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Mixing subs?

Have been having issues with my JL Audio E112 subs.  Have three of them in a mini “swarm” augmenting Magico A5 main speakers.

 

I’m generally satisfied with this set up though I’ve heard a few VERY expensive set ups with better bass.

 

Recently one of my subs died - no output at all.  No idea why and no warnings.  My other two occasionally act up as well though right now they seem to be functioning properly.

 

So I’m weighing my options:

 

Repair the one sub and keep going with current set up or

 

Just use the two functional JL’s or

 

Buy either two or three new subs from another manufacturer and eventually sell the three JL’s or

 

Buy two new subs and go to a total of four using the two new ones in front and two JL’s in rear

 

Subs under consideration include SVS SB5000’s, Rythmic, and at higher cost Perlisten R212’s.  I’m not overly impressed with REL’s after hearing a six pack of Carbon’s and 31’s in several very high end set ups 

 

Is mixing brands/models a problem?
 

Thanks!

bobbydd
deep_333
2,421 posts
 

If you have sufficient freedom of placement, you can do fine with your 2 functional JL subs.

There are different types of bass (which can affect the entire presentation), and can provide a different kind of enjoyment for different genres of music.

If you have enough room, I would get another pair of a very different type of subwoofer design & ethos. Swap between the 2 different subwoofer pairs for some variety in listening.

Adding more of the same sub and sitting around with the same sonic signature all year sounds a bit boring, don't you think? It is also the reason some guys may have several pairs of speakers, different electronics and so on. 

You are stuck with the same woman all year for years on end...might as well have some variety with the music and equipment (at the least)...

Variety is the spice of life.

Good luck 

 

 

erik_squires
17,538 posts
 

https://www.minidsp.com/applications/subwoofer-tuning/tuning-multiple-subs?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=1049773592

fastfreight
1,278 posts
 

I would start by not buying more JL subs.  Their reliability issues are often mentioned.  I find REL Carbons very musical.  Just my opinion.

bigtwin's avatar
bigtwin
1,625 posts
 

I've always  wondered why people place stacks of subs in the listening room.  Don't get me wrong, I have two REL s/812 in my system and was playing with them just this morning.  But my question is this.  We spend so much time and money, trying to control the bass waves in the room, bass traps etc..  why would anyone put stacks of subs in play.  It's just counter intuitive?  Happy to learn something today. 

rick_n's avatar
rick_n
476 posts
 

The low cost option if you're pleased with the sound would be to repair the sub.  If you're getting no output it very well might be a dead amp.  I had a class D amp croak in one of my SVS subs.  Replacing the amp was straightforward and not costly.  Might be worth pursuing.  Good luck and cheers.  

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