Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Interesting Discussion 861v6 v ADA

First, I never said multiple subs can't be done.

Second, I wonder what Mr. DErskin has to say with Ken's Meridian system sounding inferior to ADA (in the Bass tightness and slam department) when both "properly" calibrated with the QSC. Make no sense to me. This is my biggest issue on the whole topic. Not that can't have multiple subs or what you prefer. But's total B.S. ADA has more slam tightness than ADA. Especially when you farmed 99% of that OFF the freaken processor.

Third, I think we all agree more bass drivers is a good thing. Because it smooths the bass out. Some folks do want more bass (Slam and Shaking house). That's fine I don't have an issue with someone wanting that.

Fourth, I think we can agree MRC/Meridian alone can't calibrate multiple subs.

Fifth, Large speakers vs Subs...

Meridian themselves have hinted on more than one occasion they prefer full range over subs. I learned that long ago I prefer not have them and I'll explain some reasons. I really don't care if folks prefer them. And I understand their advantage. But I think it's dumb some length people go in compromising other parts of the system.

a) One correction I'd like to make is, adding more subs is not all about solving room nodes. Bigger rooms need to move more air. Moving more air is SPL. Moving smaller amounts from more locations than moving a lot in one location is a good thing.

b) One huge problem I have with subs is matching volume of the sub to volume of the high frequencies of the channel it came from. I WANT IT RIGHT. It's extremely difficult to measure. When a speaker is designed it's calibrated in a chamber. You'll never achieve that balance (highs and lows) at home. Every speaker has it's own custom crossover for those drivers. Again all done in a chamber. It's designed to be FULL RANGE which is exactly what's on the Bluray disk.

c) People assume anything below 80hz is the same exact content on every channel as well as LFE. Lumping it all onto one channel loses content (that's MY OPINION). The argument is bass below 80hz has no direction. There are quite a few folks that think otherwise. It may be higher freq harmonics generated or what ever. But true stereo subs sound better than two mono subs.

d) Having multiple bass drivers is good. Which do think would sound better? Five DSP8000's directly connected to a 861v6 or Five 3200's (or 8K heads) with Five great subs "optimally" placed and calibrated with everything running through something like a QSC. I know which I would prefer sound wise. Not mention looks and ease of setup.

e) In my case. I would not have the room to have 5 subs ANYWHERE if I had small speakers. Except perhaps under the small speakers. Large speakers give me PLENTY of air moving nicely distributed around the room. I have 12 woofers. All on seperate channels. All calibrated level to their high frequency drivers. All calibrated individual cross overs and maintain all the channel seperation. Are they perfectly placed in the room, NO. But I basically have a "Woofer" (something moving air) almost everywhere I can. Do I get down to 15hz. No.

f) Are most subs PERFECTLY placed. NO. They may sound good to one sweet spot but not another. Usually the best you can do with a sub is not place it in the worst spots (WAF, Room looks, Cabling, Space, Seating etc.). If your main speakers (running as large) are in the worst spots of the room, move them.