Are 2 always better than 1?

KLapinas
KLapinas Posts: 608
edited March 2013 in Speakers
In life there are lots of times where 2 is always better than 1...

Is that the case with subwoofers?

What are the true gains of using 2 matched subwoofers in a system?
Post edited by KLapinas on
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  • Sprags
    Sprags Posts: 120
    edited March 2013
    Like these?

    subwoofers.jpg
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited March 2013
    KLapinas; from what I have researched it seems the most significamt improvements are:

    1. Smoother overall bass response
    2. Lower distortion as both woofers are ran at 1/2 the output of a single sub.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • ZLTFUL
    ZLTFUL Posts: 5,655
    edited March 2013
    It also tends to broaden the bass "sweet spot". I have 2 subs in my system located in opposite corners of my living room. My wife's favorite spot gets almost no effect from explosions and the like with the second sub at the back of the room turned off. I experience the same when the front one is off. With them both on, we both get very similar listening experiences.

    This is of course in reference to home theater.

    When it comes to music, I know that bass is omni-directional but having a pair of subs, to me at least, makes a definitive difference where the processing can account for 2 subs. Environmental variables become more apparent. For example, the bass player at a jazz club being stage left or stage right...the higher notes sound like they are coming from his position on the stage...the lower notes, with a single sub sound like they are coming from the center of the soundstage. But split the signal properly between 2 subs and you get back to a more stereo effect for the bass. That being said, I only have one sub in my 2 channel system that only plays sub 60hz. And it blends pretty seemlessly in the grand scheme of things.
    "Some people find it easier to be conceited rather than correct."

    "Unwad those panties and have a good time man. We're all here to help each other, no matter how it might appear." DSkip
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,004
    edited March 2013
    Are 2 better than one ?

    Hmmm.....I know 2 **** are better than one
    2 dollars are better than one
    2 speakers are better than one

    so I guess subwoofers....yeah, 2 are better than one if you consider the quality of each. One good subwoofer is better than 2 entry level ones if ya know what I mean. 2 good matching subs, yeah, that would be better.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,331
    edited March 2013
    I love having two subs in my system. I feel it rounded out the impact of watching movies. I also like the fact that how I have them placed you can't tell where the sound is coming from it just fills the room better..

    When they are set-up properly that is..
    Polk Audio SDA 2.3tl Fully Hot Rodded. 😎

    SVS SB16 X2

    Cary SLP-05/Ultimate Upgrade.
    Cary SA-500.1 ES Amps
    Cary DMS 800PV Network
    OPPO UDP 205/ModWright Modification
    VPI Scout TT / Dynavector 20x2
    Jolida JD9 Fully Modified

    VPI MW-1 Cyclone RCM

    MIT Shotgun 3 cables throughout / Except TT, and PC’s
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,331
    edited March 2013
    tonyb wrote: »
    Are 2 better than one ?

    Hmmm.....I know 2 **** are better than one
    2 dollars are better than one
    2 speakers are better than one
    2 woman at the same time is better then one!!

    so I guess a BJ....yeah, 2 are better than one if you consider the quality of each. One good BJ is better than 2 entry level ones if ya know what I mean. 2 good matching BJ's, yeah, that would be better.



    :razz:
    Polk Audio SDA 2.3tl Fully Hot Rodded. 😎

    SVS SB16 X2

    Cary SLP-05/Ultimate Upgrade.
    Cary SA-500.1 ES Amps
    Cary DMS 800PV Network
    OPPO UDP 205/ModWright Modification
    VPI Scout TT / Dynavector 20x2
    Jolida JD9 Fully Modified

    VPI MW-1 Cyclone RCM

    MIT Shotgun 3 cables throughout / Except TT, and PC’s
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  • decal
    decal Posts: 3,205
    edited March 2013
    According to these guys, 2 things are better than one..............................
    If you can't hear a difference, don't waste your money.
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  • hosedagain
    hosedagain Posts: 116
    edited March 2013
    FYI
    http://www.avsforum.com/t/1463175/just-how-much-better-is-2-subwoofers

    and is 3 better than 2
    http://www.avsforum.com/t/1463279/3-subs-better-than-2
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  • ScottyDugs
    ScottyDugs Posts: 91
    edited March 2013
    Anybody tried putting the subwoofer under their couch? Really feel it in the ****?
    My SETUP

    AVR: Denon 1913
    Main L/R: Polk LS90's
    Center: Polk CS350LS
    Side Surrounds: Polk LS/FX's
    Rear Surrounds: Polk RT/FX's
    Subwoofer: Polk PSW300

    100% Cinematic Adventures, 0% Music
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  • ZLTFUL
    ZLTFUL Posts: 5,655
    edited March 2013
    ScottyDugs wrote: »
    Anybody tried putting the subwoofer under their couch? Really feel it in the ****?

    You aren't familiar with ButtKickers...are you? :razz:
    tactile transducers are becoming more and more prevelant in both movie theaters and home environments.
    "Some people find it easier to be conceited rather than correct."

    "Unwad those panties and have a good time man. We're all here to help each other, no matter how it might appear." DSkip
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  • ScottyDugs
    ScottyDugs Posts: 91
    edited March 2013
    No Sir!....niiiicee
    My SETUP

    AVR: Denon 1913
    Main L/R: Polk LS90's
    Center: Polk CS350LS
    Side Surrounds: Polk LS/FX's
    Rear Surrounds: Polk RT/FX's
    Subwoofer: Polk PSW300

    100% Cinematic Adventures, 0% Music
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  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited March 2013
    Yes. The current though in HT is four subwoofers is the best with one in each corner for smoother response, less distortion, and minimized room interaction; Two subwoofers would have a similar effect.
    Jake
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  • amgala
    amgala Posts: 111
    edited March 2013
    tonyb wrote: »
    Are 2 better than one ?

    Hmmm.....I know 2 **** are better than one
    2 dollars are better than one
    2 speakers are better than one

    so I guess subwoofers....yeah, 2 are better than one if you consider the quality of each. One good subwoofer is better than 2 entry level ones if ya know what I mean. 2 good matching subs, yeah, that would be better.

    Sounds like the AT&T "more is better" commercials!
    Front Speakers: Polk Audio LSi15 x 2
    Center Speaker: Polk Audio LSiC
    Rear Speakers: Polk Audio LSiF/X x 2
    Subwoofers: Polk Audio PSW505 x 2
    AVR: Denon AVR-3313CI
    Amp: Emotiva XPA-5
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,004
    edited March 2013
    Man....thanks Larry. You made me sound like a dirty old man.


    How observant of you.:lol:
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • KLapinas
    KLapinas Posts: 608
    edited March 2013
    Well my choice is 1 HSU VTF2 MK3 or 2 REL Q201es.
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  • Geoff4rfc
    Geoff4rfc Posts: 2,469
    edited March 2013
    Absolutely! 2 are better than one.

    As others have mentioned here, having two subs increase the bass response. So, in theory, the more subs you use, the smoother the bass response becomes. 2-4-6-8, there is NO overkill.
    Source: BRP Panasonic UB9000, CDP Emotiva ERC3 - Display: LG OLED EVO 83 C3 - Pre/Pro: Marantz 8802A - Amplification: Emotiva XPA-DR3, XPA-2 x 2, XPA-6, Speakers, Mains/2ch-Focal Kanta No2's, C-LSiM706, S-702F/X, RS-RTiA9's, WS-RTiA9's, FH-RTiA3's, Subs - Epik Empire x 2

    Cables: AudioQuest McKenzie XLR's/CDP/Amp, Carbon 48/BRP, Forest 48/Display, 2 channel speaker cable: Furutech FS Alpha 36 12AWG PCOCC Single Crystal (Douglas Connection)

    EXPERIENCE: next to nothing, but I sure enjoy audio and video MY OPINION OF THIS HOBBY: I may not be a smart man, but I know what quicksand is.
    When I was young, I was Superman but now that old age has gotten the best of me I'm only Batman
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  • KLapinas
    KLapinas Posts: 608
    edited March 2013
    I guess I will try moving the RELs up and try them together. I have run a single in my setup and it sounded pretty darn good.
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