Well, the folks at SVS and Audyssey got together few years ago to design an auto-EQ system exclusively for the low frequencies in order to address issues both in the time domain (how long a sound lasts) as well as the amplitude domain (how loud a sound is). Apparently, the finished product, AS-EQ1 is now available for pre-order at a discounted price of $699 for spring shipment, and will therafter become $799.
According to SVS, "the AS-EQ1 will feature a version of the Audyssey pro software, which has considerably more computational power in the bass regions than the consumer version used in AVRs. While it has the ability to connect to a PC (for a GUI, etc,) there is no additional computing power derived from same - it can do everything just as well with the face plate controls. This is being marketed as a simple to use, highly-powerful auto-EQ for a single or dual subwoofer system".
The importance behind corrections in the time domain is the idea that a lingering frequency bouncing back and forth between the walls could mask other sounds that immediately follow, not only giving subwoofers a one-noted sound but also obscuring detail and articulation at all frequencies. Unlike the SMS-1, the AS-EQ1 will have the ability to target the frequencies with the longest decay times and dial them down. Eight mic positions can be measured, and it can connect to an AVR/processor with Audyssey to complement an existing Audyssey system. I have an SMS-1 and can use their 5-mic add-on to tame FR across 5 positions, but it does not address the time domain. Also, the SMS-1 can simultaneously connect up to 3 subs, but applies the same curve to all 3. The AS-EQ1 connects up to 2 subs (mono or stereo) and equalizes both in the time and amplitude domain independently. The AS-EQ1 tearsheet can be found
here What do you guys think of this product?
