How many subwoofers are you using in your main system or home theater?

[jhaider]

Tell as much or as little as you'd like.

How many subs do you use in your main listening room or home theater?
What are the brands?
How are you equalizing your subs?
Do you have plans to add more?

Main system (immersive) has three subs, all "DIY" (I bought the drivers, designed the cabinets, had them professionally built):
Currently they are:
1) BMS 18N850, 85L closed box designed to look like a cabinet (and with some useful storage)
2) 2x Aurasound NS15-992-4A (both firing into the front wall), 85L closed box designed to look like a cabinet (and with some useful storage)
3) 2x Aurasound NS12-794-4A (dual opposed), 65L closed box designed to serve as an end table.

The current room is 15' x 20' x 8.5' but partly open.

Here's a pic of the two big subs in our old home; they were custom-built to suit that space. (And yes, that was a prized photo with Rosalyn Carter and President Jimmy Carter, may they both RIP, on the mantel/center channel that was commissioned at the same time as the subs.)

A remote located Crown DCI 4|1250N handles Linkwitz Transform and amplification. Dirac Live Bass Control, aka DLBC (Monolith HTP-1) handles system integration.

As for "upgrades," the 18" sub originally used an Aurasound NS18-992-4A. It developed a VC rub (after ca. 15 years of use) and the BMS driver was something I had on hand to plug in. (It was originally intended to be used in a subwoofer for an outdoor theater in our old house.) In truth there's absolutely nothing wrong with the system. I've yet to hear any constraints in extension or output. But... it has about 2/3 the excursion of the Aurasound NS18. So my ego wants not to downgrade. To that end, I ordered a JBL 2288H, which is their latest-greatest Differential Drive supersub--the successor to the mythical 2269H. However, due to supply chain issues I didn't get it for about 6 months. In the interim, I had never stopped looking for an Aurasound NS18, and was eventually able to source a fresh MR18.4. The only difference between NS18-992-4A and MR18.4 is colorway, which is irrelevant to me. It turns out the 2288H shipped same day as I purchased the MR18.4. So I could not cancel the order and now I have both. I have had both for at least 3 months now. But have not decided which to use....

Other systems:
Formal living room (2ch): 3x B&W PV1D + JL Audio E110 + Tymphany LAT-700 in I think 28L closed box with Linkwitz Transform and power from a Powersoft Mezzo 602A. DLBC (Monoprice HTP-1) provides system integration. Upgrades: none planned.

Nearfield/desktop (2ch): JBL Synthesis S2S-EX (stupid ridiculous overkill, but acquired a local trade for something I no longer needed, and it makes a nice almost desktop-height surface to put stuff on) powered by a Powersoft Mezzo 604AD + Paradigm MillenniaSub behind monitor that makes the upper bass response markedly smoother when desk is in standing position. DLBC again provides system integration, but this time from a JBL SDP-55. Upgrades? LOL.

Secondary (2ch): 2x Triad Bronze (Peerless XLS10 in closed box, 250W). This time RoomPerfect (Lyngdorf TDAI 1120) provides system integration.

 

[Gerry Iaria]

Main system (immersive) has three subs, all "DIY" (I bought the drivers, designed the cabinets, had them professionally built):
Currently they are:
1) BMS 18N850, 85L closed box designed to look like a cabinet (and with some useful storage)
2) 2x Aurasound NS15-992-4A (both firing into the front wall), 85L closed box designed to look like a cabinet (and with some useful storage)
3) 2x Aurasound NS12-794-4A (dual opposed), 65L closed box designed to serve as an end table.

The current room is 15' x 20' x 8.5' but partly open.

Here's a pic of the two big subs in our old home; they were custom-built to suit that space. (And yes, that was a prized photo with Rosalyn Carter and President Jimmy Carter, may they both RIP, on the mantel/center channel.)

View attachment 77125
A remote located Crown DCI 4|1250N handles Linkwitz Transform and amplification. Dirac Live Bass Control, aka DLBC (Monolith HTP-1) handles system integration.

As for "upgrades," the 18" sub originally used an Aurasound NS18-992-4A. It developed a VC rub (after ca. 15 years of use) and the BMS driver was something I had on hand to plug in. (It was originally intended to be used in a subwoofer for an outdoor theater in our old house.) In truth there's absolutely nothing wrong with the system. I've yet to hear any constraints in extension or output. But... it has about 2/3 the excursion of the Aurasound NS18. So my ego wants not to downgrade. To that end, I ordered a JBL 2288H, which is their latest-greatest Differential Drive supersub--the successor to the mythical 2269H. However, due to supply chain issues I didn't get it for about 6 months. In the interim, I had never stopped looking for an Aurasound NS18, and was eventually able to source a fresh MR18.4. The only difference between NS18-992-4A and MR18.4 is colorway, which is irrelevant to me. It turns out the 2288H shipped same day as I purchased the MR18.4. So I could not cancel the order and now I have both. I have had both for at least 3 months now. But have not decided which to use....

Other systems:
Formal living room (2ch): 3x B&W PV1D + JL Audio E110 + Tymphany LAT-700 in I think 28L closed box with Linkwitz Transform and power from a Powersoft Mezzo 602A. DLBC (Monoprice HTP-1) provides system integration. Upgrades: none planned.

Nearfield/desktop (2ch): JBL Synthesis S2S-EX (stupid ridiculous overkill, but acquired a local trade for something I no longer needed, and it makes a nice almost desktop-height surface to put stuff on) powered by a Powersoft Mezzo 604AD + Paradigm MillenniaSub behind monitor that makes the upper bass response markedly smoother when desk is in standing position. DLBC again provides system integration, but this time from a JBL SDP-55. Upgrades? LOL.

Secondary (2ch): 2x Triad Bronze (Peerless XLS10 in closed box, 250W). This time RoomPerfect (Lyngdorf TDAI 1120) provides system integration.

wow, that's a lot of subs, on another note, as I'm not in the US, I find it strange to see tv's mounted so high up, looking at this pic, it would give me a serious neck ache watching tv

 

[Sonnie Parker]

Main system (immersive) has three subs, all "DIY" (I bought the drivers, designed the cabinets, had them professionally built):
Currently they are:
1) BMS 18N850, 85L closed box designed to look like a cabinet (and with some useful storage)
2) 2x Aurasound NS15-992-4A (both firing into the front wall), 85L closed box designed to look like a cabinet (and with some useful storage)
3) 2x Aurasound NS12-794-4A (dual opposed), 65L closed box designed to serve as an end table.

The current room is 15' x 20' x 8.5' but partly open.

Here's a pic of the two big subs in our old home; they were custom-built to suit that space. (And yes, that was a prized photo with Rosalyn Carter and President Jimmy Carter, may they both RIP, on the mantel/center channel.)

View attachment 77125
A remote located Crown DCI 4|1250N handles Linkwitz Transform and amplification. Dirac Live Bass Control, aka DLBC (Monolith HTP-1) handles system integration.

As for "upgrades," the 18" sub originally used an Aurasound NS18-992-4A. It developed a VC rub (after ca. 15 years of use) and the BMS driver was something I had on hand to plug in. (It was originally intended to be used in a subwoofer for an outdoor theater in our old house.) In truth there's absolutely nothing wrong with the system. I've yet to hear any constraints in extension or output. But... it has about 2/3 the excursion of the Aurasound NS18. So my ego wants not to downgrade. To that end, I ordered a JBL 2288H, which is their latest-greatest Differential Drive supersub--the successor to the mythical 2269H. However, due to supply chain issues I didn't get it for about 6 months. In the interim, I had never stopped looking for an Aurasound NS18, and was eventually able to source a fresh MR18.4. The only difference between NS18-992-4A and MR18.4 is colorway, which is irrelevant to me. It turns out the 2288H shipped same day as I purchased the MR18.4. So I could not cancel the order and now I have both. I have had both for at least 3 months now. But have not decided which to use....

Other systems:
Formal living room (2ch): 3x B&W PV1D + JL Audio E110 + Tymphany LAT-700 in I think 28L closed box with Linkwitz Transform and power from a Powersoft Mezzo 602A. DLBC (Monoprice HTP-1) provides system integration. Upgrades: none planned.

Nearfield/desktop (2ch): JBL Synthesis S2S-EX (stupid ridiculous overkill, but acquired a local trade for something I no longer needed, and it makes a nice almost desktop-height surface to put stuff on) powered by a Powersoft Mezzo 604AD + Paradigm MillenniaSub behind monitor that makes the upper bass response markedly smoother when desk is in standing position. DLBC again provides system integration, but this time from a JBL SDP-55. Upgrades? LOL.

Secondary (2ch): 2x Triad Bronze (Peerless XLS10 in closed box, 250W). This time RoomPerfect (Lyngdorf TDAI 1120) provides system integration.

Love the look... somewhat retro with the wood.

I wasn't much for Carter when he was president, but I certainly admire what he did after his presidency. He was good for the country. May he rest in peace.

 

[jhaider]

wow, that's a lot of subs, on another note, as I'm not in the US, I find it strange to see tv's mounted so high up, looking at this pic, it would give me a serious neck ache watching tv

I would never want the TV lower. Our current home has a blank front wall but the TV is mounted at about the same height as in our old home in that photo.

First, the center channel should be the same loudspeaker as L/R, in the same orientation and the same height. The main flaw in that system was the subtle-but-present mismatch between L/R (JBL 708i) and C (JBL Synthesis SCL-3). I rectified that in the new home by making sure the fireplace was on the side of the family room, so the front could use three correct speakers.

Second, for tweeters to be normal seated ear height (around 42”-45”) that likely means ~50” tall speakers or speaker/stand. Assuming a TV rather than a noisy projector, it has to be higher.

Third, if sitting comfortably to be entertained one is generally not seated ramrod straight. So the TV should be elevated to match the natural neck angle. Also, there are moments you may be watching while standing, ie it’s under two mins to go in the 4th Quarter and Jayden Daniels is marshaling the offense down the field for the go-ahead score. Do you want to be squinting down?

Fourth, if you have younger children, they can play in the whole space between RSP and front wall without risk of knocking into the TV.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

lol... @Todd Anderson will like you... Commander fan.

 

[Todd Anderson]

@jhaider, I love your real-world scenario. And the answer to the question is no, you don't want to miss the glory that's surely about to happen! HTTC!

I completely missed this thread... subs are my favorite piece of the home theater equation. I have roughly a 1900 cu ft room. So, medium-small. I currently run four SVS PB 16s placed at the quarter points of the front and back walls. And, I have an Ascedno 32" infrasonic in the center of the rear of the room.

It's a system that definitely has its moments! I'd love to have a truly sealed room at some point. My room has doors that semi-seal. But, I think by most definitions, one would call it a leaky room.

I generally like a very robust low-end house curve. The hotter, the better! Tweaking is always happening!

 

[Todd Anderson]

Love the look... somewhat retro with the wood.

I wasn't much for Carter when he was president, but I certainly admire what he did after his presidency. He was good for the country. May he rest in peace.

The world needs a lot more people with kindness and compassion in their hearts! RIP

 

[Sonnie Parker]

The world needs a lot more people with kindness and compassion in their hearts! RIP

Amen to that!

 

[Mike Schramm]

I have a wide open basement for my theater, and only two PB-2000 Pro's trying to pressurize it. I have one up front near the TV and one in the back behind where I am sitting. Knowing what it would realistically take to pressurize my space I'm not trying to get that super low "feel it" bass. My budget won't allow that much subwoofer power to happen. I do still have a clean bottom end though, and while it may not go as low as other systems, I get a good thump when needed.

 

[3dbinCanada]

@jhaider, I love your real-world scenario. And the answer to the question is no, you don't want to miss the glory that's surely about to happen! HTTC!

View attachment 77219

I completely missed this thread... subs are my favorite piece of the home theater equation. I have roughly a 1900 cu ft room. So, medium-small. I currently run four SVS PB 16s placed at the quarter points of the front and back walls. And, I have an Ascedno 32" infrasonic in the center of the rear of the room.

It's a system that definitely has its moments! I'd love to have a truly sealed room at some point. My room has doors that semi-seal. But, I think by most definitions, one would call it a leaky room.

I generally like a very robust low-end house curve. The hotter, the better! Tweaking is always happening!

Oops.. I didnt catch the cu foot in your post until I opened to comment. I was going to say that your HT room is bigger than my town house.

 

[3dbinCanada]

The world needs a lot more people with kindness and compassion in their hearts! RIP

As a Canadian, he earned my respect even when he was in office as I saw immediately in him his humanity. He was one of the very few that practiced what he preached. All politicians in both of our countries would do well to follow in his footsteps. He was the real deal!!