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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
erik_squires
17,594 posts
 

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

fastfreight
1,305 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
488 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.  

deep_333
2,480 posts
 

@bigtwin  I assume you are referring to height-wise stacking?

Sub drivers stacked up height wise can nullify height-wise room modes and add another level of bass uniformity.

You can either put one subwoofer on the floor and another one in the ceiling, (in-ceiling sub), lift one up.... or you can get models with multiple drivers like these which stack drivers 6 ft up. The latter might work for above purpose, but, you lose phase control on the driver at height, so it comes down to the same and placement of a 2nd sub. 

Stacking very expensive single driver subs all the way up can be a li’l....silly. There might be better ways to spend your cash.

For example, this one’s the 6-10 model from Tekton. It’s just one sub priced at $1500 with multiple stacked up drivers.

 

 

 

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. 

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