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1 or 2 subwoofer for small room & placement

I have read that 2 sub-bass systems will yield better results compared to one in 2-channel stereo setups. Is this applicable to a small room of say 11.5'x17'x9'? Or one sub will probably be more than adequate and yield better results compared to 2 subs which may be too much for a small room?

I know experimenting is the key, but if sticking with one sub, which is the most preferred placement that will produce the best results? At the extreme corner of the room close to wall boundaries, or in between the main speakers at the middle in almost free space? I have tried both and slightly prefer the sub in between the speakers in free space. I'm curious to know which configuration is mostly adopted.

Lastly, are the active crossovers in the REL Stadium/Stentor subs made of high quality parts for use in high-pass configuration(in rolling-off bass to the main speakers)? Concern is with the sub's crossover inserted in between the preamp and power amp that may sacrifice sound quality if it's of inferior quality.

Any advice from knowledgable folks would be most appreciated.
ryder

Showing 1 response by athipaul

athipaul
40 posts
 
Going by your room size you don't need 2 subs. The problem is you will be able to locate the sub if it handles frequencies above 40hz i.e bass is directional unless you are taking about low frequencies say 40hz and below. Its in this situation where 2 subs would be better. If you are setting the XO to less the 40hz you should not be able to locate it. Now you can just as easily just plunk the thing in the middle in between two main speakes to sort of solve this problem.
The REL you mentioned I believe is downward firing so this also helps in the spreading the sub-bass rather than allowing the listener to locate it.
Traditional placement of a REL sub is a corner, facing or firing diagonally into the room. So again you may be able to get away with just one.
Go with a single sub and see how much of the location problems bother you.
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