What would be the best sub or subs for my system? (1 Viewer)

[Doug_Z]

I don't know if I should go with 1 or 2 subs. Also I don't know if I should stick with the same brand sub as speakers. I am going with the M&K powered 150P's for my front 3. My rears will be driven by a separate 4 channel amp.The rears will be 4 M&K tipoles. I haven't heard anything negative about these speakers, for HT only purposes, and there are so many speakers to choose from that I have finally made that decision.
My problem now is whether to buy 2 MX-150 thx ultra. 20-200hz with dual push pull 12" woofers and 150 watts. OR 1 MX-350 thx ultra.18-200hz with a 350 watt amp and the same push pull design. Specs say both are sealed although the photo looks like they are ported. Or I could buy one or 2 of another brand sub. The 350 is $1800 which seems like a lot for 350 watts. The 150 is about $1100.
My room is 16x16x8 with an open kitchen and 2 other open doorways. One leads into the living room. The other into a hallway.I have wall to wall carpet. I am thinking 2 subs would be better than one but I would lkie some knowlegable input. Also these M&K subs meet the 10 year old THX specs which were -3db at 35hz. I don't know if they exceed them. The new Ultra 2 specs are +3db at 20hz. I don't know what the audible difference would be.The entire system is designed to interact.
Would I lose any integration of the sub with the rest of the system if I used a different company's Sub.
Should I use one or two subs? Either way what specs should I look for? I know I need at least 20-200 HZ. I am hazy on the meaning of push/pull and how important the wattage is as opposed to the quality of the amp.( I think the 150 and 350 with the M&k's are RMS but they don't say. I know Subs work mostly with peak bass only)
Of course M&K say their system is designed to work together with the 150 or 350. I have a feeling you all would argue that any quality sub would integrate just as well. Any helpful suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you. Doug

 

[Jon Best]

I'd stay with MK for your subs. The 150P are arguabley some of the best HT speakers avail (imo)and they deseve no less than MK's best subs. I would go with two 350's or 5000's, you can start with one and buy another when you are ready (if this is a $$ situation) You can also find them for much less on Audiogon slightly used.
Something else to consider is looking at MK's "Pro" line where they are introducing "Backfire" models which I think are called MPS-5420/5410/5320.
This must be an amazing system for movies!!

 

[Mike Sloan]

From the speaker system you have choosen, it appears you are performance oriented rather than money conscience. In my opinion, 2 subs is better than one...especially if you co-locate them. You have more output with less strain on the subs! If you are thinking about shelling out $3000.00 or so towards a sub or 2 subs (2 150's are around $2500) I would seriously consider going with an SVS dual Ultra set-up. I think the Dual Ultra package would outperform the mighty M&K5000 and only run you about $2100.00. In a room that size...the amount of slam would be frightening! Other people on this forum have had good results integrating the SVS Ultra's with the M&K 150 set-up. If you absolutely can't go with the "tube" type sub...wait 2 weeks and see what new sub SVS is designing...you will kick yourself if you don't. I have personal experience with the MX-150 thx. I still had mine when my VTF-3 arrived. The performance was similar with a slight edge in output going towards the VTF-3...half the price. I bought a second VTF-3 and sold the MX-150. I am presently buying the SVS 25-31 PC Plus...SVS promises it will dust the VTF-3...it will be fun to compare SVS Ultra link