Jeff,

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I agree that nothing much below 80 Hz is localizable (if that's a word)

Believe it not, Webster says it is

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however having multiple full-range speakers PLUS subs (handling mostly the LFE's) impacting on you, is simply a completely different experience than with small speakers and the same subs. I can prove it by simply by dialing up the crossover point on my full-range front and center front speaker arrays and redirecting that bass to my three subs. It's just not the same.

In what way is it not the same? Do you mean that the bass is louder? Does it have less audible distortion? I would expect problems in using the SMALL setting on the receiver with large full range speakers that do not roll off at crossover point. I would think that there would be a hump in the response because the speaker is not rolling off. There would be no 12dB/oct roll off at the crossover point to combine with the 12dB/oct highpass in the processor. So instead of combining with the 24dB/oct low pass to get flat response in the crossover region, you'd get something else that wasn't flat.

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(One sidebar comment: a single subwoofer will be more noticeable than multiple subs. Not necessarily localized. However it's more likely to set up all sorts of room response variations which you will notice. Multiple (mono) subs, properly positioned, will tame the peaks and troughs - and does, in my opinion, contribute, incorrectly, to the argument that stereo subs are the way to go. My own listening experience is that multiple mono subs are more effective, Again it's open to debate - but I would refer you to the excellent white paper on the subject on the Harmon International web site.)

I am surprised to read this. I had always thought that multiple subs placed at varying positions throughout the room can cause cancellation. But perhaps that's only if both/all subs are receiving the exact same signal.

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But as I said before space and budget (economics) will almost always cause us to compromise.

No doubt.

E

edit to fix myriad typos




[This message has been edited by Ellen (edited November 10, 2003).]