Pair my two subs even though different sizes?

[ridergroov1]

Hi folks. Just picked up a new 10" sub to replace my older 8" sub. Would it be beneficial or bad to pair (use both) them? Kind of new to all of this. Thanks.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by ridergroov1

Hi folks. Just picked up a new 10" sub to replace my older 8" sub. Would it be beneficial or bad to pair (use both) them? Kind of new to all of this. Thanks.

you can use subs of different sizes. Typically it is easier to use the same exact sub. But 2 will help to give you better, more even bass distribution throughout your space.

Best way to match them is with an SPL meter, that way you can control the gain on both so that they meet at the 75-80 dbs that most say is "reference" volume. Otherwise, you will need to put on a movie you are familiar with with good bass, and then get low to the floor and hear the bass coming from both, start the larger sub at about 11 o'clock on the gain, and the smaller one at about 1 o'clock and see how they sound and then adjust one down or the other up until you feel it is even.

[ridergroov1]

Originally Posted by callas01

you can use subs of different sizes. Typically it is easier to use the same exact sub.

Best way to match them is with an SPL meter, that way you can control the gain on both so that they meet at the 75-80 dbs that most say is "reference" volume. Otherwise, you will need to put on a movie you are familiar with with good bass, and then get low to the floor and hear the bass coming from both, start the larger sub at about 11 o'clock on the gain, and the smaller one at about 1 o'clock and see how they sound and then adjust one down or the other up until you feel it is even.

Gotcha. I am going to get one of those meters. Someone recommended this one (http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=390-722) which will probably suit my needs. So I go out from my receiver, into 1, then out from that sub into the other correct?

[callas01]

Originally Posted by ridergroov1

Gotcha. I am going to get one of those meters. Someone recommended this one (http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=390-722) which will probably suit my needs. So I go out from my receiver, into 1, then out from that sub into the other correct?

you can split them that way, but you could just buy this and then plug it into the back of your receiver and have 2 of these go in to the back of the subs, now if your sub has 2 inputs (red and white) get this also.

[ridergroov1]

Originally Posted by callas01

you can split them that way, but you could just buy this and then plug it into the back of your receiver and have 2 of these go in to the back of the subs, now if your sub has 2 inputs (red and white) get this also.

What I have is the following:

1 x sub out on my receiver
10" sub has L/R and in and out (4 connections total)
8" sub has L/R in only

I have Y splitters already. I never understood why there was L/R for a sub.

[Fors*]

Like callas said, it can be done, but you'll need to do a good amount of tweaking. The key is not to have the 8" sub underperform to the point it becomes noticeable, as a different sized driver is it can limit the dynamic range making your ears focus on the smaller sub. This will become troublesome as you will begin to focus on its underperformance and you'll have an uneven bass response.

[ridergroov1]

Originally Posted by forsberg21

Like callas said, it can be done, but you'll need to do a good amount of tweaking. The key is not to have the 8" sub underperform to the point it becomes noticeable. This will become troublesome as you will begin to focus on its underperformance and you'll have an uneven bass response. Another trouble with a different sized driver is it can limit the dynamic range making your ears focus on the smaller sub.

Alright, I think I may just bag the other sub. If I want a second, I'll get an identical one. Thanks. It's probably really unnecessary in my basement!

[callas01]

Originally Posted by ridergroov1

What I have is the following:

1 x sub out on my receiver
10" sub has L/R and in and out (4 connections total)
8" sub has L/R in only

I have Y splitters already. I never understood why there was L/R for a sub.

dont really know why there is a LR either, but I would split coming out of the back of the reciever, because typically you will have the subs on opposite sides of the room, then you run the sub cables to each sub, and since you have RL inputs on both have splitters that go into both the RL, supposedly will add a 3 db increase in sound. Otherwise in placing subs there is one up front and one in back. Don't know how your setting up, but I would think it easiest to be on both side walls.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by ridergroov1

Alright, I think I may just bag the other sub. If I want a second, I'll get an identical one. Thanks. It's probably really unnecessary in my basement!

use the 8" until you get the second identical one, will give you even bass across the bassment.

[ridergroov1]

Originally Posted by callas01

dont really know why there is a LR either, but I would split coming out of the back of the reciever, because typically you will have the subs on opposite sides of the room, then you run the sub cables to each sub, and since you have RL inputs on both have splitters that go into both the RL, supposedly will add a 3 db increase in sound. Otherwise in placing subs there is one up front and one in back. Don't know how your setting up, but I would think it easiest to be on both side walls.

I think I will stick with one. Put the splitter on the back of my receiver, run 2 cables to the L/R input of my new sub. Does cable thickness/quality mean a lot going to the sub? If so, can you recommend some good sub cables? Not too pricey....

[callas01]

Originally Posted by ridergroov1

I think I will stick with one. Put the splitter on the back of my receiver, run 2 cables to the L/R input of my new sub. Does cable thickness/quality mean a lot going to the sub? If so, can you recommend some good sub cables? Not too pricey....

RG6 cable is what I think the ideal one is, otherwise you can get an RG59 or something. I don't think it will make that big of a difference based on the speakers and sub you have... no offense, same with my setup. If you/I had a pre-pro and amp and speakers that cost $5000 ea and a $2500 sub, then I would say worry about buying a $250 sub cable. Dynex, Rocketfish, Monster they will all be fine. Or go to Monoprice or Bluejean cable.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by ridergroov1

Hi folks. Just picked up a new 10" sub to replace my older 8" sub. Would it be beneficial or bad to pair (use both) them? Kind of new to all of this. Thanks.

Read a A Guide to Bass Management. It will help you with the setup of two subwoofers. Post #2 of that thread has links to basic and high quality Y adapters that are cheaper than Best Buy.