Thread: Subs for audio different than subs for movies? Or are subs just subs?

Originally Posted by audio.bill

Subs are just subs like amps are just amps, speakers are just speakers, etc. The truth is that they can all perform at different levels. Even when comparing sealed design subs there are differences in the quality of their reproduction. Whether a particular sub uses a sealed or ported enclosure is just one aspect of its design parameters and does not completely determine its level of sound quality. Sometimes a particular sub is described as being well suited for home theater applications when it can really move a lot of air which can be effective and impressive in such systems. Others may be described as being better suited for music systems when the bass is cleaner and tighter. It's all relative.

I Agree.

I think the dimensions of a person's listening /viewing area plays a lot into the audio performance of a sub. A person needs to match the type of sub(s) with the "room"

Corner loading is the best way to bring attention to room nodes. Multiple subs carefully placed in the room is the best way for smooth bass response. Or if you have the space, nearfield subs work very well for avoiding room peaks and nulls.

Originally Posted by bzr

This is true. I've also heard some of the supposedly better subs paired with 20.7's & after a while they were the culprit for the uneasiness & the return to no sub. The same reason is why i went away from Martin logan Summit X. I think you need to match the speed of the drivers with the subs, as in if a driver can start a noise & stop the same in a fraction of a second, the sub needs to keep pace, if not you'll hear smearing on some levels which normally detracts from the sound unless one is oblivious.

Assuming it's a quality sub, IME, and many others, a sub's "speed" is more of a frequency response and placement issue. Done correctly, a sub can be crossed as high as 150hz without calling attention to itself, but the actual frequency depends on the mains roll off. Level is also very important too. The room can create peaks which will certainly call attention to the unit. Delay and phase are also very important depending on placement. Unless you have magical ears like a certain SF installer some of us know, the easiest way to integrate the two is to use a measurement mic or SPL meter and software, then fine tune by ear.

Make sure you have a sub with variable phase. Placement and cut-off frequency are already mentioned but in my experience the phase is what you'll hear most. It will make that your sub is in-sync or out of sync. Timing is everything: "are you rushing or are you dragging?"



And let's not forget the listening position. Even cornering can have a good effect in some listening positions and rooms. For me it is quite simple: listen and change. Trial and error.

And Kev: Dolores is quite a type. She is distracting me from reading your posts properly. Its all good what you write :-)

Originally Posted by bzr

^^ Hans, I've got two Infrasonic generators

You've got me totally confused. I thought we were discussing large excursion sub's here At least that is what I thought I saw...

Subs if it is your first go around with subs put them in turn them up . Once you have that all out of your system and hopefully they are broke in. Positioning of subs takes time and effort moving them even a little bit will change the sound. I think I play mine at a lower volume compared to the main speakers than most people. I want them to reinforce the mains not compete but that is me. A lot of the time I do not even know they are their which is what I want. They will step more to the forefront on video as the tracks are often recorded to loud anyway. If you listen to live music good bass is more felt as a emotion than heard (electric bass is heard all right) . Clean dark back grounds and good bass are two of the hardest things to get in audio. IMO

Garth, I am with you. I run a sub with my Magnepans. I use a Martin Logan sealed sub at lower volumes with the X over set at 40hz where my Maggies drop off. The sub almost never calls attention to itself and integrates seamlessly. You would be hard pressed to know that I am using a sub. People get into trouble when they have their subs turned up too loud or have the cross over set too high.