SUBWOOFERS: How to choose, connect, position & tune 

Really enjoying your videos. The level of details, pace and presentation are really easy to follow and helpful. Keep it coming!

I was convinced that you only need 1 subwoofer, so I did a lot of investigating on info of having 2 subs. I decided to order another one same make and model. WOW, adding the 2nd one really improved the overall sound of my system. I WILL NEVER GO BACK TO ONLY 1 SUB.!!!!!

PLEASE MAY I SAY . NO WAFFLE STRAIGHT FROM THE SHOULDER. THIS HAS BEEN THE BEST ADVICE I HAVE READ ,AND I THANK YOU VERY MUCH. HARRY HOLDEN.

Great video. I am running KEF LS50s with a single REL T5i in a small room and very happy with the result. To make myself even more happier I am looking to buy a second sub. The reason you’d want two subs is not stereo sound, but to get your frequency response as flat as possible. Flat response is almost impossible to achieve with a single sub in a typical room. You will have peaks and dips, meaning that at some frequencies your sub will sound louder and at some - quieter. The differences in loudness between frequencies can be as big +-10-20db, so it is very noticeable.Those peaks and dips depend on the positioning of the sub in the room, so when you have two subs located in opposite sides of the room their frequency graphs will blend together and provide much more natural and balanced bass.

Hey! I never comment videos on youtube but I'm glad I did it so you changed your mind on subs. Glad you saw the links I sent you too, Paul McGowan is indeed very good at teaching all his knowledge. So again, I'm really happy you get one and experimented with it, although I have one comment to make (who doesn't?): You say that you don't need a sub if your speakers go bellow 20hz, and I am not comfortable with that idea. As I told you, and you surely saw it on McGowan's video, a servo sub is not all about low frequencies, but helping the mids too, because it is servo-controlled. If your passive speakers go to let say 18hz, it will not be as good and clean as a 18hz servo-sub (because it is servo-controlled (inertia etc...)). So a sub is not only for low frequencies but for mids as well. It can do wonders on voices for exemple (but I'm sure you have experience it by now). Apart from that I'm really glad you changed your mind and get one. I have to say I don't own one (just changed my speakers and amp so it has to wait a bit), but I heard what it can do. I continue to watch all you videos and I'm glad someone like you is out there teaching new members of our community. I'd also be glad to communicate and exchange ideas and experience with you, if you're interested of course. Send me a message and I'll give you my mail, facebook or whatever. Keep doing what you do, you're doing a great job!

I bought a REL 10 years ago, and it sounds the same today. It is paired with my OHM F's. HEAVEN!

Very clear and great content. Super USEFUL! I have not had a two-channel stereo for decades. I recently studied electronics over several months and so built a Valve Amplifier. This was quite a challenge. Your channel has been EXTREMELY useful for me to understand the other components involved in HiFi set up. THANK YOU!

Good video my man. Thank you! I got myself rel t5i subwoofer and it was the best purchase I made in a long time. The bass was tight and fast comparing to my old $300 subwoofer. Like you said better wait and get the right sub than waste on the cheap one.

Excellent presentation! One think that’s a little bit tricky, is the corner positioning that you firstly propose..it raises by some db some frequencies of the sub’s spectrum, leading to some unwanted frequency boosting. I think that, in another video you must add a review for enhancing that low end frequency (or the whole) spectrum using a room analyzer!

You covered all the basis here I have used both Rel and Vandersteen both hook up to the amplifier and I have owned both. My current Vandersteen speakers have subs built in. Good advise here, keep it coming.

Guido, another great video- love your content. OK, you are dead on with point Number 6. Swapping the body position with subwoofer for maximum sound using ears as guide is - spot on. Keep up the GREAT fun work. (BTW, I purchased a cheap subwoofer- I know, I am sorry, for my ol 1971 Bang and Oulfsen Beovox 2650's and even on the cheap it was the best bang for the buck for my antiquated NAD 300 watt amp.)

Great video!!! I have the B&W ASW608 sub I just purchased. I have a Denon 9.2 receiver. Do I connect both "line out" cables to the receiver, or just one? Sorry, new to being an audiophile. I have a B&W 9.1 setup going (2 atmos speakers included) (no amp, just receiver)

Hi, when we set main stereo speakers as per secret speaker placement you know. The soundstage space is the area/ in line which sub sounds best,and slitely less on crossover frequency spectrum and high on volume to match main speakers.

Hi, really helpful video. Any recommendations for a sub for Yamaha NS10’s? Am using them as main reference speakers in home studio. But they are lacking in low end. Many thanks in advance👍🏾😄

Excellent overview of setting sub phasing and crossover and in what order..thanks!

This really helped me a lot. You told this in plain language a novice like me can understand. Thank you.

I have several pairs of speakers setup in a modest arc in my listening room combined with one subwoofer for one of my systems. I have found toe in tuning of both the speakers and the sub enhances the overall balance of sound. For my surround system I have a separate 15” sub in a corner location and sitting on a large marble tile to aid in dispersion. For testing I have used demo frequency response disk and my favorite bass recording is Leo Lyon’s recording of “Faro” from Ten Years After Stonedhedge. It features several bass guitars together across the soundstage. Enjoy!

Another point to consider on wether or not, is what size speakers your system has, my system is made up of bookshelf speakers that simply dont have the bass capacity of say a tower speaker, so my sub compliments the smallet bookshelf speaker. Very informitive video by the way.

I’m looking forward to seeing your video again when I get one. May be awhile, great help for me again.

Question : If you have an AV amp with LFE pre out sub connected (5.1) and want to connect it for 2channel stereo as well via the speaker terminals.., is that possible ?

Informative video. Thanks for posting it. You cover many good points that I hope your subscribers will find informative. My rig is from the early 1970s, including speakers. The sound is very good, but it was always missing a solid bottom end foundation that my vintage speakers could not deliver. Today's listeners might think I mean boom box type of bottom end, but I do not mean that at all. Steve Guttenberg's video was the first to change my mind about using a sub in a stereo system. After much research and help from John Hunter, Lead Designer and Owner of REL, I purchased a REL T/5i. John's input was absolutely instrumental in making the correct purchase for my system. The REL T/5i fits nicely into my vintage eco sound system and helps complete the total image of the soundscape. This was a good buy. Hands down. It adds the missing bottom end that my vintage speakers could not supply. The sound now exceeds my ears' expectations. It is more alive than I ever would have thought. Thanks again!

Thanks that was really helpful and I’m now trying it for sub

Some good info, thanks

Nice im enjoying my first sub Focal cub 3. And another point get a soundcard that has bass management and room correction you can change the +/-db, crossover in realtime you can sync easily the sub and loud speaker.

I have a room size of 15*16 ft and I’m confused between selecting 1. Focal Chora 826 (latest) or Focal Aria 946 2. AVR Denon 3700H vs 4700H 3. 2 SVS SB 1000 Pro or 1 SVS SB 2000 Kindly let me know your thoughts.

Hi, Love the video. I accidentally sampled your voice on my kaossilator. Wondering if I could keep it as it sounds good. Talking about speakers for about 5 seconds.

Great video and really well explained. That's been a massive help. Many thanks

Great vid. Should I set my crossover on my route speaker on Crown amplifier or both?

Thanks for a well thought out video! However, what if your sub has no hi level inputs? I am using a vintage marantz receiver with no sub out. Most subs today have only low level inputs, svs, klipsch etc. I have restricted myself to shopping for subs with high level inputs and as a result I am concerned that I will not get the best deal or the best sub. Thank you

I got the T5i and it was the Best thing I've done. When I've turned the sub off of a night sometimes I forget the next day and put sounds on and it sounds thin, I nearly had a panic attack until I realised 🙃! 😎

very informative! I learn a lot. thank you.

i was thinking the bic f12 was a good budget option, now considering the yamaha as well. I also have heard good things about the svs subs

Great video. I have one question, i haven a pair of B&W 602 s2 speakers will they pair with a Focal SW700 subwoofer? Worth make this addition to my hifi system. Also i have an Yamaha s501 integrated amplifier. Thank you in advance.

I wish they had these subwoofers back in the 1980's! I bought an inexpensive downfiring Acoustic Audio PSW-10 subwoofer and what a difference it made matched with my old B&W DM11's. Changed my world! Picking a subwoofer is totally subjective. I like to feel it so I picked a down firing subwoofer. You gave some good advice thanks for sharing :)

amazing video, very well explained

Excellent video Sir! As an adjunct to your thoughts... I use a single REL SHO-5 with my system and have recently moved to a large home in Washington from a townhome in California. I have not had the opportunity to unpack my sub yet. I've also been moving my system around the main room and finally found the best room placement for the "whole" system... Part of the change was also going from a concrete foundation in CA to a wooden elevated foundation in WA. Other issues include cathedral ceilings (16 ft) and these new combined rooms (Living room, kitchen and non-formal dining area all together) present BIG challenges for us audiophiles to tackle (reverb, echo, huge space to fill with sound, delayed rear reflections, smearing, large windows, hard surfaces everywhere, flexible wood foundation/flooring). So, long story short... I'm getting closer to finishing my system, but noticed immediately that the life/fullness of the music has diminished greatly without my sub in the system! It's one of those things that once you experience it, you just can't be satisfied with less. So, that is one of my weekend projects. To get the life back in my music. On another note, I found that moving my system to a different wall greatly improved the system resistance to the echo and reverb (probably because the rear boundary is now not just a flat wall and I am now parallel with the cathedral ceiling and equidistant from the side walls. It is tough to place a system in a weirdly proportioned room! I had to take over the non-formal dining area for my right speaker... (yes, Bachelor. But would give it up for the right woman! Hahaha... only the right speaker area of course!). Also, buying area rugs throughout and will look into sound absorption to tame reverb/echoes. [I have a nice system consisting of Focal 1038BE II Main speakers (Very good, but I want better someday), REL SHO-5 sub x 1( Excellent, and I can't afford 2 yet.) Primaluna Dailogue HP Integrated Amp (Beautiful and powerful sound...) with PS Audio DirectStream DAC (Wonderful!!) and CD Player (Amazing) and Phono PreAmp (very good). Blusound Node 2i streamer (great for the money). I also have an Oracle Audio Origins Turn Table (good sound, but clunky ergonomics of usage and very susceptible to outside vibration) and SoundSmith cartridge (Amazing!!).All cabling is DH Labs (Excellent value proposition... 30%the cost for 95%the performance.!) Cables DO make a huge difference!! I did A/B/C comparisons with my system above and it was immediate and HUGE!! Tested Streetwires (car audio- my beginnings are High end Car Audio) 12g OFC Ultra Speaker Cable (Very good basic cable, Bulk=$500 for 250ft.) vs Nordost Heimdall 2 (Excellent silver plated lower high range cable, $2400 for 3 meter pair) vs DH Labs Q-10 Signature (Excellent Long grained Copper Silver plated cables within excellent value proposition! $850 for a 3 meter pair) The Nordost was night and day to the Streetwires and better than the DH Labs, but not by much! Differences included definition, clarity, presence, soundstage, Frequency response (slight upper frequency roll-off with the Streetwires. None for the others (due to the better conductor material my guess). Yes, Silver conductors make significant differences. Try Stinger 9000 series car audio Interconnects (

Hello. Kef KC62 vs Rel T7i comparison? Thanks. My speaker Xavian Perla Esclusiva + HegelH90 Briliant middle and hight frequency but low under 53 Hz not so much. I glad upgrade for this. Very educational video.

Great video again ! 🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪

New subscriber. Very informative. Right to the point. Love that ty

My Polk T15 speakers supposedly cover the whole range. Obviously they don’t. I added a Yamaha 8” sub and wow. Now that’s my modest but really full range (for the price point, I mean) hi-fi system, and I’m happy with it (for now) 😉

I have a friend who is telling me to get one good single down firing ported subwoofer (I have real oak hardwoods) says if I get a second one it will add complications with cancellations in parts of my room. Is that not true and I would be better with two subs? I don't notice any dead spots in my room. 18'L x 14'W x 12'H Oak floor Vaulted ceiling, open archway to another large room. I have a 5.1.2 Atmos (heights) setup with SVS Prime Towers and Satellites . My sub is a single Klipsch R10sw 300w. REL seems a bit pricy, was looking at SVS SB2000, SB3000, PB2000. Advice?

Do the Epic CL 3 Klipsch need a subwoofer? I inherited a 10” KEF PSW 2150 powered subwoofer. Not sure if I needed. Thanks and great video by the way.

Hello , I love your show. What about an amplifier that is able to turn off the base to the main two speakers and just allow the Bass to go to the subwoofer, is that a good idea .should Bass be left on the main speakers and the sub woofer at the same time. My amp is able to turn the low frequency off to the main two speakers and go to subwoofer only. Or should the base be left on and the sub at the same time

Very informative. Nice video.

you think like i do, great honest advice

Great video ! Thanks !

Love your videos, thanks again. I have the 2020 model ATC 40's with 2x SVS sb2000 subs so similar to you. I absolutely love my music sessions, I'm very lucky to own my HiFi. (powered by Michi P5/S5).

nice lesson.

Great video thanks much , I was just wondering did you get 2 t9i or one thanks again.

one of the perfect video found on internet

My DENON AVR-3808 is powering all TANNOY Revolution R2 and R3 speakers and has dual TANNOY TFX subwoofers connected to the LFE/subwoofer preout of the DENON. Obviously the system is a complete home theatre with decent capabilities of sound reproduction for my music listening at 2 channel stereo. I tried connecting High level input signal to subwoofers and low level RCA, however the best way to do it is through the dedicated LFE/Subwoofer preout as the Audyssey MultEQ-XT calibration does room calibration and gives a good result when matching the time alignment of all the speakers and combines the subwoofers together. Any other way is fine but I find this the best approach for bass management, crossover settings distance and time alignment of all speakers/subwoofers compared to the high or low level input signal I've tried.

Very interesting vid. I've heard or read somewhere that it is possible to damage your main power amp when connecting the black wire from a REL to a negative connection on your amp. Is this true? Do I even need to connect the black wire? I assume it's an earth connection to reduce hum. I'm using a Meridian power amp and Focal aria 936's

Very good tutorial on subwoofers. Still, there is smth I dont understand. I am talking about direct high power connection. Lets say that my amplifier sends full range freqs , from 20hz to 20khz to right channel. I connect sw on high level port and then the speaker to out port on sw. All good. Lets say sw is set to 80 Hz crossover. Does it mean that it retains all freqs below 80 hz and sends the rest to speaker? Or the sw does not filter at all and sends full range to speaker?

I have 2 10" Paradigm subwoofers on my system. Where should the phase setting be for running 2 subs? Do I set them both to the same setting?

You’ll need to get in touch with REL with regards to the crossover. They will tell you that you’ll need to overlap by 6-8hz and not go under and create a frequency hole. This is for seamless integration and to improve the midrange. If you are referring to John hunters video in upscale audio, REL will explain that further.

what happen if u have an 3 channel amp on a stereo setup?? can i hook up or use that third empty channel for the sub in a passive way?? does the volume knob will work?

Great video! I own a Primaluna Dialogue Premium HP integrated tube amp (and from what I've seen I am pretty sure you have the same model) and I was wondering what kind of connnection you've used (my amp has a dedicated mono output). Thanks and greetings from Italy ;)

Very helpful

Wow.. Awesome explanation!! Everything covered regarding setting up sub.. Have 1 question though currently have a sub taga harmony tsw 120 v2 which is on reverse phase, crossover at 35hz.. The thing is the volume only goes till about 20% of and if I put anything higher the sub cuts off and the power light starts blinking.. Any idea what could be the issue? Thanks for your time

REL used to be built in a little factory in South Wales. I used to deliver there. Nice guy.

If when I turn on my old and trusty REL Stentor, the sound gets 10 over ten, what would happen if I also did use supertweeters? The best positioning was the least expected, far from corners and in the middle of the right sidewall. Shocking.

I have a dual monoblock class ab amp 300 watts 4ohm per channel driving my LR peerless 10” XLS sub in sealed Boxes super tight bass. My other 2 monoblock driving my 2.5 way all active using behringer active crossover superb system great soundstage

Nice video sir I've learned a lot.from ur video .god bless

I just have a question for anyone really.. I am using the Elac B6.2 bookshelf speakers. The speaker specs claim they are 44hz on the low end.. What crossover frequency setting should I use on a subwoofer?

REL Connection; I have REL also and studied about that connection subject. Connection should be .1/LFE + High level input. Please do not forget High level connection to amp's speakers outputs are power not only signal. Mean front left right are passive tower speakers. To sencronise their phase and sub REL solved it very well but you should connect High Level also. Last point DO NOT connect High level and Low level inputs at the same time , you can harm your "not cheap" REL. Thanks all your info.

Getting 2 rel t5i tomorrow to go with my 25 year old linn aktiv speaker amp setup, as it's in different room now and is lacking a little bass compared to before and I refuse to part with my setup and may get the hiquphon upgraded tweeter for my speaker next! BTW love your channel

is it really needed, to run two subs? I m owning a velodyne, a very good sub. But i cannot find another one, and those who were offered on Ebay are defective. So maybe it is a stupid question, but is it possible to use just one?

Thank you! Awesome! I am considering the RSL Speedwoofer 10s. Seems it goes pretty low and well rated. Please advise.... Also I have a similar tile floor to yours in front of my small fireplace (unused and painted). I could put a subwoofer on anywhere in front, might it be good inside the fireplace? Love the blue gummy stuff idea! Thank you very much!!!

Ciao Guido, con la connessione di potenza devo comunque tenere acceso il subwoofer giusto? Grazie

I build my own subwoofer with a 1000 watts Sunfire 10" driver and a Skar Audio enclosure, with such power, then my problem is rattling noises all over the house, I am trying to decouple the subwoofer from the carpet, I will try to do that with pool noodles as my starting point, worst scenario is to get those fancy isolators from SVS. Thank you for sharing all this information.

Would you recommend to use Bluetooth connections on subs ? Thank you,

I find by having dual subs the integration being a whole lot smoother/easier, it's probably because i have two Rel 8" down-firing T5is positioned behind the couch, which are 6"-8" away from the corners and having them both connected to each individual stereo speaker binding posts (high level input) The biggest compliment I get is when a guest/friend ask.... "how come you get such a huge sound from at such a small speaker" 😁

Wow...got this question...what do you think of a sub that goes down to 50hz? I got a Monoprice sub with an 8 inch drive and it says it goes down to 50hz. That's kind of weak isn''t. I got a pair of Sony SSCS5, and I'm waiting for the cables to come so I can hook everything up.

good stuff

SPL-120 works 💪!!! I've 3 (2 stereo connected and one LFE)

All this sub talk is making me want a chicken cutlets sub with parmesan cheese!!!! lol . Nice video brother!!!

I have an 8 inch H&K but I'm going to get a 12 ..But i really want stereo 12's .. there are a lot of pad sounds especially in ambient music where the bass is in stereo

Thanks

On my desktop system, I keep my sub underneath the desk. I found that I needed to tilt the sub upwards. I looked at guitar amplifier stands that offers a safe and stabile way to tilt the sub so my ankles don’t feel the rumble. By doing this, the soundstage raises and I feel the bass at my chest and belly areas.

I have Amphion Impact 400 subwoofer and white Amphion Ion L speakers. The placement of the subwoofer is not optimal because I hear some boom with certain music, but that cannot currently be helped. I still think they are better combo than my ears deserve but hey, why buy mediocre stuff if you get good gear used 😄 One thing of note about subwoofer placement is that if you live in building where houses are next to each other, basing it to the floor might have annoying consequences to your neighbors.

Doesn't the receiver handle lag ? What else is the Sub pre-out for ?

You should look at what the response drop off is on your loud speaker. Most loud speakers have serious drop off under 80hz

Another one bites the dust for good bass

"use a slave". Hahahahaha great video.

I agreed with you that the sound of a sub is not directional until i hooked them up in sterio. If you don"t beleve me put one on the left and one on the right and play Ringo"s drum solow on Abby Road. I AM NOT SWICHING MY SUBS BACK.

I got a M&K MX 350, M&K says they invented the sub satellite system. It's a 12" Push pull config. Speed & attack are why I like Sealed subs like this used SVS SB1000 I found.

The best loudspeaker/s “systems” have ALWAYS been separates! Separates, ie. subwoofers have always offered “almost infinite” tuning options. So for example, “bookshelf (package)”speakers have been a myth of epic proportions! The example, within the example is the “loss” of sound stage, etc., when placed on the “bookshelves.” The myth has been perpetuated even to this day (2022). However, some to many audiophiles can’t even define sound stage to miss it, to really care.

I have a few subs but given up. Can't manage to tune them

I really love to use two subs. Im owning the Velodyne SPL 8r. Its an active one and has a very powerful Bass. I would like to know what you think about this one? Let me know folks:-))

If sound quality is the goal, avoid RCA inputs like the plague. He is right on 1 point. High level input is the best, he just only partially understands why. 2 subwoofers running in stereo quite literally image as much as any 2 full range speakers. Wired directly to your main amplifiers outputs sharing that connection with the 2 main speakers. The magic happens when both sub's and the 2 main speakers work together to present the soundscape. Imaging together with stereo sub's is the only way to truly compliment you 2 main speakers. That simple. Now go buy another REL and pay attention to imaging...you will be amazed.

I put my sub underneath my desk. Then, I stuff the surrounding cavity with pillows and thick sheets of pink 2 feet by 2 feet insulation . Also, weighted down the sub with a bag of aquarium gravel. My desktop doesn’t rumble and my tubes feel practically vibration free.

I enjoyed your video but is it possible you are over thinking this subwoofer aspect. thanks.

If u use rotary sub that goes lower bass

jl are great

Are you still using a dedicated subwoofer with your new Golden ear?

Great walkthrough- Subwoofers are great but not in small rooms. I turned mine off for anything bar home theatre.

Hehe.. allora... I am really proud of my Speakers! They have the 12inch Subwoofer integrated, and these Subs are fully powered by one channel of my Poweramps. The left Channel, for example, powers the Bass, Midrange and Tweeter of my speaker, and the right channel feeds the integrated Subwoofer. And, in the second Loudspeakerbox, it goes the same way! There is an exact equal Poweramp that feeds the integrated Sub, and the second channel of this poweramp feeds the Bass, Midrange, and the Tweeter of this second Loudspeakerbox! This is called vertical Biamping, and this way i don`t need an active extra Subwoofer lurking around in my living Room. Only the Refrigrator-sized Loudspeaker, named as JBL 4341 Clones, need a quarter of my living-space in my flat lol.... And these 4341es have bass! lol. Deep as a black hole! So, what do i want to say: A passive Sub is also a proper solution! But in case of a passive Sub, you must go Bi-Amping! Then you have no Phase -Problems, and also no Power-Problems... ;-) (as long as the Poweramps have enough "Uhmpfff" lol....

I told ya bro!!! Once you go sub ya never go back!! Everyone needs multiple subs, no matter what your setup. I cannot emphasize how important it is to have more than one sub. Either 2 or 4. This will help “pressurize” the room and minimize any nulls. Rock on and keep up the awesome vids.!!

Yea my mission sub is crap, i miss my whalfdale sub, smoked the mission

so may i please inquire how to CHOOOOSE a subwoofer .