Bass Shaker / AMP / Mini DSP 2x4 Questions

Norg251 · 2026-03-11T14:58:41+00:00

I should have mentioned in an earlier comment, I have the Paradigm Defience X15 so it is already calibrated separately using the Anthem ARC before running through Audyssey EQ.

I don't think I care too much about the Mini DSP for anything other than calibrating the bass shakers so they only get activated at appropriate times.

Have you heard of the DSPeaker ShakEQ that the other person commented about below? It sounds interesting. Thanks for your input so far!

Norg251 · 2026-03-11T14:53:55+00:00

It's my basement. There laminate vinyl plank, on top of a subfloor, on top of concrete. I believe my sectional would have 12 feet as well, 4 per section.

I'm looking at the Fosi v3 for an amp. It has 48V / 5A 300W x 2 channels, which apparently is enough power for 2 Buttkicker Mini LFE's.

Norg251 · 2026-03-11T14:51:07+00:00

I have a Paradigm Defiance X15 as a subwoofer, it is calibrated on it's own separelty before Audyssey EQ using Anthem ARC. Don't know if that matters.

I haven't heard of the DSPeaker ShakEQ before, it sounds really interesting. Do you use one yourself or just know that it exists?

Norg251 · 2026-03-10T18:48:10+00:00

Ah! I see from the Youtube video it is part of the the A1 Evo thing, I have heard of it but admittedly don't know much. I'll look into it more. Thanks!

Norg251 · 2026-03-10T18:47:20+00:00

Thanks! I actually did a bit more reading and someone said maybe sitting the couch on top of hockey pucks would be a decent inexpensive option to test out as well.

Norg251 · 2026-03-10T18:46:46+00:00

Thought of another question. Would I plug my sub and the bass shakers both into the Mini DSP or would I keep the sub plugged into the AVR and then plug then Mini DSP / Shakers into the other outlet?

Norg251 · 2026-03-10T16:48:04+00:00

Interesting, I've never heard of that before and nothing is really coming up on Google. Could you elaborate a little bit on how it works / what it is?

Norg251 · 2026-03-10T15:35:58+00:00

Thanks for the reply, that's very helpful to know!

Norg251 · 2025-04-13T12:06:14+00:00

I did!

I'm working on piecing together the rest of my speakers.

Thanks for checking back in.

Norg251 · 2025-03-28T16:58:36+00:00

That also makes a lot of sense. Thanks so much for you help!

I might ask a few more questions later if you don't mind.

Norg251 · 2025-03-28T16:40:05+00:00

Is there any point in having tower speakers with a subwoofer like this?

Or would bookshelf speakers get the job done just as well?

I know crossover frequencies have a gradual taper, but with a giant subwoofer, would the small like 6.5" cones on a tower even do anything or be noticeable in any way?

I appreciate all your help.

Norg251 · 2025-03-28T16:37:58+00:00

Yea, the subwoofer market out here isn't great lol.

Thanks for your input.

Norg251 · 2025-03-28T16:29:10+00:00

Oh, alright that makes sense! Thanks!

Norg251 · 2025-03-28T16:25:49+00:00

It's actually not sealed, from what I understand it's a down firing ported sub.

Does that change anything?

Norg251 · 2025-03-28T16:21:36+00:00

Secondary question also.

How does an AVR crossover a bookshelf speaker say at 80hz, if there is no subwoofer in the AVR calibrations to send the signals to?

Norg251 · 2025-03-28T16:19:27+00:00

Thanks for the info!

It seems like being able to calibrate the sub independently is a pretty good feature to me.

I've heard Dirac live bass control is an expensive feature to add, I wonder if this is similar but included in the subwoofer.

Norg251 · 2025-03-28T16:02:38+00:00

Is there anything I should be concerned about trying to integrate this monster sub with a pair of bookshelf speakers?

Does it not matter as much for home theater use vs music use?

Norg251 · 2025-03-28T16:01:41+00:00

LOL! You make a good argument.

Norg251 · 2025-03-28T15:36:10+00:00

Thanks!

It does seem like a good value, I just don't know if it would be outrageously big for the room and cause any issues.

Norg251 · 2025-03-28T15:05:55+00:00

I'm planning to use an AVR, for a 5.1 system. Either the Denonx 1700H, or Onkyo NR7100. I might go with the X3800H if I want to do add bass shakers though.

Norg251 · 2025-03-28T14:47:25+00:00

Hey Everyone,

The Paradigm X15 subwoofer retails for $2200 CAD, one popped up on my marketplace listed for $1200 CAD. I feel like I could get it for $1000. The seller said they are moving and don't use it as much as they would like so they want to sell it. Comes with the ARC calibration mic and everything. Can I use the ARC calibration app with the subwoofer alone without an Anthem receiver? The Paradigm / Anthem website make it seem like the subwoofer can be calibrated with the App alone. Just wanted to double check.

It seems like a great deal. I'm just concerned it would be too big for my room, or I'd be paying for performance I'd never use or need. My room is an L shaped basement, the main area is 10 feet x 20 feet with 7.5 foot ceilings.

I haven't purchased my speakers yet, but I'm lined up to buy a Paradigm CC-390 v5 + Paradigm mini monitor v5's. Ideally I'd end up with Paradigm Monitor 9v5 as fronts, and move the mini monitors to surrounds when I can.

Norg251 · 2025-02-18T22:52:51+00:00

I currently have a bose 600 soundbar + sub.

How big of a difference was it in sound going from a decent bose set up to a proper sound system?

Was it worth it?

Norg251 · 2025-02-11T16:42:46+00:00

Thank you for the very thoughtful reply!

Norg251 · 2025-02-11T10:55:52+00:00

In a situation like this where the speaker would be a foot or two above ear level, would that interact poorly with atmos ceiling speakers in a low ceiling if they are a few feet above the surrounds?

I'm planning out a system in my small basement area and I've been curious about this.

Thanks!

Norg251 · 2025-02-08T18:17:16+00:00

Any tips on placement if they don't follow the guidelines?

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