Using Two Subwoofers with Two 2-Channel Amplifiers.

I am using two stereo JL Audio F-113 subs and I feel that 2 subs fill the room much more than one does. I have mine located close to the mains.

ozzy

Great input everyone, thank you very much.

@wolf_garcia  So if I am understanding you correctly, you have both Left and Right channels wired to both of your Subs?

@m-db  Your "unusually redundant" comment kind of hit home.  It makes sense that If I am dedicating a Sub to L/R channels, it should not matter if a Sub has either one or two Amplifiers connected to it.

Sorry, but just to be clear, when to say "Mono" or "Monaural" you are referring to connecting Left & Right channels to each Sub correct?  My initial thought was that this might confuse the Sub, but it sounds like you guys are saying that this is not necessarily the case (".. canceling standing waves..")

FYI, Mains are two sets of Klipsch Kg-4s.  38 Hz - 20 kHz +/- 3dB at 94 dB SPL.  Room is HUGE (finished basement).

I have both subs (they're different models from the same era, a Q150e and a Q108II...10" front firing and 8" down firing respectively) taking both channels just like when I used only one sub (which worked fine for years). I am fine with this, and the bass is coherent and stereo (except the low bass which isn't but seems like it is for the reasons previously described). Besides, one of the RELs sometimes is used in a nearby window to add bass to the smallish monitors I use for outdoor deck speakers (also in the windows for that purpose), and if it was hooked up to only one channel it wouldn't work like I prefer. I play bass, I'm a sound engineer, and the benefit of 2 subs taking all the low bass equally does have nice results overall as sort of a "mini storm" rig.

Sorry, but just to be clear, when to say "Mono" or "Monaural" you are referring to connecting Left & Right channels to each Sub correct? My initial thought was that this might confuse the Sub, but it sounds like you guys are saying that this is not necessarily the case (".. canceling standing waves..")

Depends on the connectivity options your subwoofers offer. My only high/amplifier level experience was with a REL Studio III using its proprietary cable. Maybe someone else here can answer your question.

By "standing waves" if you're referring those unusually bass heavy locations in your room they can be addressed by experimenting with subwoofer locations and feeding the subs a summed, mono, or monaural signal.

Eventually your setup will be as unique as your room and the system being used.  

Here is my setup which too me a while to get the sound up to the level that I was looking for......
2 Channel Stereo with 2 Channel Subwoofer Setup
Martin Logan Montis ESL Speakers which each have a 10" Driver with DSP and a 200 watt amp. (not enough low end, needs more)

2 REL S3 Subs
with one on the Left Channel, and the other on the right channel.

Using the RELs coming right off my Krell KSA-200S Amplifier's speaker connections. This is what REL recommends.

The RELs are placed on the inside of the Martin Logan Montis. Right next to each Montis. This allows for fill into the middle of the presentation.
Most say put the RELs on the outside. Bull, wrong. Tested and tried. The Stereo Subs should be on the inside and setup in stereo. REL has a video on how to connect the speaker outputs of the amp properly.

When I went from a Mono 2 Subs to Stereo 2 Subs setup..... WOW!! The difference is instant, and allows for a much better image. I cannot over stress how much better any speaker system can get with what they call "The REL Effect" using the input from the speaker leads from an amplifier. Paul the owner of PS Audio has a YouTube video about Subwoofer setup from the amplifer speaker leads. Oh, he glows when he mentions the REL Subs. The whole system blends and gives even the midrange a tangible improvement. The secret is adjusting the RELs to just be able to hear them, and then just back off on the REL volume control just a hair.
I know like I sound like a REL fanboy. I am. But they blend so much better than others. The are lightning fast, that's the secret. It's in the crossovers and the actual driver design. They can keep up with the Martin Logans fast transient response. The blend is what sends these out front in sub design for 2 channel audio systems.

JL Audio has a great sub, but for 2 channel music, JLs are an earthquake, and RELs are a part of your speakers, and they don't let themselves overpower the speakers. Take for example.... Revel Ultima Salon 2s. Great, but mind blowing with REL S series or Reference series in stereo pairs. REL has a T Series, and it works quite well at a much lower price point. But I wouldn't use them with speakers costing a lot of money. The S Series is a huge improvement. But, in the same token, you can get 2 Subs at a reasonable price. And 2 T Series RELs are better than no RELs are just one sub.

If you are listening to 2 channel audio (In my 40 years experience), 2 subs are required to get the proper soundstage and low end of the original recordings. Subs with 2 Channel Music should not stand out and act like a bully. Most subs are bullies, and that's why many audiophiles don't recommend having them.

Speakers that cost ten times as much as us mortals can afford have added 2 RELs to their system and come away with their jaw dropped. 

I would have not believed it myself until I bought them.

I now have 2 more REL S3 subs (total 4) that I have yet to take out of the boxes yet to experiment with.

The word from REL is that you can use multiple RELs and surround the room with their effect of giving body to the music. Maybe a few months from now..... I will place the other 2 RELs behind me, and see what happens. If you look hard enough, REL sells sometimes to dealers a recertified unit. Or watch the used audio websites for deals. Lastly, if you own Martin Logans.... it is your duty to pair them with a couple of RELs. I know of quite a lot of Martin Logan owners that are happy with what a transformation they experience with money spent. There are cheaper subs. Not a single one can put such a shot of Viagra into your speakers like these babies. Dennis