where you can use matching stereo subs for the mains and another larger sub for the LFE.

However, unless you have an enormous room, I highly doubt "the soundfield would collapse" with one sub. Depending on where they are crossed over and the placement of one sub, I submit that many would not even notice a clearly discernible difference without A/B'ing the setup.

newrival

PS full disclosure: I am one of the people here happily running stereo subs

Ricardo

I am running stereo subs for 2 channel. I've spent zero time in integrating them as they should, and it still sounds great to me.

intangible

Thanks, guys. It sounds like it would be worth it to pick up a second sub should a great deal arise, but it should be a low priority.

Just out of curiosity, where do y'all running stereo subs have them crossed over?

tonyb

All depends on the speakers dude, it's going to vary depending on what the 2 fronts can handle.

intangible

I'm aware. I'm curious to know how high of frequencies those who find stereo subs to be an improvement are running to their subs.

treitz3

Look at it this way. I have no idea what most here set there subs at but I do this. I set my sub to where audibly my mains roll off. I don't use frequencies, I don't use anything but my ear. Sure, I have gear that can get the nitty-gritty down to a science but I still rely upon my ear. It never lies.

That said, low.

tonyb

Is that a new setting Tom,"low" ? LOL !!!:biggrin:

Let's see, we'll start at zero, then move down the crossover to "Low", then below that,"Very Low", then on to " Your just being stupid now" and finally on to the last setting,"WTF ".

I think I just created a new labeling system for subwoofers.

treitz3

That'll work. :biggrin:

Ricardo

I set mine at the lowest xover setting, which I think is around 40 HZ (Micropro 3000's), Then I set the gain by ear.

newrival

I'm x'ed-over at 80Hz on my mains' stereo subs and my LFE filter is set to 100 on the 3rd sub

aboroth00

There are a couple advantages with using stereo subs. You can position the subs in more favourable locations where the bass is better as you would place a regular subwoofer since subwoofers are non-directional. And you can use a bass optimizer to help blend the subwoofers with the mains. Other than that, subs can also be a waste of money when your mains are plenty capable of producing the bass and you're gonna get negligible gain over a single sub.

aboroth00

Of course, deeper extension is always a plus.