Are 2 Subwoofers Better Than 1?
From the beginning, we as humans have been obsessed with finding the best way to emulate the reality around us. Though it started small, with a single speaker inside of an analog powered television, it was enough to amaze those watching at the time. As time rolled on, technology brought television and motion picture reality closer to our living room, starting with stereo sound and color television, and then moving to video cassettes and DVDs, and then surround sound, first with just a couple well-placed speakers, then moving to a true surround system around each viewer. Then we began using subwoofers to truly bring out every explosion, every shake, and every low-frequency effect that couldn’t be attained with normal speakers. To put it simply, technology exploded in a way that no one could have anticipated, bringing impressive advances right into our home theaters.
With all these advances, it’s not hard to become lost in all the choices and advances that continue to come into play. Many are still unsure of even what to look for in a single subwoofer, and as such, many are reluctant to buy even one. It’s undoubted, however, that a subwoofer is a necessary part of a good home theater system, but… Two? The two-subwoofer system is becoming more prevalent with each passing day, but you might ask if you really need to spend the time and money to buy and set up a second woofer, when you have trouble even understanding the first. We’re here to help you make sense of it all, and know why you might need one. Here’s why…
Congruency
The first and most important question you will want to review is that of support; that is, “will my system even support a second subwoofer?” By default, most home theater receivers support, at most, a 5.1 surround sound system, giving only a single channel, though newer receivers are beginning to support larger, more advanced speaker set-ups, such as a 7.1, 9.1, or even 9.2 channel, giving an extra output for a possible second subwoofer. But, even if your receiver doesn’t offer this second output, don’t think you can’t still receive the benefit of a second subwoofer; with a simple Y-adapter, you can turn that single subwoofer output into two, and in so doing, bring out the bass in your system.
Room Configuration
Aside from compatibility, you might ask just what a second subwoofer could add to your home theater, and you’re right to do so. For some, a second subwoofer might not add much that they don’t already have, as a smaller room, or more efficient configuration, can take sufficient advantage of a powerful enough sub, but for larger rooms, or less-potent subs, your bass output can likely be less-than-even. Apart from modifications you might be able to make to your current configuration, you may eventually reach a point where, in order to get the effect you desire, you’ll need to expand your bass. Or maybe you’re just looking for a deeper or larger sound. Either way, a second sub could be just the way to go.
Keep This In Mind
Although one may think that a second subwoofer of the exact same type might automatically create a deeper effect, that isn’t always an accurate assumption. Most often, actually, when looking for a second subwoofer, you will want, in order to obtain the greatest benefit, to look for a subwoofer with even deeper ranges than what you already own. In so doing, you will feel the greatest difference. Remember, as well, to keep in mind at all times your placement and wiring configurations, and make sure you have a good surge protector for both subwoofers to protect against any possible damage. In your search to smooth out the bass in your home theater set-up, a second sub may be just the thing you were looking for, and Lava Subs carries just what you need to find the perfect second subwoofer configuration.
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great post, but i think the reason why i think two subwoofer is better than 1 because the level of our hearing on both two ears are different. its like creating an optical illusion of a picture appearing it as one, which is only different on our ears because its only hearing.
I think it would probably be better to get a higher powered single subwoofer – it was explained to me that with two powered subwoofers then because of the slow frequencies then it would only take a tiny synchronicity issue between the two processors to form a noticeable slow ‘vibrato’ sound.
You could of course power both subs from the same power out but it would need a huge power rating to make this worthwhile. So perhaps best just to get a single hi-spec subwoofer?