Question for experienced distributed bass array users


Hello.

I run an active multichannel stereo system where everything below 70Hz is handled by one channel that sums R + L and sends to two subs. The subs are sealed DIY enclosures for Rythmik DS1200 kits and I want to add one or two additional subs to create a DBA. Ideally I would build additional units based on the same Rythmik kits which provide good flexibility through their PEQ plate amps. But I live overseas and importing these becomes expensive. Plus I recall Earl Geddes saying the third & fourth sub didn’t need to be powerful or as good as they do less work, and commercially available DBAs I understand aren’t necessarily 12” or include PEQ options.

So I’m considering to build sealed DIY boxes with suitable 10” pro drivers and locally available, non-audiophile grade class D amps, and use together with the Rythmiks. All the subs would get the summed mono signal with digital room correction applied to the channel.

What do you guys think? Better to get one Rythmik kit or two plain Jane smaller sealed boxes?

Thank you in advance!
Horacio

PS: Please let’s not go into merit/demerit of DBAs. I’m convinced it’s the way I want to go; just asking for opinions from experienced users about alternative paths to it.
lewinskih01

Showing 1 response by lewinskih01

Thank you guys.

@millercabon: indeed, the more the better as it smooths out frequency response better. I believe Geddes was saying that in the context of minimizing the number of subs, saying optimally placing 3 subs got you almost there (FWIW, like @spenav says above), with a 4th getting you to "100%". That is 4 subs optimally placed get you to his 100%. If the "optimally placed" part gets relaxed, then you need more subs to get you to "100%" (whatever that is). With clear diminishing returns.

This has made me think my listening area is the living room and as such the location of the subs is constrained by living space, so no optimal. Therefore 4 subs should be significantly better than 3.

BTW, millercarbon your experience with mixing 3 different types of subs and getting great results gives me a lot more confidence in the path. Thank you!