Cinema processors that manage multiple subs

Kingrex

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Feb 3, 2019
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I have a friend building a home theatre. My understanding is Subs are the hardest part of any installation. He is looking at a Marantz Amp 20 and AV20. I was advocating more than 1 sub to get even distribution of bass in the room. The room is probably 18 feet deep and 25 feet wide. Is there a processor that handles multiple subs and has a built in measuring system that will integrate multiple subs into the space. He has one Def Tech sub already. He is open to others.

Suggestions on a processor and subs to integrate into the system.
 
I have a friend building a home theatre. My understanding is Subs are the hardest part of any installation. He is looking at a Marantz Amp 20 and AV20. I was advocating more than 1 sub to get even distribution of bass in the room. The room is probably 18 feet deep and 25 feet wide. Is there a processor that handles multiple subs and has a built in measuring system that will integrate multiple subs into the space. He has one Def Tech sub already. He is open to others.

Suggestions on a processor and subs to integrate into the system.
Consider front left/right speakers with built-in powered subs and configure them for full range.

Then add the subwoofer on the LFE channel. The sub can be placed on the side or towards the rear of the room.

Can be more cost effective than multiple subs.

Some subs will calibrate themselves, then just need to set the volume level in the processor.

Several processors handle multiple subs, but they are way more $$$ than the Marantz. The above suggestion works with one sub output.
 
Isn't 1 sub prone to the same issues as a 2 channel system. There will be a sweet spot for bass. And other seats may be, not so good. Won't more than 1 sub give even response in the room.
 
Isn't 1 sub prone to the same issues as a 2 channel system. There will be a sweet spot for bass. And other seats may be, not so good. Won't more than 1 sub give even response in the room.
the best dsp approach can set up a room for a single seat or multiple seats. and include the subwoofers. depends on your expectations.
 
Isn't 1 sub prone to the same issues as a 2 channel system. There will be a sweet spot for bass. And other seats may be, not so good. Won't more than 1 sub give even response in the room.
I was proposing 3 subs. Two built into front left and right channels that get front channel bass signal. The one subwoofer gets the .1 LFE signal. There is some overlap when the crossovers are set with this in mind.

I use one subwoofer in the front corner and two of the side rear speakers have built in subs and are configured for full range. Works great.

One would have to try it and play with the sub position and tuning.
 
By the way
I have a friend building a home theatre. My understanding is Subs are the hardest part of any installation. He is looking at a Marantz Amp 20 and AV20. I was advocating more than 1 sub to get even distribution of bass in the room. The room is probably 18 feet deep and 25 feet wide. Is there a processor that handles multiple subs and has a built in measuring system that will integrate multiple subs into the space. He has one Def Tech sub already. He is open to others.

Suggestions on a processor and subs to integrate into the system.
By the way, the AV20 handles 4 subwoofer channels. Just need to choose another sub, which depends on budget and space constraints.
 
Speakers are already in the walls and ceiling. Paradigm. If the AV20 handles 4, do you think it will room correct all 4 for even response at multiple locations.
 
I have a friend building a home theatre. My understanding is Subs are the hardest part of any installation. He is looking at a Marantz Amp 20 and AV20. I was advocating more than 1 sub to get even distribution of bass in the room. The room is probably 18 feet deep and 25 feet wide. Is there a processor that handles multiple subs and has a built in measuring system that will integrate multiple subs into the space. He has one Def Tech sub already. He is open to others.

Suggestions on a processor and subs to integrate into the system.
Would be great to know what speakers and speakers layout he have.

First suggestions is AVM90 - reasonable price/performance, but it is more expensive then AV20.
AVM90 have better audio section, but it lacks streaming - specifications say it is Roon Ready, but it is only with AirPlay.
For streaming you need external streamer connected with digital cable - coax or optical - extra expencies if it is systrem for HC and Stereo.
AVM90 review on Audioholics:
 
I have a friend building a home theatre. My understanding is Subs are the hardest part of any installation. He is looking at a Marantz Amp 20 and AV20. I was advocating more than 1 sub to get even distribution of bass in the room. The room is probably 18 feet deep and 25 feet wide. Is there a processor that handles multiple subs and has a built in measuring system that will integrate multiple subs into the space. He has one Def Tech sub already. He is open to others.

Suggestions on a processor and subs to integrate into the system.
The key here is the measurement/DSP/EQ system and, currently, the most advanced consumer system is DiracLive-ART (Active Room Treatment) which can handle effectively multiple subs. DL-ART is available on Maranz AV10 and on Storm Audio devices. More coming from Hyperion (https://www.hyperionprofessional.com/processors) and others.
 
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I would throw Lyngdorf into the mix for sure.

Great heritage.
Vast world wide dealer base.
Build quality (tank) among the best.
Room Perfect DSP.

IMO, Sound is excellent, both 2 channel and all multichannel formats.
Great app for navigating.

Downside is on entry model (MP-40) there are no analog inputs!
 
I would throw Lyngdorf into the mix for sure.

Great heritage.
Vast world wide dealer base.
Build quality (tank) among the best.
Room Perfect DSP.

IMO, Sound is excellent, both 2 channel and all multichannel formats.
Great app for navigating.

Downside is on entry model (MP-40) there are no analog inputs!
Not sure how it handles multiples subs for DSP. Individually or in aggregate but it is not capable of utilizing the multiple subs (or other speakers) to support each others corrections. Same can be said for the otherwise admirable Anthem devices.
 
Kal is correct. Dirac Live ART is a very powerful tool that can yield excellent results.

Having someone who is experienced and able to extract the most from the software is important.

The higher end Denon AVR’’s have 4 sub outs, and I’m pretty sure they can also handle Dirac Live ART now.
Even Audysey can do a decent job once you lift the sub level a few DB.

The Trinnov processors are excellent and feature ‘Waveforming” (DBA) with front and rear subs which is superb.

Another option is to use MiniDSP 2x4HD or FLEX HTX to manage the bass, though this requires quite a bit of work with REW, measurements and creating an in room response.
 
2 channel is less a priority. More background music. Cinema is the priority.

$15k is max budget.

I think he said its 7.1 now. Adding 2 subs would be 9.1.

Any processor should accept bluetooth or wifi to control streaming content via a phone or tablet. He does not want to pay for Roon to stream.

I am assuming every processor has multiple zones. One for upstairs music (background, not hifi) and the second for movies in the main room.
 
Not sure how it handles multiples subs for DSP. Individually or in aggregate but it is not capable of utilizing the multiple subs (or other speakers) to support each others corrections. Same can be said for the otherwise admirable Anthem devices.
Hi Kal,
I think that if someone is looking to achieve the flattest frequency and most time aligned response and is willing to take the time to get there then Dirac is an excellent option.
Lyngdorf focuses primarily on the phase/time alignment aspects.
Room Perfects strength is in the bass domain.
If one is looking for an overall immersive listening experience (movies and music) I would not dismiss the Lyngdorf solely based on the things you mention.
That being said, Dirac can be implemented along with the Room Perfect but most prefer without the Dirac.
The only limitations of the Lyngdorf software is the person using it.
 
Lyngdorf focuses primarily on the phase/time alignment aspects.
Room Perfects strength is in the bass domain.
Can you give me (or provide a link to) information about the evolution of RoomPerfect? I last used it years ago and, while my experience with it was quite positive, my contextual references have evolved since then.
 
I think he said its 7.1 now. Adding 2 subs would be 9.1.
For surround sound without overheads, the convention is 7.3 indicating 3 subs and 7 channels.
9.1 would be 9 channels and one sub.

For Atmos 7.1.6 would be 7 on the floor, one sub, 6 overhead (my home configuration).
7.3.6 would be 7 on the floor, three subs, 6 overhead.
 
For surround sound without overheads, the convention is 7.3 indicating 3 subs and 7 channels.
9.1 would be 9 channels and one sub.

For Atmos 7.1.6 would be 7 on the floor, one sub, 6 overhead (my home configuration).
7.3.6 would be 7 on the floor, three subs, 6 overhead.
Ok. Lets just say its 7 speakers in the room and however many subs. Does the herd say 1 sub is enough???? It seems to me more is going to give better results. It sounds like more subs can be done, but the owner is going to have to learn some software. And take some hours out of his life to dial it all in.
 
Ok. Lets just say its 7 speakers in the room and however many subs. Does the herd say 1 sub is enough???? It seems to me more is going to give better results. It sounds like more subs can be done, but the owner is going to have to learn some software. And take some hours out of his life to dial it all in.
More than one with some distribution around the room and not for sheer power but to assist in mitigating modal influences.
 
Ok. Lets just say its 7 speakers in the room and however many subs. Does the herd say 1 sub is enough???? It seems to me more is going to give better results. It sounds like more subs can be done, but the owner is going to have to learn some software. And take some hours out of his life to dial it all in.
Why not start with one and then add more if/when needed?

The bass management in new subs is very good. The bass management in Audyssey and DIRAC can also dial in exactly what you want, but as you say with time and expense. It may be cheaper to get an installation and calibration expert. If its in the Pacific NW, Kris Deering is the person.
 

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