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2 JL Audio F112s or 2 Velodyne DD... wihthMBL 121?

I'm considering adding a couple of subwoofers to augment my main speakers which are MBL 121 monitors. Highest priority is integration for music - I've a musical taste ranging from classical to hard rock, pop, vocals. My current listening room is quite large, and is part of an open plan house we are renting. Room size is about 30' by 40' with vaulted ceilings.

I will likely move house to a smaller room/apartment in about a year, so I don't want something that would overpower an apartment, but I do want a full-range sound. Music is highest priority, but I also use the system for movies too.

Have folks compared the subs I mention, and in the case of the Velodyne, would the DD-12 make the most sense vs. the larger DD models? I think the JL Audio is the new kid on the block and has a great rep, but the Velodyne DD setup seems potentially more sophistocated and allows for better integration? Anyways, any advice welcome. Thanks.
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Showing 2 responses by martykl

martykl
3,578 posts
 
I use the Velodyne SMS-1 (which is the mic, analyzer, crossover, and PEQ from the DD series, packaged separately for use with any subwoofer of your choice) with 2 8" Velodyne SPLR woofers. My first reaction is:

Whichever woofer you choose, use the SMS to integrate it with your mains. Your observation is spot on- this is an amazingly sophisticated tool for integrating subs. The better news: you can mate it with any sub you like, not just Velodynes (although I happen to like the Velodynes). The best news: The SMS-1 is $600 at AudioAdvisor.com

BTW, I'd love to get your feedback on the 121 with a properly EQ'd woofer system. I love many aspects of the MBL line, but the octave to octave balance (mid bass and presence region elevation) would eventually drive me nuts. My instinct tells me that a skillfully set up 121/subwoofer might well smoke any of the bigger MBLs.

Good Luck

Marty
martykl
3,578 posts
 
The SMS stays in the chain as a low pass and PEQ for the subs. It also has a fixed 80Hz 6db/octave high pass built in. In your case, I seem to recall that the 121 already incorporates a high pass (or in this case "low cut") filter integrated into the speaker. If so, you could take a line out of your pre into the SMS and onto the woofer of your choice and a second line out of the pre into your main amps and on to the 121. In this set up, the SMS is out of the signal path to your 121s.

OTOH, the SMS also has a pass-thru. If you don't have a 2nd line out of the pre-amp, the SMS can output an unprocessed signal for this purpose. It will remain in the signal path of your mains, but they will see a full range line level input. Or you can route the signal from the pre through 80hz high pass in the SMS and your mains will see the 6db/octave roll off below 80hz.

BTW, the SMS will control up to 3 subs, but each will get the same signal. That is, room analaysis and PEQ are done with all subs set up in place, and the SMS will cumulatively analyze the room output. You then set EQ for flattest response (or for your taste) on that cumulative basis. The thing works amazingly well. The process involves a lot of trial and error (and a fair bit of time), but when you get a flattish line through the x-over region, you will be amazed at how good the thing sounds. At least, IME.

Good Luck

Marty
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