possible subwoofer?

[mantisory]

Hi everyone,
So, I have a nice sounding system so far - JBL 2405, 2420 (in altec 511b) and JBL E145 in 4560 cabinet.
The bass drivers are powered by SS monoblocks, and the mid/high are powered by a SET 45.
I am currently using a behringer cx3400 for x-over duties (I know, I know - I will be getting a Marchand at some point I think), and also using a Sound Craftsman 2212 to equalize the highs since I didn't want to use an l-pad on the 2420 (which is ~5dB more efficient I think)
Anyway, in my room, it sounds quite good but doesn't quite have the low end grunt that I would like. Plus, there is a bit of a suck-out at ~80Hz or so, down about 10dB.
I am thinking I would like to add a sub...either some commercial offering such as a JL Audio Fathom 110, or possibly a DIY Horn-based sub. I really like the quickness and dynamics of this system so far and don't want to screw it up.
Anyone have any suggestions as to what would be a good addition to cover 15-100 Hz region? Also, are there any good systems for doing DSP on that region so that I can properly equalize any anomalies?
Thanks for your help!
Byron
p.s. - I don't really think I have enough room for more than one subwoofer - my room is ~12'x16' or so...

[Robh3606]

How much room do you have for the sub??

Yes E-145's are a bit challenged below 80Hz. They start to rolloff, you can 40Hz out of them but nothing solid below that.
I run DIY LE-14 subs under my E-145's and it sounds quite good. Won't get anyway near 15hz though. They are solid to about 25hz and then fall off the cliff. They are high pass filterd at 20Hz.

The Fathom subs seem to get great reviews. You could always try one if you find a dealer willing. You are not going to know how well it works until you get it home. A single sub will be a bit harder to integrate but it can work. I am using 2 for music the Le14's and 2 B380's 2235 woofers for LFE. All 4 are up for movies and the combo can move quite a bit of air. I think Velodyne offers a sub amp EQ box you might want to look at.

You could look at 2245 or a 2242 which uses a smaller box but 15hz?? 20 yeah 15???

Rob

[lbstyling]

I couldnt be happier with my 2242h sub myself.
You hear everyone rave about one sub or another, but I used build massive car installs for various competitions and have had many many home subs over the years- but this is the only one ive never felt I need to change. unlike everything else Ive tried (including a wall of (JL W7's), it actually gives detail in the bass. Ive had it 5 years now. If you have any way to audition one, give it a go!

[mantisory]

Thanks for the responses.
What kind of cabinet is the 2242H in? I am very interested since I will be able to keep things 'in the family'. I will be able to audition a fathom pretty soon...it may just work, you never know I suppose...but the idea of a horn-loaded sub seems very appealing as well!
byron

[Robh3606]

Do a search for 2242. There are several threads on building subs with them.

Rob

[Eaulive]

Yes E-145's are a bit challenged below 80Hz.

Specially in 4560s!

[mantisory]

Actually, they are great to about 35 or so...I will post the response graphs soon.

[Robh3606]

they are great to about 35 or so...

With EQ??

Rob

[Lee in Montreal]

I'd be surprised if much lower bass comes out of a 4560. I see it more like a midbass/medium cabinet.

[mantisory]

I'd be surprised if much lower bass comes out of a 4560. I see it more like a midbass/medium cabinet.

Don't think those will fit into my room
Anyway, not much low bass is correct. My response graphs are on my friend's computer and I am waiting for him to send them, but honestly they had decent output to at least 40Hz, if not 35Hz...They are in a relatively small room, so I am probably getting some good reinforcement.
Anyway, that's what the thread is about anyway...I want to extend the bass down and get some good punch as well.
Anyone here use a Tuba 30, perhaps? I think finding a JBL 2242/5 is going to be pretty expensive, but a tuba (or other folded horn) seems to be a reasonable compromise...
Byron

[Lee in Montreal]

The 4560's strength is 100-1000Hz. and not much below 50Hz.
Take a look at the response in JBL's own litterature.
http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&source...mW4prw&cad=rja

For home, You'd be happy with a 2245 in a simple bass reflex enclosure. Fs of the 2245 is 20Hz

[mantisory]

Here's a response measurement taken with EQ mostly on the highs, as the 4205 is 5-6dB down from the 2420/511b...There is a suckout at ~70Hz, likely a room node, and then there is one at the crossover point, ~650 Hz...but as you can see there is decent bass response...I really want to EQ that suckout out if possible, as well as just fill in the bass down to 20Hz or so...

[grumpy]

You can eq peaks, but boosting eq at nulls will likely prove to be a disappointing effort.
You could try moving the speakers or your listening position, or resort to room treatments... People write entire books and make careers as experts in this area.
You might look up Ethan Winer's web page as a start.

[Allanvh5150]

Chances are the drop off below 100 hz is the cabinet and the peak at 40 - 50 hz is the Fs of the driver. The only real way to fill in the drop off would be to build a new box.

Allan.

[Lee in Montreal]

The 40Hz peak is most likely room resonance. The 4560 doesn't go that low. According to JBL's own litterature, it has a useable range down to 50Hz. Not any lower.