benanders
Senior Member
Just to be clear. When I'm referring to the multiple subwoofer approach I'm talking about randomely placing three or more subwoofers working at the same frequency area in the room with the goal of achieving an even response.
I'm not talking about simply using several subwoofers in order to get lower distortion and reach necessary SPL. The latter is something I find crucial for a high-end setup unless one is using one subwoofer with super high SPL (like a hugh horn subwoofer).
In regards to capacity I'm not really sure multiple subwoofer approach where one or two are placed in the opposite direction works that well. My experience is that this approach leads to a lack of slam and tactile experience compared to having all in the front pointing in the same direction. Perhaps because they end up partially working against each other.
I tried the opposing-subwoofers approach (anecdotally and subjectively).
I did so on recommendation of a DIY’er of a L / R channel opposing-subwoofer approach (that case linked here) :
1 day ghetto line array build < £200
Bumping my own thread to say these speakers have been in use for a year or so now and they are holding up well. Treble and midrange very clear. Bass is tight and accurate. I’ve played everything I could think of on them. No unpleasant surprises. If I want to impress, I play a female vocalist...
www.diyaudio.com
I suggested the reason his original horizontal orientation of opposing-subs may have been more satisfactory because all 4 woofers were in vertical alignment, vs. vertical orientation of 2 woofers aided by gravity and 2 woofers opposed by gravity (early pics vs. that last pic in the dyiAudio link). Not sure how much effect gravity would have on driver reflexes, but probably “ > 0” ?
I did not attach my opposing-subs so securely to each other, rather both chassis were fastened to a beam frame, and given my heavier and stronger subs specs, this may have been an issue when I tried it. I’ve not discussed it here (ASR) as I did not take measurements. No need - preliminary listening said the opposing-sub approach, for me and my kit, was a “No”.
(1) Stacking both of my forward-facing subs (each receiving stereo signal) vs. (2) using them as separate stereo L / R forward-facing subs, vs. (3) putting them in different parts of the room (again, with each receiving a stereo signal) vs. (4) running them in mounted opposition, all give different sounding results. Subjectivity alert.
Long story short, I agree @Bjorn it is very important to clarify which “multiple sub” use is employed and/or recommended. They must surely produce different results including as measured on plots in a given room - any takers with the gear to test for this or validate via example?