If my sub is 20 feet away and near my front speakers.( a 5.1 system)
Why not move it closer to my sitting area, example, circa 6 feet away from my couch?

Then I could turn my output gain level down because the sub is so close to the sittling position. Yet yield powerful bass.

There are reasons to do that and reasons not to...

Not to's:

1) Low frequency localization, all the bass coming from a box 6 feet from you. This could be do to port noise, cabinet vibrations that are audible, to high a crossover, etc.

2) To much bass in one seat not enough in another. Say you put the sub 6 feet from one side of the couch, that side will in most cases have stronger bass then the other end of the couch.

3) Drop off of frequency response near crossover leaving a hole, but that can be said no matter where the sub is located, so more of a draw then a negative.

Reasons to listen to your sub in the nearfield:

1) Most likely won't need as big a sub or as you say you will probably be able to turn the sub down to get the same amount of bass output.

2) Often you can score WAF points by putting the sub behind the couch.



I am sure there are more pros AND cons, but you ultimately have to try it out, some subs, some rooms, some furniture placement it could do wonders for your listening pleasure, in other cases it could be a complete waste of time, but you will only know if you try it out!

If my sub is 20 feet away and near my front speakers.( a 5.1 system)
Why not move it closer to my sitting area, example, circa 6 feet away from my couch?

Then I could turn my output gain level down because the sub is so close to the sittling position. Yet yeild powerful base.
In addition to all of the above:

You may experience a higher level; you may not. If your sub was previously in a corner, and you move it to midwall, you may get *less* room reinforcement, yielding the same, or even a lower overall level. However, you may get flatter in-room FR. You won't know until you try it.

If you move it closer to the listening position, be sure you cross over at or below 80 Hz. Above that and most people can begin to "localize" the subwoofer. You don't want to hear the sub as a "source" of sound. It should just blend with the sound of the mains.

Phase will be harder to set. You want the sub to sound as if it is firing in "time" with the mains. If it is close to the mains, it will blend better with the mains. Further away, and it could could be mis-timed. This could cause cancelation or reinforcement, especially at the crossover frequency.

I had previously referred you to Carl Kenndy's blog. He has a great explanation of how place your subwoofer for best in-room response. He also explains how to set phase. Once you find the best placement for your sub, be sure to use his phase adjustment technique.

Craig

In addition to all of the above:

You may experience a higher level; you may not. If your sub was previously in a corner, and you move it to midwall, you may get *less* room reinforcement, yielding the same, or even a lower overall level. However, you may get flatter in-room FR. You won't know until you try it.

If you move it closer to the listening position, be sure you cross over at or below 80 Hz. Above that and most people can begin to "localize" the subwoofer. You don't want to hear the sub as a "source" of sound. It should just blend with the sound of the mains.

Phase will be harder to set. You want the sub to sound as if it is firing in "time" with the mains. If it is close to the mains, it will blend better with the mains. Further away, and it could could be mis-timed. This could cause cancelation or reinforcement, especially at the crossover frequency.

I had previously referred you to Carl Kenndy's blog. He has a great explanation of how place your subwoofer for best in-room response. He also explains how to set phase. Once you find the best placement for your sub, be sure to use his phase adjustment technique.

Craig

i tried to find his blog cannot seem to find the link. Could you please direct me to his link very intrested to have a read also.

Ditto, I am also very interested in reading more about this, as sub placement is not my area of expertise. I am trying to decide if behind the couch, or in a corner by the left main would be a better choice. Thanks!

Carl Kennedy's blog:
http://theprofessionalanswer.com/WordPress/?p=20

Carl Kennedy's blog:
http://theprofessionalanswer.com/WordPress/?p=20

Thankyou for that.

I had previously referred you to Carl Kenndy's blog. He has a great explanation of how place your subwoofer for best in-room response." Craig John

That is were I got the idea!

I had previously referred you to Carl Kenndy's blog. He has a great explanation of how place your subwoofer for best in-room response." Craig John

That is were I got the idea!

Really? I don't remember seeing him recommend a "nearfield" placement so that the volume could be turned down. He usually recommends front wall locations between 10% and 30% of the width dimension.

Craig

I think it was under, apartment living, tricks.
Which correlates to wife complainning, for moi, since I do not live in an apartment!

http://theprofessionalanswer.com/WordPress/?p=54
Hah! You're right. I never read that one because I live in a house. Sounds similar in concept to the Hsu MBM-12, but down low instead of the mid-bass:
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/mbm-12.html

Craig