Currently I have an original M&K MX105 (push-pull dual 12") running off a newer Dayton 250watt plate amp. My music system is in my mostly open basement (1000sqft). I would like to upgrade to dual subwoofers for better bass balance but am not sure what would be the best for my system. I have mostly fullrange-ish tower speakers, listen to all kinds of music fairly loud (mid 90s db avg) (mostly rock and classical, but honestly all genres). It's been really hard to find a used MX105 but I can find MX125s a bit more often (maybe just higher power handling but not sure what difference is). I was thinking of getting a used MX125, replace the plate amp to a matching Dayton 250watt or getting two SVS SB-1000 Pro subs (with dsp). I would have to sell a bunch of stuff (include the current M&K) in order to afford the SVS's.
Even though the M&Ks are much older and lack DSP, just one has two 12"s and a box more than twice as large as a single SVS SB-1000.
Would the SVS be comparable in output, midbass impact, etc?
I can afford about $600 now, but as mentioned, I would have to sell a bunch of stuff in order to get two SVSs. I prefer sealed box sound.
What do you think would be the best choice? Another 30 year old and slightly different M&K or two SVS's?
Even though the M&Ks are much older and lack DSP, just one has two 12"s and a box more than twice as large as a single SVS SB-1000.
Would the SVS be comparable in output, midbass impact, etc?
I can afford about $600 now, but as mentioned, I would have to sell a bunch of stuff in order to get two SVSs. I prefer sealed box sound.
What do you think would be the best choice? Another 30 year old and slightly different M&K or two SVS's?
The SVS SB-1000 is on the low end of their product line, not much, if any upgrade to the drivers used in the M&K MX105.
The levels in the chart above are at two meters outdoors, you could expect two SVS SB-1000 (+6dB over one) to reach at least that level in most small rooms.
A single SVS SP-16 Ultra would be considerably louder than two SB-1000.
As long as the M&K as it’s currently configured is still working well enough, a single new unit of nominally similar performance might well deliver what you’re looking for. Modern readily available tools such as REW and simple DSP solutions such as those built into newer plate amps, or separate boxes such as the miniDSP and several from Dayton make fine tuning multiples relatively simple.
There are even some who’re not convinced that all subs need to be identical.
There are even some who’re not convinced that all subs need to be identical.
Thank you for input so far! Between these view points and more research over the past few days, I am leaning towards another used M&K. I feel that the sheer displacement of four 12" drivers, plus simply having two subs in different locations, would be more beneficial than any single new subwoofer, or pair of inexpensive subs. I strongly considered buying two new Dayton Sub-1500s for $500, but upon reading the reviews, and best opinions, I doubt they would be an upgrade. That is a really inexpensive driver and likely no match to even old M&Ks. I plan on running them stereo as opposed to mono but distributed around the room.
A DSP sub amp is always a consideration for the future.
A DSP sub amp is always a consideration for the future.