[andreej]

We recently moved into a new home with a different home theater setup than before and as such I am contemplating adding a 2nd sub. the new theater is 15x15x8.5 but is open on one side into another area of the lower level (another 500 sq ft or so). Being the lower level, it is on concrete. I have a Klipsch speaker setup - RF62's in front with the matching center and surrounds. Receiver is Denon 3313ci. the subwoofer is an older Klipsch model - an RW-8. I like the idea of having 2 subs and would like to proceed with that unless someone has a strong argument against it. the question is can I purchase a current Klipsch Sub (maybe an SW-110 or 112) and use it in tandem with my RW-8? Looks like I could pick up a used RW-8 on ebay or craigslist for about $150. Would that help my situation at all? Total budget available right now is about $600 so buying a pair of new ones isn't really an option. Thanks for any suggestions!

 

[Jack D Ripper]


It can be done, if one has test equipment and careful placement and setup, possibly with the inferior subwoofer placed near-field (i.e., near the listening position).  But in general, it is a very bad idea to use two different subwoofers:

 

http://www.audioholics.com/subwoofer-setup/multiple-subwoofer-setup-calibration-1

 

http://www.audioholics.com/subwoofer-setup/subwoofer-connection-guide

 

 

With a budget of $600, I would buy one of these (SVS PB12-NSD):

 

http://www.svsound.com/specials/outlet-specials/pb12-nsd-outlet_3

 

http://www.svsound.com/specials/outlet-specials/pb12-nsd-outlet_5

 

http://www.svsound.com/specials/outlet-specials/pb12-nsd-outlet_2

 

 

If you did not want an outlet special, then I would buy this:

 

http://www.svsound.com/subwoofers/view-all/PB-1000

 

Later on, if you wanted an upgrade, you could buy a second one of these (whereas the PB12-NSD is discontinued).

 

These SVS subwoofers are better than any Klipsch subwoofer you will find for these prices.

 

[bear123]


Great advice by Jack, get away from the big box retail subs and go with the best ID sub you can afford from either SVS, HSU, PSA, Rythmik, or Outlaw.  Check outlet sections from these companies for even better deals if your budget is very strict.  I don't know how good/bad your RW-8 is, but the best scenario is matching subs.  On the other hand, I have two vastly mismatched subs that play fairly well together, but all the stars aligned for my situation.

 

[STL D]


Surprisingly enough, my SVS 25-30Pci ported to 20 plays QUITE nicely with my Boston CPS 12Wi. I'm using the boston as more of a support sub than a heavy swinger, 

 

Of course, I wouldn't dare put a heavy distortion sub with a nice one. 

 

[Kini62]

I just added my Def Tech SC8000 into my system and it's been working out quite well with my PC12+ which is set to 16hz mode. Adds just enough output above 25hz to make up for the loss of output from the PC being in 16hz mode. Plus it does sound more even within the room now.

 

[bear123]


In my case, I have a 10 dB(or more) null at 50 Hz due to my sub placement(not flexible) and MLP.  My smaller sub has a sweet spot of 40-60 Hz where it is placed, which is near field.  Because of this, I am able to keep the gain lower, AND, both subs create quite a peak in this area, so I have a broad 9 dB eq cutting filter.  Like I said, everything fell into place nicely for me, even though I plan to upgrade the Polk in order to better support my main sub across its entire FR.  But it is working OK for the time being.