I want accurate music, what is on the program. To me that
means accurate frequency response (I know some do not seem to feel this way for
their own reasons). Even though my ear
might prefer this or that ‘type’ of sound, I want it to first hear what’s
intended on the music program (I can screw up the artist’s intended sound later
if I want to).
This means first fixing the room’s acoustical problems (most
always the bass errors). Since mine cannot be obliterated like a man music cave
I use a bass room correction DSP device and an SPL meter to work towards a flat
response, and a bit of very judicious digital equalization. Unless the
recording is crap, my main speakers always ‘disappear’. They could be run sans
subs for most music.
The room correction DSP is very effective. The REL B1 ‘disappeared
sonically in my listening position, low crossed at 25Hz or so with low volume
to supplement the D2s deep low response (w/limited dynamics, for some). I also
enjoyed the spaciousness a good REL sub-bass system can provide (even one),
even on non-bass material.
BUT, based on the above posts, I lugged subwoofers upstairs and
downstairs this week and reset the main audio listening/living room (20w x17 x10,
three SVS subs), the basement home theater (12x22x8: REL B1 & Def Tech PF-1500, old 15”), and
the upstairs TV room (13x16 x9 using singe REL Storm III very successfully with
Elac Debut 5.2 system).
The SVS SB-3000 went into the old REL B1 spot (right front
corner) as it was demonstrably the ‘invisible spot’. The two SB-2000 units (all
3 are sealed) went onto left side wall and the rear wall, semi-asymmetrically
(as much as this room would allow with two large openings). SB-2000s only low
pass to 50Hz so that’s where they stayed. Also set SB-3000 to 50Hz and at low
volume (half the time testing I had fingers on cones to be sure the subs were
on; they were…).
From 100Hz to 31.5Hz the 1/3 octave frequency measurements
(80dB volume baseline at 200Hz) were between 81.5dB and 80 (at 31.5Hz). I was
pleased and initial thoughts were increased solidity at the extreme bottom end
along with more oomph when required. I heard no bass where it was not before. I
want to do more listening with subs off and on as the difference in apparent
openness is a bit subtle at the modest volumes.
I suspect perhaps better physical positioning, phase setting,
and general integrating will help even more. The SB-3000 offers a cut-off down
to 30Hz as well as some additional parametric equalization for the single sub
only. Perhaps working with all of these variables would dial it in better. Like
others I do not see myself going back to one sub (probably more like looking
for my 4th SVS and making a 10ft high real-wall mount for one of
them…). Thanks to all. I’m a DBA believer.
p.s. Thanks to Duke
for bringing up the Fletcher Munson curves. For those of you that still don’t
quite get it; it seems to be the reason the “Loudness” button was invented.
