Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Two SW5500s or just one?

All you get with an extra sub sound wise is a 3dB increase in SPL, you get no lower bass etc. using 2.

As has been pointed out, 2 can allow you to overcome bass issues. Additionally, as omnidirectional as low bass is, the subs normally cross over at 60-80 Hz, and thus do reproduce, albeit low in level, upper bass freqs which can be localised, so a twin L/R sub setup might make sense.

However if you have bass correction it really is not a problem if you have: 1, 2, 4, or 10 subs if the bass correction sees the system as a whole, you measure at listening position and either MRC or something else can fix it all up well.

My 6000's cannot do the bass that the 6ks + twin subs can, easy to AB using Stereo/Direct on the 56.2 - you can extrapolate that to 8000s, which essentially use the same drivers, amps, closed box etc. etc.

There is a HUGE difference in music terms using the subs.

I have tested with 1 sub, then 2 and now I'm using 3, added a KrK 12's... the more subs I add, the better it gets...

However I agree with the notion, rather use 1 quality sub than 2 compromised cheapys. My 2 SVS subs cost me as much as my DSP6k speaker did BUT, with bass correction like MRC etc., you can get away using "simpler" subs, without DSP etc. as you have your own DSP.

As wise as ever Rodney on all things bass. You could re-name yourself bass-meister!

Wondering about fitting 2 subs in our new room & I'm not sure where they'd go. The front wall in 4.7m but the screen is just over 3m wide & I want it between the front speakers, not above, so by the time I have 2 5500s either side of it that doesn't leave much space there. It might just about be ok for medium sized ones. To the right of the sofa is fine but the left could be a bit obstructive for a decent sized sub. One option is on the back wall where there'll be plenty of space; would subs work there? Or is it possible to mix subs; one large to the right and a smaller one elsewhere? Or do they ideally need to be a matched pair and in mirror locations?

Every room is different, try connecting them on long leads and move them around until the sound is optimum, then move them to acceptable locations that impact the sound as minimally as possible.

Russ

You've stated elsewhere that you have an approx 65:35 ratio of time spent listening to Music versus watching Movies & TV.

Given that distribution, there are many here who would voice their experience of changing D5k5's for D6k's... especially for Music.

Even better if you choose to jump up to D8kv1 or v2's.

Money spent there will offer you musical benefits right across the spectrum as well as improving the overall seamlessness of the musical performance achieved.

There are a few D6k's knocking around usually and would be worth considering as opposed focusing on Sub's which really only come into play for Movies.

Russ, I'm sure it's true that every room is different but by the time I move them around I'll have to have bought them! So I'll have to decide what to buy before I can experiment with where to place them!

Ronnie; you're dead right, well remembered. What I think is important though, is that fully 90% of my music listening in non-critical ie I have it on while I'm doing other things / working on the PC. Movies, almost by definition, are 100% critical listening. I'm sitting in front of the screen seeing what the PJ can do & listening to what the system can do.

That isn't to say I wouldn't consider some 6000s. We're driving back to the UK at the end of July, up through Austria & Germany & making a bit of a holiday of it, and I'll be selling my old 5500s and the G91 at that point and driving back with a G61R & who knows what else. I've just bought a pair of 3100s from Colin Triggs which will be pressed into surround duties, so my system is very much a work in progress.

I'm happy with just one sub (at least at the moment) which is sited to the right of room. Even though I'm using a 80Hz cut-off, the sub doesn't betray it's location. Personally, I would go for one decent sub that can move a significant amount of air below 30Hz rather than two smaller units.

Edit: above implied for movie use (and you could lower the cut-off with your speakers)

From what I've read on here I have a PP & Cliff saying "one", Home Cinema Choice magazine saying "one", the rep for a subwoofer company telling me "two", more on here saying "two"; in other words there appears to be no real consensus. I guess it all comes back to each room responding differently & probably the install skills of the buyer / dealer.

As I won't be in a position for a home trial I'll have to buy before I try. Hopefully a measured purchase, possibly some GIK room treatments & (soon to be bought) MRC will lead to a happy result, but I'm leaning towards two.

An update on this from me. I mentioned that a PP had suggested one expensive sub would be better than 2 cheaper ones but after the way the thread developed with most posters suggesting 2, the PP very generously spent a weekend A-B ing the options and concluded that 2 cheaper ones was indeed much better [in that room] with the ��� one sounding more like it was either on or off. I was impressed that they went back to check & that they were humble enough to admit to a change of position.

Unfortunately their product range didn't quite marry with my tastes but I have just picked up a pair of in-warranty Rel Gibraltar 2 subs that I'm hoping will be brilliant. As ever, this forum was totally instrumental in guiding me so thanks to all who helped.

I have done comparisons with non Meridian subs and I am unanimous ....
A Meridian 1500 sub is better than a powerful analogue type sub - more delicate and "appropriate"
A Meridian 2500 (or more) is much better than 1500 by a distance

The way Meridian mixes the need and subtlety for the bass is impressive ... and the coordination is what is good, but mostly the quality of the gentle yet firm rumble of taste and refinement rather than an obvious bully !

For once and I sincerely hope not the last time, I totally agree with you. M Subs in a full DSP system are very effective, especially SW1600s down to 20 Hz easy to control and very flexible in my set up. My D2500 only goes down to 30Hz as a bumper up at the rear for films
Glad you are enjoying the experience.
Hector