Subwoofer's Front Firing vs. Down Firing

Dear Duke,

I understand your story, but.....with the use of Audyssey Pro ( my way which it a lot different compared to the Audyssey way) I can play so much louder than without. Even with the most dynamic music I do not have the problems I had in the past without it. It feels like freedom because the limitations are almost gone.

Time changes and technique as well. I have proven that I have created a much higher level of integration. A few surround specialists has been here to listen to it. They were amazed that for the first time that what I call Stealth integration is possible. One surround specialist said; You have gold in your hands.

I use my subwoofer from 16 hz till 140 hz. The energy is so much better placed than most people can imagine. It is exactly comming from were it is, and it is more one with the speakers.

When I do test at clients there home without Audyssey Pro they all fail. They also have acoustic limitations. The integration is of a much lower level.

Using Audyssey Pro, Purist Audio powercables, New Wild Dog subwoofercable from Audioquest sets a subwoofer to a new level of integration!

The level of integration is the key to succes in integration!

What about dispersion 'efficiency' of a front vs down.

It would seem that a down firing is sending output in all directions - to the sides and the rear - and resultant interactions and add'l reflections with the front wall, equipment to the sides. Whereas a front firing would be more efficient at beaming energy/content into the listening area.

Just guessing....never tried any tests - but it is something I've wondered about front vs down firing.

Hi guys, I've been building speakers for 35 or so years, Dukes Explanation is accurate. I personally prefer a sealed sub when done correctly and well placed in a room, but vented/ported boxes have a better chance of easy setup. As far as Dispersion? Duke handles that when he talks of wave length, travel time etc. Bass has been around a room a couple of times by the time you hear it, that's why it has time to interact with the room and muck everything up. Bo is speaking on another level by adding an EQ/DSP room correction software. With this, you can analyze peaks and dips in your room and correct them electronically. Bo is doing something that I've never heard sound great in a 2 channel high end system... Crossing at 140hz... I normally target anywhere from 40 to 100 depending on room interaction, main speakers natural roll off or electronic crossover and the powered woofers own crossover slope on the top end... I hope this helps, Tim

I have a sealed downfiring REL, but I turn it upside down and use it upfiring. I find this to produce a more accurate, and quicker sound in my room. It's not in a corner either, but between the speakers. I do place a board on the upturned feet with something heavy on top of that.

Experiment, it pays off in spades.

I sold in the past many many REL subwoofers. The material of my PLW-15 is made from ceramics. This is a lot lighter compared to the material REL is using. This makes a big difference in response. I have told this a few times.

It is very easy to understand when you hear the difference in response. Subwoofers can reach a much higher level for integration when the material is lighter.

Timing is the key for succes regarding integration!!