2.1 setup with Sub EQ: SMS-1 v Antimode 8033 v MiniDSP + REW

EndersShadow
EndersShadow Posts: 17,590
So I have been wondering a couple things about utilizing a sub in a 2.1 setup. I am using a Sunfire TGP-II as my pre-amp and it doesnt have any auto calibration which is fine for a 2 channel setup. I can set levels and distances and increase or decrease bass and treble, but it doesnt have a auto EQ.

If you were wanting to incorporate a non powered sub into your setup with EQ to ensure a even transition from your left/right to sub which of these units would you look at and why?

The speakers I have are RTA 11TL's so they do dig deep, however I know they could benefit from a decent sub. That and to be honest I like my BASS IN MY FACE... So I want to be able to play around with things a little bit bass wise.

Some comments about each unit from what I know:

SMS-1
Pros: You can graphically see what its doing on screen and calibrate your setup to be pretty darned flat (or not) if you want. You only get 5 Hz settings to play with though (unlike the Mini-DSP)

Cons: The Main Out's are set to crossover at 80hz and you cant change that any lower so if I tried to EQ my entire setup through it I would be cutting the RTA 11TL's at 80 hz which may or may not be a bad thing (opinions welcomed on that)


Antimode 8033
Honestly I dont know lots about this unit so any thoughts would be appreciated.


MiniDSP + REW:
Pros: You can get a 2 in 4 out unit and are able to set the crossovers to whatever you like. You can measure your setup with REW and connect that to the mini-dsp for a customized room EQ for any room you are ever in.

Cons: I am sure there are some but currently I cant think of any off the top of my head, please help me out here.


So anyway I am curious as to your guys thoughts on which unit of these three you would pick and also why.
"....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
Post edited by EndersShadow on

Comments

  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,590
    edited June 2013
    bump.....
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
  • codyc1ark
    codyc1ark Posts: 2,532
    edited June 2013
    I'd play around with REW before you make any purchases, you already have the hardware (your welcome) to do it. A lot of guys get great results with REW, but its the learning curve that scares most people off. (like me) - If you can't figure it out, or just don't like it, then I'd move onto a SMS-1. I love what it did for my room, and could even get it better if I wasnt so lazy. The nice thing about the SMS is that it is SO easy to use, plug n' play practically. Hope this helps.
  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,590
    edited June 2013
    codyc1ark wrote: »
    I'd play around with REW before you make any purchases, you already have the hardware (your welcome) to do it. A lot of guys get great results with REW, but its the learning curve that scares most people off. (like me) - If you can't figure it out, or just don't like it, then I'd move onto a SMS-1. I love what it did for my room, and could even get it better if I wasnt so lazy. The nice thing about the SMS is that it is SO easy to use, plug n' play practically. Hope this helps.

    Yeah I need to play around with REW (and thank you very much for the equipment to do so :redface:). MiniDSP either way may be the way to go as its MUCH more customize regarding filters (think I read up to 64 individual filters you can apply) and crossovers able than the SMS-1 but either way I need to get my learn on.

    The MiniDSP is also a bit cheaper than a SMS-1 unit (125 for mini-dsp 2x4 new). That said if its hard to learn then I may not take the time to do so.....
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
  • codyc1ark
    codyc1ark Posts: 2,532
    edited June 2013
    I haven't seen much to do with the MiniDSP, so I can't speak to it. Like I said, take a few nights to learn REW, I had a hard time getting it to work with my laptop even with the external sound card, I think you'll have a PC that will work better then the one I was using. Are you going to 'bi-amp' your 15's and run the subs off of your amp? It'll be cool to hear the results if thats what your going to do.
  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,590
    edited June 2013
    codyc1ark wrote: »
    I haven't seen much to do with the MiniDSP, so I can't speak to it. Like I said, take a few nights to learn REW, I had a hard time getting it to work with my laptop even with the external sound card, I think you'll have a PC that will work better then the one I was using. Are you going to 'bi-amp' your 15's and run the subs off of your amp? It'll be cool to hear the results if thats what your going to do.

    I think I see what your talking about (using 1 channel for the top of my 15's and 1 channel for the 8" sub) but thats not what I was looking to do. I was more looking to integrate a passive sub with my RTA 11TL's in my 2 channel room, or integrate my 15's (as full range) with a passive sub since my Integra's EQ is 2EQ which is HORRIBLE in regards to EQ.
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited June 2013
    A long time ago our "beloved" Russman said to me, "man, just start twising knobs, this isn't rocket science." There's an important lesson buried in his response. Though i bought an SPL meter and a test tone disc, I really like my "by ear" results---so I have left them in the drawer, still in the blister pack.

    Just something to ponder.
    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
  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited June 2013
    I can vouge for the Anti-mode 8033...it is a superb sub EQ device. Simple as pie and dramatically changed the performance of my twin Velo's. For HT & 2 channel they are superb. One question though, how come a passive sub? That'll knock the hell out of your amp trying to drive it along with the speakers. One of the benefits of powered subs is the load taken off your amp.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,590
    edited June 2013
    I can vouge for the Anti-mode 8033...it is a superb sub EQ device. Simple as pie and dramatically changed the performance of my twin Velo's. For HT & 2 channel they are superb.

    Will have to do some more digging looks like..
    One question though, how come a passive sub? That'll knock the hell out of your amp trying to drive it along with the speakers. One of the benefits of powered subs is the load taken off your amp.

    Because its a awesomely musical sub that has gotten RAVE reviews from many folks on this forum.... :biggrin:. More than likely for 2 channel it would have its own amp, and maybe even HT. I would probably just get a pro amp from somewhere dirt cheap to start with, raw power with none of the finesse of regular HT amps...
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,590
    edited June 2013
    steveinaz wrote: »
    A long time ago our "beloved" Russman said to me, "man, just start twising knobs, this isn't rocket science." There's an important lesson buried in his response. Though i bought an SPL meter and a test tone disc, I really like my "by ear" results---so I have left them in the drawer, still in the blister pack.

    Just something to ponder.

    I agree but something to be said about lugging a 100 lb beast of a sub around to different points in the room. Plus in my 2 channel room I am VERY limited as to where it might go, so I was hoping for some EQ help to get it right...
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited June 2013
    If sub placement is an issue then I seriously suggest you look into the Anti-mode 8033. There's a good reason it has won so many awards & received such fantastic reviews.

    Here's a link to their site: http://www.dspeaker.com/en/home.shtml
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
  • Conradicles
    Conradicles Posts: 6,081
    edited June 2013
    in my 2 channel room I am VERY limited as to where it might go, so I was hoping for some EQ help to get it right...

    Just curious as to where you are going to place said sub in relation to the room/speakers?
  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,590
    edited June 2013
    Just curious as to where you are going to place said sub in relation to the room/speakers?

    For my 2 channel I haven't even gotten there yet lol, still need to re-arrange my setup for the LAST FRIGGIN TIME. If in HT would be in one of the corners.
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
  • rtart
    rtart Posts: 832
    edited June 2013
    I lived with an SMS-1 for years in several different configurations - all 5.1, 7.1 or more.

    I eventually went to a prepro with Audyssey buil-in (Onkyo 5507) and sold my SMS-1.

    However, I looked at and played with the AntiMode, a Behringer 1124 along with the SMS-1. I preferred the SMS-1 for a couple of reasons. A MAJOR one is the ability to adjust sub volume via an IR remote control on the fly. Some soundtracks are recorded with more or less bass than I'd prefer, so the ability to adjust the sub volume easily is a great feature.

    The other ability to graphically see what is happening in your room is a big plus. You can play what-if games with phase, crossover points and sub placement and see what happens in real time. There is also a LOT of online support available, as well as a great user guide for the SMS-1 on the Outlaw site.

    Used, I've seen them go for the $250 to $300 range, which is a great deal
    My 7.4.4 DIY 4k Home Theater:
    Polk LSiM 707 L-C-R, LSiM702 side surrounds, LSiM 705 rears
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    Berkline 090 electric recliners with Aura Bass Shakers
  • Polkie2009
    Polkie2009 Posts: 3,834
    edited June 2013
    +1 on the Antimode 8033, I've been more than happy with my 8033S I bought from a fellow polkie here. It's a breeze to set up, it's like EZ-PZ lemon squeezy. Set it and forget it.:cheesygrin: