I was wondering if I could make a speaker system that uses 1 tweeter, one midwoofer, and one subwoofer speaker to get better bass out of a speaker system without a seperate sub? Will this work or not?
Thanks, Mike
Thanks, Mike
Member
Joined 2002
You sure can.
www.energy-speakers.com
www.paradigm.com
These major companies do it.
Im thinking and was also planning to do the the same.
see here my last speaker towers.
http://24.71.244.254/speakers.htm
These were my towers. that i build a few years ago. WORKED nice too.!
www.energy-speakers.com
www.paradigm.com
These major companies do it.
Im thinking and was also planning to do the the same.
see here my last speaker towers.
http://24.71.244.254/speakers.htm
These were my towers. that i build a few years ago. WORKED nice too.!
quote from somewhere....
There are significant advantages to using two subwoofers. Summing the channels into a single subwoofer reduces or cancels all the low frequency information containing phase differences between the channels. Stereo subwoofers reproduce all of the bass information complete with the phase differences that help provide the imaging and location clues we use to place people and things at distinct points in the sound field. Stereo sub-woofers are more linear since they introduce the bass into the room at two different places and also lend themselves to natural placement near the corners where the low frequency room gain is often desirable on spectacular film sound effects.
Should budget considerations dictate the use of inexpensive, limited-range surround speakers, we recommend that you select a phase-correct two-way with a five or six inch woofer in a narrow baffle. Speakers with small woofers and narrow baffles usually sound decent through the critical middle frequencies and have good imaging characteristics.
All discrete multi-channel formats have a Low Frequency Effects channel, however extensive research has revealed that most processors sound significantly better when they are programmed to redistribute the LFE information to the other five channels.
There are significant advantages to using two subwoofers. Summing the channels into a single subwoofer reduces or cancels all the low frequency information containing phase differences between the channels. Stereo subwoofers reproduce all of the bass information complete with the phase differences that help provide the imaging and location clues we use to place people and things at distinct points in the sound field. Stereo sub-woofers are more linear since they introduce the bass into the room at two different places and also lend themselves to natural placement near the corners where the low frequency room gain is often desirable on spectacular film sound effects.
Should budget considerations dictate the use of inexpensive, limited-range surround speakers, we recommend that you select a phase-correct two-way with a five or six inch woofer in a narrow baffle. Speakers with small woofers and narrow baffles usually sound decent through the critical middle frequencies and have good imaging characteristics.
All discrete multi-channel formats have a Low Frequency Effects channel, however extensive research has revealed that most processors sound significantly better when they are programmed to redistribute the LFE information to the other five channels.
Oh, and btw, I believe it's not technically a sub if there is one per channel; it's considered a woofer, i.e. 3-way.
There are some disadvantages to using 3-way speakers (with subs built in).
For example positioning may be difficult in many rooms. The best placement for stereo imaging, soundstage and a good mid-band is rarely the best for bass. Separate subs are easier to place.
Subs can be less obtrusive as well so may have a higher SAF when used in conjunction with more compact main speakers.
As for whether one sub or two is best, that will depend on your room and the frequencies that the sub has to handle. If the subs only go up to 40-80Hz with a reasonably sharp filter slope (say 3rd or 4th order), then there would be negligable benefit to using two as regards stereo imaging. On the other hand coupling to the room for optimum bass response is often easier with one sub in or near a corner (or two subs placed together near the same corner).
Well, I just thought I'd put some of the arguments for the other side. It's also quite possible to make a superb three way, subs included and, if the mid-woofer doesn't go so deep, this could be the most attractive option.
As is always the case with speaker design, you choose the compromises you make to suit your own wants and needs.
For example positioning may be difficult in many rooms. The best placement for stereo imaging, soundstage and a good mid-band is rarely the best for bass. Separate subs are easier to place.
Subs can be less obtrusive as well so may have a higher SAF when used in conjunction with more compact main speakers.
As for whether one sub or two is best, that will depend on your room and the frequencies that the sub has to handle. If the subs only go up to 40-80Hz with a reasonably sharp filter slope (say 3rd or 4th order), then there would be negligable benefit to using two as regards stereo imaging. On the other hand coupling to the room for optimum bass response is often easier with one sub in or near a corner (or two subs placed together near the same corner).
Well, I just thought I'd put some of the arguments for the other side. It's also quite possible to make a superb three way, subs included and, if the mid-woofer doesn't go so deep, this could be the most attractive option.
As is always the case with speaker design, you choose the compromises you make to suit your own wants and needs.
It depends on what you want it for. A speaker for music with side mounted woofers will work quite well. You could put a 10" woofer in the side or a pair of 8" drivers, and you may not need a separate amp. This should work for music.
Unless you like extreme amounts of bass in your music or have a very big room. Or you want home theatre ... enter the sub. A sub can fit into the side of a nice tall, slim floorstanding box quite often better than a chunky box.
My suggestion: MDF is very cheap and you can throw together a simple box in less than a day. Try a few things out - see which placement you like. If you find the subs will work well in the same location as the mains, then integrate. Otherwise, go separate subs.
For HT you might be happy with one (best bang for your buck). I was contemplating 2 x 12" subs vs 1 x 15" - I thought 15 was too big so I went with 2 x 12" which means stereo and I expect to work best in room.
cheers,
Paul
Unless you like extreme amounts of bass in your music or have a very big room. Or you want home theatre ... enter the sub. A sub can fit into the side of a nice tall, slim floorstanding box quite often better than a chunky box.
My suggestion: MDF is very cheap and you can throw together a simple box in less than a day. Try a few things out - see which placement you like. If you find the subs will work well in the same location as the mains, then integrate. Otherwise, go separate subs.
For HT you might be happy with one (best bang for your buck). I was contemplating 2 x 12" subs vs 1 x 15" - I thought 15 was too big so I went with 2 x 12" which means stereo and I expect to work best in room.
cheers,
Paul
I should add that when most conventional comercial floorstanding speakers have large woofers, they are rarely actually subwoofers! The would typically have a 10" woofer or larger and will have good extension down to 30 Hz, which is adequate for music. A true subwoofer will need more power and thus its own amp.
A good way to go is to give your main speakers all the bass you want for music, but if you want a serious sub with a response down to 20 Hz then it's probably best to make it separate.
A good way to go is to give your main speakers all the bass you want for music, but if you want a serious sub with a response down to 20 Hz then it's probably best to make it separate.
Don't get carried away with the numbers either! For example, at my place, 33Hz (Enya's "Longships") played at a good level will give the room a real shake that even non-audio type visitors 😉 will *definitely* comment on.
20Hz is =seriously= low.
20Hz is =seriously= low.
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