Audiophile Mistakes: Mini Series for Better Sound
Mistake #6: Subwoofer Placement
DUAL SUBWOOFER BOOKENDS
Positioning stereo subwoofers as bookends for your main speakers creates a visually impressive setup. Many people place them just inside or outside the left and right speakers or in the corners behind them. While this setup creates a pleasing, symmetrical look, it may not deliver optimal bass performance.
This is because most listening positions aren’t naturally where bass frequencies are best energized in the room—similar to the limitations of full-range floor-standing speakers. Placing your subwoofers elsewhere in the room, rather than beside your main speakers or tucked in corners, often results in better bass at your listening position.
To find the ideal placement, try the “subwoofer crawl.” This foolproof method helps you understand how bass frequencies behave in your room relative to your listening position. If performance takes priority, it’s worth experimenting with placement and setting aesthetics aside.
When using dual subwoofers, also experiment with running them in stereo or mixed mono. Surprisingly, a true stereo configuration isn’t always the best option. Additionally, adjust the phase on one subwoofer or the other—you might be amazed by the difference it makes.
In the end, experimentation is key. You might just discover a configuration that transforms what you hear.
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