2 subs same or not

mailman23

I am considering adding a second sub.I have an older polk sub thats great for music,but I want to go lower.When adding a second sub does it need to be the same sub?

Knucklehead

as long as your not playing both subs at the same time. you would get some awful resonance going on.

mailman23

so two don't really work unless they are the same subs?

speakergeek

If you are going to run multiple subs, it's best to use identical subs due to output and frequency response. Different subs tend to be more difficult to set up properly, and you would not want to run a sealed plus ported sub. If you want to go lower than your current sub, you are obviously going to need a sub that has different frequency response characteristics

This is in theory. However, my philosophy is to give it a try and see how it sounds, you may get good results from different subs types.

wingnut4772

In my experience running different subs has given yucky results. I would get similar or identical subs.

curved

Agreed

mailman23

Right now I have an older psw 140. Would it be better to just scrap it and buy a new sub.I am considering av123 mfw 15,hsu vtf3,an svs, or possibly polk.I have a max budget of $800 shipped.

Fongolio

I have two 10" identical and they integrate so well you can't tell they are there at all. They are at about listening position on floor on either side of the room crossed at 80 Hz. The problem with two different subs is the timing of the waves. Especially if it's two different sizes. The wave from one can cancel the wave from the other or even worse cause tremendous boominess and muddy bass. That said no harm in trying if it won't cost you anything but you may have to play around a while to get placemnent correct. Unless all you are after is just pure big slam and SQ is of little importance the best way is two identical or one bigger one.

mailman23

which current polk sub is a closest match to the psw 140

mailman23

Also,what would be my best bet.Would it be better to have 2 subs like my psw140(down firing 10" with 180 watts) or one big one? please advise. thanks

Eric W

Yup, for me- 2 subs identical models or one sub only. Do not mix. I'd rather have 1 good sub than 2 mediocre subs though.

mailman23

cool thanks. I think I'm gonna get the Hsu vtf3 mk3. They will be on sale this week

cnh

The PSW505 is a nice sub in that price range.

I run two Bostons, both 12" with slightly differing low ends 29hz vs. 25hz. I have them on either side of the room, spent a bit of time tweaking both and I have to say they work very well together. They are not 'identical but very close to each other in specs, wattage, etc. So I guess it's almost like running two similar subs.

But I agree, one great sub would be enough if you have a reasonably sized room and not some monster Home Theater room in a 2+ million dollar house!

Most of us can't afford that kind of stuff.

cnh