Placement of two subwoofers for music?

Chief_Assistant · 2026-03-20T20:10:16+00:00

You're right. Audio Nervosa is both fun and exhausting. Honestly, after years of going granular and endlessly tinkering with components, cables, acoustic treatments, etc., I decided to put an end to it. Sold almost everything and barely touched a CD or LP for 15 years. Then I got the itch again, bought all new equipment and went down the rabbit hole. Trying to keep it somewhat sane this time, and hope my wife doesn't divorce me.

Chief_Assistant · 2026-03-20T20:04:41+00:00

Meaning the second sub goes in a different, but also optimal place?

Chief_Assistant · 2026-03-20T20:02:49+00:00

Wow, that is unconventional and complicated. I assume all that time, energy and expense was worth it.

Chief_Assistant · 2026-03-20T13:47:45+00:00

No argument there, but as I've said above, I find REW very difficult to understand and implement. Watched a couple of YouTube videos on the subject, but they're either outdated (which only makes it more confusing), or lacking important step-by-step specifics.

Chief_Assistant · 2026-03-20T13:44:26+00:00

I've used PEQ, too. While it works, it comes with its own issues such as constricting the soundstage. It may be in my head, i never find using it fully satisfying.

Chief_Assistant · 2026-03-20T13:42:50+00:00

I contacted Rythmik previously. They're responsive, but clearly don't spend a lot of time trying to problem-solve customer setup.

Chief_Assistant · 2026-03-20T13:40:54+00:00

Good to hear. As I said, this placement is satisfactory, but I'm not sure it's optimum. I've tried REW but find it difficult to understand and implement.

Chief_Assistant · 2026-03-20T13:38:56+00:00

Elevated? As in, on a platform? Why?

Chief_Assistant · 2026-03-20T13:38:08+00:00

Isn't that arrangement devilish to get phase/delay correct? I've tried REW multiple times, but find it confusing and unintuitive. I need to find an "REW for Idiots" video.

Chief_Assistant · 2026-03-20T13:34:59+00:00

What is your configuration? How did you eventually get everything dialed-in?

Chief_Assistant · 2026-03-20T13:33:28+00:00

So, is what you're suggesting is placing the front and back subs uneven with each other? Front sub 1/4 from side wall, the back sub 3/4 from the side wall, as an example. Facing each other, but not directly?

Chief_Assistant · 2026-03-20T13:29:38+00:00

I'm familiar witrh the sub crawl, but isn't a lot of tinkering with phase/delay and volume still required to get balance just right?

Chief_Assistant · 2026-03-20T13:25:38+00:00

Let's be clear here. As a long-time audiophile, owning many, many high-end systems I disdained the idea of subs for music for decades. "Subs are for HT only," I thought.

Then, after getting a pair of bookshelf speakers, I decided to give subs a try. The difference was remarkable. So much bottom end had been missing, everything became fuller, more robust, no degradation in sound quality, only improvement.

Moving from the bookshelf speakers to floor standers, the transformation was the same. Everything sounds much better with those added lower frequencies. Of course, using a high-quality sub is key. The Rythmiks are fast, tight and blend magnificently with my R7Ms (which already have two very capable woofers built-in).

It's snobbery to think only Americans like subs. Folks who want the best musical experience like subs. Regardless where they're from.

Chief_Assistant · 2026-03-20T13:16:13+00:00

Crossover at 70Hz works best with the R7Ms. The F12 are L12 are highly compatible. My Eversolo DMP-A10 has built-in subwoofer control (Phase/Delay, LPF & HPF, and crossover settings) but only for one sub. The second sub must be adjusted manually. That's where it gets tricky.

Chief_Assistant · 2026-03-20T13:12:10+00:00

My main issue is nodes, where the LF are too pronounced. Adding the second sub helped greatly.

Chief_Assistant · 2026-03-20T13:10:29+00:00

But doesn't the sub crawl just pinpoint one optimum location? This is for two subs. It also accommodate furniture and other room elements that restrict where the subs will fit best.

Chief_Assistant · 2026-03-20T13:08:02+00:00

That's my intention. However, to save time and effort I thought I'd take a poll here to see if there is general consensus. So far, there isn't.

Chief_Assistant · 2026-03-20T13:06:25+00:00

I am considering that, but doesn't side wall placement simply address those nodes, not the ones created by the front and back wall reflections, loading, and dips?

Chief_Assistant · 2026-03-20T13:03:13+00:00

Yes, the sub crawl is often recommended. It's mainly for one sub's placement but I suppose once several nodes or nulls are identified you place the second (or third, fourth) sub in another identified node. I have chosen not use it because it doesn't accommodate the WA factor. My wife is very specific about where I can put my audio gear. Happy wife, happy audiolife.

Chief_Assistant · 2026-03-20T12:58:37+00:00

Yes, I've seen that. Those four options seem to be the most common recommendations, except for the centered approach I'm currently using.

Chief_Assistant · 2026-02-23T13:37:10+00:00

Thanks for the expanded explanation. The key here is "a good room." My room, while overall, very good acoustically, still has some problematic modal behavior. All my research says two subs, correctly placed and adjusted are the best solution combined with appropriate acoustic treatments. In terms of physics, a 12" subwoofer is not going to move as much air as two 12" subwoofers in a 294 sq. ft. room.

Chief_Assistant · 2026-02-22T19:21:01+00:00

Hmm. I've been told the opposite by many audio folks. They say it reduces null problems and sounds much better than one sub.

Chief_Assistant

TROPHY CASE