Using subwoofer as center channel stand.

[js666]

I've been entertaining the thought of using my JL sub as a stand for my center channel. Has anyone ever tried this?

[Johnny Vinyl]

You're obviously an audiophile (from looking at your gallery), so I'm almost surprised to see you pose this question.

John

[js666]

Originally Posted by John72953

You're obviously an audiophile (from looking at your gallery), so I'm almost surprised to see you pose this question.

John

Well, the Dali CS4 center I have is designed by Dali to to use their CS4 sub as a stand.
I can see, initially that the thought might seem ridiculous but why not? A well designed sub cabinet should not resonate.

From the Dali website:

[HAMP]

Interesting, but to be honest, I think that was just for the photo!

The way most people want the HT bass to hit, I don't think that would make a good enough sub if it allows the center channel to sit there without any problems.


By the way, what kind of stand is holding your sub?

[js666]

Originally Posted by HAMP

By the way, what kind of stand is holding your sub?

Its a Sistrum Platform and a 1.25" granite slab.

My reason for this is although the center of wall would not be the best for overall loudness of the subwoofer, not an issue in my case, it would excite less room modes giving a smoother FR. It might also help with blending the bass into the front stage. There won't be much interaction between what the center channel reproduces and what the sub reproduces. They'll only share frequencies in the crossover region.

Just want to know if anyone else has tried this...

[Beerserker]

I believe there was a video of floating around a while ago of a Mark Seaton Submersive with a nickel standing on edge on the top of it...while it was blasting away at like 120db. Dual opposed subs like this one have little vibration. It would be the only style I would even consider setting something on.

Great looking pick but I'm afraid I'll have to report you for posting speaker porn.

[Twitch9]

why don't you build a stand that will support your center above your sub, using your current sub platform, this will keep both units isolated from each other and give you the space you desire.

[Hammie]

I think a JL sub may be one of the few subs that you could do this with. As a precaution, I would look at adding some SpeakerDudes under the center.

[FreddieFerric]

Hi JS,

I would suggest that you place a small light object on the sub and play it at a reasonably loud level to see if the sub cabinet is totally resonant free. If it vibrates, whatever you have placed on it will be moved by the vibrations. If it does, then I think you've answered your own question.

BTW, I'm totally drooling over your set up Those Dali's are beauties.

[jomari]

based on your gallery, im sure you already know that subwoofer placement is key to its optimized result. heck, you have acoustic panels, classe equipment and a lot more key indicators that this isnt a typical room. id rather not place the center on the sub.

placement aside, and if you would be content with how your sub sounds in the new location, give it a try.

as blurayfred mentioned, see if it can handle the resonance via placing an object on top of it.

albeit, id hate to see it that way, it doesnt hurt to experiment.

[Hammie]

Originally Posted by BluRayFred

Hi JS,

I would suggest that you place a small light object on the sub and play it at a reasonably loud level to see if the sub cabinet is totally resonant free. If it vibrates, whatever you have placed on it will be moved by the vibrations. If it does, then I think you've answered your own question.

BTW, I'm totally drooling over your set up Those Dali's are beauties.

Originally Posted by jomari

based on your gallery, im sure you already know that subwoofer placement is key to its optimized result. heck, you have acoustic panels, classe equipment and a lot more key indicators that this isnt a typical room. id rather not place the center on the sub.

placement aside, and if you would be content with how your sub sounds in the new location, give it a try.

as blurayfred mentioned, see if it can handle the resonance via placing an object on top of it.

albeit, id hate to see it that way, it doesnt hurt to experiment.

I glass of water will be the easiest for noticing vibrations. Also, a coin on its side is a good indicator.

[jomari]

Originally Posted by louhamilton

I glass of water will be the easiest for noticing vibrations. Also, a coin on its side is a good indicator.

just as a precaution, a nice high glass with water.

i wouldnt want a glass of water ruining such a great subwoofer.

[Hammie]

Originally Posted by jomari

just as a precaution, a nice high glass with water.

i wouldnt want a glass of water ruining such a great subwoofer.

No, def. not a full glass of water. That's for sure.

[Aerodude73]

Originally Posted by John72953

You're obviously an audiophile (from looking at your gallery), so I'm almost surprised to see you pose this question.
John

Very nice equipment, so I was king of curious as to why you were thinking of putting your Center on Top of such a beautifully Finished Sub (Glossy Top). I'd be afraid of a minor scufff mark, unless you use something in between like the Speaker Dudes (Amazon/U.S. site link)

Originally Posted by BluRayFred

Hi JS,
I would suggest that you place a small light object on the sub and play it at a reasonably loud level to see if the sub cabinet is totally resonant free. If it vibrates, whatever you have placed on it will be moved by the vibrations. If it does, then I think you've answered your own question.

BTW, I'm totally drooling over your set up Those Dali's are beauties.

Great suggestion & one I'm sure JS has thought of. That said, + 1! Those are some of the most Beautiful speaker cabinets I've ever seen.

Originally Posted by louhamilton

1 glass of water will be the easiest for noticing vibrations. Also, a coin on its side is a good indicator.

Can't get much better than this for a vibration indicator.

[mdabb]

Hey,

Dali makes a foam pad thing for their center channels to rest on & is used for the placement on top of their subwoofers. The Dali center channel resting on top of the subwoofer is how placement is supposed to be in the Helicon & Euphonia series. Now whether or not how well this will translate to other brands of subwoofers, well try it out & see. I should have looked at your gallery again, but your JL has all that phase & EQ adjustment control. It might work out nicely. I've heard REL subs placed in the center between a pair of speakers and it was the best natural bass I've ever heard.

If you want the foam pad thing you have to call Dali & ask for it, it doesn't cost that much either.


.

[ZIPPO]

or use these: http://www.auralex.com/sound_isolati...eakerdudes.asp

[Aerodude73]

Originally Posted by ZIPPO

or use these: http://www.auralex.com/sound_isolati...eakerdudes.asp

lol - this makes the Third () time these were posted. One above mine, then my post for the Amazon link, now yours.

[js666]

Thanks guys. The glass of water is a good idea. I'll try it tonight and post my findings.

I'll definitely have something under the center. Since the CS4 is curved, I have the cradle that supports the speaker. Did wonder briefly about putting a speaker on such a nice sub.

[Rob J in WNY]

Love your setup, js666. One of the most elegant gear selections have seen on these forums.

Indeed, if your resonance test proves to show vibration on the surface (it is a Fathom sub, after all ), then I would avoid placing the center channel on top of it. Yours is a discerning setup, and no doubt you have come to have discerning ears. If the center channel is subject to vibration, then this can induce coloration in its sound output.

Happy testing! Can't wait to read your results!

[js666]

OK, I did the coin on it's side and water test. There is some vibration on top of the cabinet. Played T:Salvation, the coin dropped in one of the louder scenes during the Harvester attack.
Is it reasonable to expect a little vibration? I just can't imagine the Dali sub having less vibrations than the JL Audio. I know the only way I'll really know is to just try it but it's a pain placing a 120 lb sub on and off the cones by myself.