@millercarbon --
Why try and make a case with a limited number of CD’s (what genre, age of mix, etc.?) to conclude that there’s virtually no recorded true-stereo bass? It’s the problem of induction all over again, and a neatly sought closure to support an argument that may know full well the problematic issue of playing stereo information from sound sources (i.e.: subs) that aren’t placed symmetrically to the mains, insofar they’re crossed high enough for it to matter (which, I’d wager, could be an issue even if crossed below the rigidly fixed 80Hz). So, mono is the solution, preferably crossed rather low for the 4-sub approach to make the best of it, timing with the mains being the lesser concern and not drawing on the potential benefit of high-passing the mains (from ~80Hz or so on up to make the most of it). At times this even boarders on the scent of a subwoofer inquisition that calls heresy on anyone who’d dare not to see the divine light of multiple subs.
Fore sure, multiple sub sources scattered throughout the listening room in mono can sound absolutely great - the latest of which I’ve heard comprised no less that 6 Front Loaded Horns each fitted with a 15" driver tuned at ~25Hz (20 cubic feet cabinet volume per horn), and it was a blast both in quality and quantity (that is, 4 of them were placed front center from the ceiling in a cluster with all mouths facing each other to form a single mouth, while the last 2 of them were placed along the rear wall, so essentially this wasn’t a multiple sub approach as advocated here).
What really annoys me though is a prevalence to factualize a sub-approach (i.e.: the 4-sub mono one) as the one and only high quality solution, when there are other viable solutions like a 2-sub approach - in stereo, crossed significantly above 50Hz, and placed symmetrically to the mains. If mono-bass is your thing, or certainly the argument of it, then a pair of stereo-coupled subs will still play a mono signal as such, but if classical material or electronica in particular should muster up a stereo signal here for an intended effect or to support a spatial element, then true stereo-coupled subs placed properly (to the mains) will grant you this aspect of the music additionally.
Further I’d suggest being open to other principles than direct radiating subs, which are by far - dare I say exclusively - the bass principle of choice around here and audiophilia in general, perhaps even blindly. Horn subs aren’t really sold commercially other than from pro vendors, and while also being quite large it’s understandable many mayn’t have been exposed to their traits in a home setting, but this is also the problem: most simply don’t know how horn subs sound, and because of this (and their being used in pro-sector applications) likely make assumptions on their sound that are far removed from their actual imprinting. Quality horn subs, which are mostly available via DIY-solutions, to my ears sport a level of refinement, ease, smoothness and enveloping presence that no direct radiating solution that I’ve heard can equal, and this is obvious whether a multiple sub approach, 2 of them or even singles is used. While you would think first and foremost that a horn sub (some 30Hz extension minimum requirement for it to be called a ’sub’ and not just a bass bin) to be perhaps more of a more brutal, chest-slamming experience than a smaller DR solution (which it can be at elevated levels), you’re likely oblivious to the traits mentioned above that are prevalent at more normal listening levels as well (i.e.: 60-90dB’s, whatever floats your boat) - traits that should be considered and pursued by every audiophile.
So then, it’s not my intention to bash the multiple sub approach, which I know can sound great, but for some to ease up a bit on this being the only proper way to implement subs in your home setup.
EDIT: one could of course combine a true stereo 2-sub setup with 2 additional subs in mono placed more "freely" in relation to the mains.
The Ford Motor Company did a study some years ago, to determine what exactly was needed for really good bass. What they found is that below something like 80 Hz the bass on virtually all recordings is mono.
I just got my Swarm-based distributed bass array up and running last night and so I can now say from factual actual experience there is nothing else like it. If you want really good bass you will use FOUR subs distributed around the room. Period.
Why try and make a case with a limited number of CD’s (what genre, age of mix, etc.?) to conclude that there’s virtually no recorded true-stereo bass? It’s the problem of induction all over again, and a neatly sought closure to support an argument that may know full well the problematic issue of playing stereo information from sound sources (i.e.: subs) that aren’t placed symmetrically to the mains, insofar they’re crossed high enough for it to matter (which, I’d wager, could be an issue even if crossed below the rigidly fixed 80Hz). So, mono is the solution, preferably crossed rather low for the 4-sub approach to make the best of it, timing with the mains being the lesser concern and not drawing on the potential benefit of high-passing the mains (from ~80Hz or so on up to make the most of it). At times this even boarders on the scent of a subwoofer inquisition that calls heresy on anyone who’d dare not to see the divine light of multiple subs.
Fore sure, multiple sub sources scattered throughout the listening room in mono can sound absolutely great - the latest of which I’ve heard comprised no less that 6 Front Loaded Horns each fitted with a 15" driver tuned at ~25Hz (20 cubic feet cabinet volume per horn), and it was a blast both in quality and quantity (that is, 4 of them were placed front center from the ceiling in a cluster with all mouths facing each other to form a single mouth, while the last 2 of them were placed along the rear wall, so essentially this wasn’t a multiple sub approach as advocated here).
What really annoys me though is a prevalence to factualize a sub-approach (i.e.: the 4-sub mono one) as the one and only high quality solution, when there are other viable solutions like a 2-sub approach - in stereo, crossed significantly above 50Hz, and placed symmetrically to the mains. If mono-bass is your thing, or certainly the argument of it, then a pair of stereo-coupled subs will still play a mono signal as such, but if classical material or electronica in particular should muster up a stereo signal here for an intended effect or to support a spatial element, then true stereo-coupled subs placed properly (to the mains) will grant you this aspect of the music additionally.
Further I’d suggest being open to other principles than direct radiating subs, which are by far - dare I say exclusively - the bass principle of choice around here and audiophilia in general, perhaps even blindly. Horn subs aren’t really sold commercially other than from pro vendors, and while also being quite large it’s understandable many mayn’t have been exposed to their traits in a home setting, but this is also the problem: most simply don’t know how horn subs sound, and because of this (and their being used in pro-sector applications) likely make assumptions on their sound that are far removed from their actual imprinting. Quality horn subs, which are mostly available via DIY-solutions, to my ears sport a level of refinement, ease, smoothness and enveloping presence that no direct radiating solution that I’ve heard can equal, and this is obvious whether a multiple sub approach, 2 of them or even singles is used. While you would think first and foremost that a horn sub (some 30Hz extension minimum requirement for it to be called a ’sub’ and not just a bass bin) to be perhaps more of a more brutal, chest-slamming experience than a smaller DR solution (which it can be at elevated levels), you’re likely oblivious to the traits mentioned above that are prevalent at more normal listening levels as well (i.e.: 60-90dB’s, whatever floats your boat) - traits that should be considered and pursued by every audiophile.
So then, it’s not my intention to bash the multiple sub approach, which I know can sound great, but for some to ease up a bit on this being the only proper way to implement subs in your home setup.
EDIT: one could of course combine a true stereo 2-sub setup with 2 additional subs in mono placed more "freely" in relation to the mains.