Help - Pelican Audiophiles....

[foxpaws]

Well, after maybe 20 years with my old Pioneer receiver, it is having some issues.

It was pretty hi-end for its day (8 speaker outputs, powered sub out, 4 other preouts) so I have most of what I need for the new receiver - however, the new receiver is 5.2 - so it has outputs for 2 powered subwoofers. I happen to own 2 powered subwoofers - a Pioneer as well as an older JBL Arc Sub.... The question is can I use these two different woofers for the new system, or do the subs in a 5.2 system need to match?

Thanks

[scottmandue]

I'm no expert (like some here who work in the audio field) but I have fooled around with a few home theater systems.
My first question is do you need two subwoofers? Kinda unusual to see two on one system (some systems have two but not the typical setup).
I suppose theoretically you might have some phase problems (I will let the pros comment on that) but also theoretically I don't see why you couldn't do it, low frequencies are omnidirectional and I don't think they would interfere with each other.

The above info plus $3.52 will get you a latte at Starbucks.

[Gogar]

No, they will be fine together. It's not "optimum", but it will be fine. Both subs are receiving the same signal, so having 2 isn't necessary unless you're just having fun.

If you get an adequate amount of sun with only 1, then it might sound just a little better and more accurate as the two won't be interfering with each other physics-wise.

[foxpaws]

Thanks - I had the old JBL sub just sitting around - and since it is probably worth about what scottmadues' latte is worth, I figured I would use it if I could - I don't have a big room, but a very tall room - with a loft over looking it - so sound can get a little lost in it.

Thanks so much scott and gogar!!

[kach22i]

Do not throw out that old receiver, even if it requires servicing it's still a collectible and worth money, probably more than you can imagine at this time.

If you had only one subwoofer outlet, the sub would have to be a "dual voice coil" unit (R&L signals combined).

When you have two subwoofer outlets, you can use either single voice coil or dual voice coil subwoofers.

Advantage of using two subwoofers is not so much separate R&L (which when combining can at times cancel each other out), the advantage is in loading your room more evenly with energy to avoid frequency node peaks which result in a boomy one note bass sound.

[Gogar]

I'm sorry kach, but you're trying too hard. "5.2" surround does not designate L and R, it's just a way to have two subs if you want to. Both subs in a "5.2" system are being supplied the mono LFE or bass-managed signal.

[kach22i]

Originally Posted by Gogar

I'm sorry kach, but you're trying too hard. "5.2" surround does not designate L and R, it's just a way to have two subs if you want to. Both subs in a "5.2" system are being supplied the mono LFE or bass-managed signal.

You are correct, my bad I was thinking of 7.2 systems.

I know a little about 5.1's, never knew there was 5.2's and read it as 7.2 by mistake.

[Gogar]

Well, it applies to "7.2" also. There is still only one channel of low end information.

Some receivers will just add an extra sub output, and call it ".2" for easy hookup if you want, and for more marketing BS.

[scottmandue]

Tall ceilings?

Oh, you need one of these:

Cerwin-Vega CVA-121X Powered Subwoofer (2400 Watts, 1x21"), New

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by scottmandue

Tall ceilings?

Oh, you need one of these:

Cerwin-Vega CVA-121X Powered Subwoofer (2400 Watts, 1x21"), New

(Presented in the tradition of PPOT always offering you something you didn't ask for and can't afford)

[kach22i]

Originally Posted by Gogar

Well, it applies to "7.2" also. There is still only one channel of low end information.

Some receivers will just add an extra sub output, and call it ".2" for easy hookup if you want, and for more marketing BS.

I've read differently, and for years. However my HT system is a bit out of date, so what the heck do I know, I'm still listening to tubes and vinyl in 2-channel most of the time.

[foxpaws]

Originally Posted by scottmandue

Tall ceilings?

Oh, you need one of these:

Cerwin-Vega CVA-121X Powered Subwoofer (2400 Watts, 1x21"), New

Well, my neighbors could also enjoy my system.... gosh, I'll share.

The two subs are doing great - I am thumping just fine, and it passed the Master and Commander: Far Side of the World first battle scene test... very nice...

Thanks again everyone - and if anyone is interested in the old Pioneer vsx-D81OS, it cuts out once in a while when it gets way to warm (I know I probably could have cut out the back of the new TV stand and kept it for a while longer) but if it is cool it runs great, and the case is in perfect condition - I take good care of my stuff... I also have the somewhat rare wireless rear speakers and transmitter for it - RF - you can even put it in another room - it can be set for surround or stereo, it looks brand new. I think they might have only sold the rear speaker outside of the US, but not sure. It is what I will miss the most - no wires going to the back of the room!!!! Make me an offer I can't refuse

And if this is illegal on this site - just tell me, I'll remove the post....

[imcarthur]

Yes, 2 are often better than one. They stand a better chance of pressurizing the air in the room more evenly than one. The 2 biggest variables with subs are intertwined.

Phase. Are they in phase with the main speakers from your listening position? More bass for the same volume equals better phase adjustment.

Positioning. Corner placement will accentuate the boom frequencies more than in-line wall placement.

What this all means is . . . play with positioning, play with individual sub volume level & play with the phase control if the subs have one.

You want smooth bass with lots of thump but doesn't overwhelm the all-important vocal track in a movie.

Ian

[Ayles]

Originally Posted by kach22i

I've read differently, and for years. However my HT system is a bit out of date, so what the heck do I know, I'm still listening to tubes and vinyl in 2-channel most of the time.

More two channel tube talk!

[beepbeep]

5.1 is not really considered "audiophilia" (snobbery, I know). Low frequency sound direction is very hard to notice, so basically you can put your subwoofers in many positions. One or two shouldn't matter either.

[Chocaholic]

When Justin Wilson (RIP) was asked, "what kind of wine goes best with that dish?", he would always answer, "the kind you like".

Same is true for audio. Fortunes are spent to achieve an audio nirvana of your individual choosing. If two subs sound good to you, two subs it is!