Subwoofer ?'s

dkg999

I am currently running a PSW404 in the front left corner and a PSW303 in the rear right corner, and am fairly happy with the performance. I don't run at high volumes because I am in an apt. What I am looking to do is up the low frequency presence and improve the bottom trolling ability of my sub-woofers. I was considering the PSW505 to replace the PSW404, but the salesperson tells me that the difference between the 12" and 8" woofers will impact the timing of the low frequency response and not sound good. Any truth to this?

I really wanted to go with the SVS sub-woofers, but my concern there is that the bottom firing design will send too much bass into the floor and cause problems with the downstairs neighbors. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks in advance for the help!

michael_w

Maybe try stacking the 303 on top of the 404 to increase the low frequency presence... Not really sure how your room changes the bass (shape and objects in room make differences). I'm not sure about the timing of a 12 compared to 8 but as for the svs you can always isolate the subwoofer by putting it on something like a block of granite (or a less expensive material) which will reduce the bass that goes into the floor.

Airplay355

yea, putting granite, or the much less expensive concrete slab under your sub will isolate it from the floor and minimize vibrations being sent to the neighbors, an svs will murder your two subs tho. if you can get an svs, id say get one

Dr. Spec

but the salesperson tells me that the difference between the 12" and 8" woofers will impact the timing of the low frequency response and not sound good. Any truth to this?

It's not a matter of timing, per se. The two subs will have different frequency responses, and combining them will probably not result in an optimal looking FR.

but my concern there is that the bottom firing design will send too much bass into the floor and cause problems with the downstairs neighbors. Any thoughts on this?

Bass is omni-directional and is generally an equal opportunity lease breaker.

Since a down-firing woofer will concentrate its reactive forces in the vertical plane, it might cause more floor vibration than a side firing woofer. But I doubt the difference will be huge. The downstairs neighbors will still hear/feel booming regardless.

I like the thick concrete paver under the sub to decouple it from the floor.

dkg999

For my current subs, they set on 18" square patio blocks turned upside down so the flat back is the surface the sub sets on. Glue the patio block to 1/2" acoustic tile and a 3/4" plywood substrate. Mount small wood feet to the bottom, using a piece of old mouse pad between the wood foot and the substrate. Use some oak to trim the sides of the whole works, stain and finish to match your decor. This has pretty much eliminated floor rumble from the subs. I do own a brick saw, so I can cut the patio blocks to make whatever dimension I need, but you should be able to find a combination of ones at the local big-box store that work.