Running two different subs for different freqs?

grmichmush

You can see the set up in my signature. What I am concidering doing is adding a PSW111, daisy chained off the LW-15, to the system. My 15 has RCA outs that have a high pass cross over switch for either 40hz or 80hz, which I would set at 80hz. The plan would be to let the PSW111 handle 150hz-80hz and let the LW-15 handle 80Hz and down. Now for the reason. It seems that the monitor 60s don't handle bass well at loud volumes and the LW-15 sounds...well...bad when it is handling "mid bass". So, the question is, does this setup even make sense? Do ya'll think it will help? Is there a better way?

tonyb

I wouldn't....2 different subs, 2 different sounds, 2 different speeds. Get one decent sub and be done with it. Buy used to save a buck too if budget is of concern. SVS,Hsu, Epik, Velodyne, even Polks Micropro subs, plenty of sub makers out there than will simply blow away that CV sub. Check out your local craigslist or Audiogon.com for used subs. The worlds your oyster on sub choices.

grmichmush

Ok, while looking at your suggestions; first I did not think cost was an issue 'till I looked at some of your recommendations. But, aside from that it appears one of your brands is talking about the same concept as I was attempting. Please see http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/mbm-12mk2.html . Also, in no way am I sticking up for my current 15" but, I just wanted to know what makes it inferior to these other brands? Thank You for your help. I've only looked at the polks, SVS, and HSUs so far.

newrival

tonyb wrote: »

I wouldn't....2 different subs, 2 different sounds, 2 different speeds. Get one decent sub and be done with it. Buy used to save a buck too if budget is of concern. SVS,Hsu, Epik, Velodyne, even Polks Micropro subs, plenty of sub makers out there than will simply blow away that CV sub. Check out your local craigslist or Audiogon.com for used subs. The worlds your oyster on sub choices.

I don't exactly agree here. This is not a simple proposition, but it could work fairly well. HSU makes a Mid-Bass driver that gets placed behind the listening position and by all acounts works very well. It is meant to be used with a standard subwoofer as well. Two different sized subs have the potential to perform very well, but eq'ing them would be quite a challenge. rossing ove at 150Hz seems a bit high to me as thats near the threshold of localization. Perhaps 100Hz would be better. and then 60Hz on down on the other. If they were fairly steep crossoversand you did a lot of measuring and have a lot of patience, i think it could work out.

newrival

ah, once again i dont fully read the thread, it sems you found the mid bass driver on your own. I was considering one a while back when I was into SDAs, they've gotten some great reviews.

tonyb

I can agree to that, it can be done, but not as easy as it appears. Given the combination the OP was looking at, I'd say almost impossible to get that to sound good.

What makes SVS, HSU better than a CV sub ? Quality, they sound more like a speaker with balls for those big bangs, but can do music also. Some of the cheaper subs have a one note thump and sound muddy. A well rounded sub will be snappy on music and thunderous for those movie explosions. Alot has to do with the driver's travel, starting and stoping. When a signal says to stop and the driver still travels, you get that flabby, muddy sound, not sharp detailed bass. Whats the budget for a sub ? Maybe we can point you in another direction.

tonyb

I might add, if your sub doesn't sound good, have you tried different crossover settings, experiment with pacement in your room ? Small changes can have a huge effect on subs.

grmichmush

Thank you for your clarification on the differences. I can hear your point with the CV. The current sub sounds great with movies. It is with music that it is more rumbly (not a word, I know). It just not have that hard punch that I'd like. As far as a budget for a sub...however much I NEED to have for one. It's just every one I looked at in the brands you suggested were $1000+. That amount was just kind of sticker shock. It is just more than I wanted to spend for an upgrade, when I was thinkin I could just throw a $200 sub into the mix and achieve greatness. And as far as steering me towards one that would be within my budget, how about one that matches up with the price/quality of my receiver, mains, and center? Room is a mid sized living room.

vadang

Some time ago, I used a PSW10 with my SVS PB12 plus/2. I bought some inline filters to try to mimic the MBM you linked with the PSW10. It worked out okay, but I picked up a used MBM for a killer price so I use that now. I am not an audiophile so with some unscientific tweaking (messed with levels until I liked what I heard), I became quite happy.

I think the PSW10 with filters might have worked okay with a weaker main sub, but the SVS just overpowered it.

Since you already have the gear, I'd say try it and see if you like it or not.

Good luck.

grmichmush

So what do you guys think of a Velodyne EQ-Max 15 or velodyne cht 15 or Klipsch RW-12D?

Tankman

I would agree with Tonyb it can be done But you will have Phase issues,i tryed the two sub thing with my two Polk 505's and i got it close but i was getting on Some movies where one sub would make the low end sound,whats the word i am looking for...muddy?I tryed my butt off trying to get the set right give up.

grmichmush

I gave up on running two. Now I am wondering about the 3 I mentioned as a replacement for the CV.