Am I Better Off With Limited Low Frequency Speaker In A Small Room?


In my 12'x12'x11' room, am I better off with limited low frequency speakers, such as those which only extend down to 40-50hz, or will the mere introduction of a speaker that extends down to 35hz be potential for trouble (The extent of my knowledge is that lower frequencies need larger spaces to truly breathe, and the wavelength goes up exponentially). My listening space is my living room, and there's not a lot of space for room treament. I'm auditioning a single GIK Soffit bass trap. I'm not sure how much it will help. 

analogj

The Castle Edens sound remarkably good in my room.  I do have Corner Tunes in all four corners. Yes, I have a 55" flat screen TV. I have a cushy couch. Wood record shelves. A few pictures. 

 

It's not perfect, but I also listen nearfield, and as I mentioned above, my setup is arranged kitty-corner to eliminate parallel wall reflections. There's nothing abysmal about the sound in my room. But I do detect a slight upper bass hump. That's why I'm trying the bass trap.

 

There's no room for subs anyway. I'm aware of what subs CAN do,  but I have never heard a sub, even in an audio salon, where I didn't ultimately prefer the sound of the main speakers without them, at least for music. I get it for home theater. I would never completely shut the door on the concept, but not in my livingroom either, one I share with my wife. 

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I expect most audio salons don't have a clue how to set up properly.

+1. 

If that were my room, I'd certainly go with a great pair of bookshelf speakers.....and if you find later you need more bass, then you can add a small sub. My first thought would be to find speakers that are comfortable being placed nearer the the wall behind them.....acoustic suspension, front ported, or passive radiators.

I have not done it, but Dirac Live might be of help as well.....I  think Mini DSP has some add on devices?

Omega CAMs and an SVS SB2000 pro sub in my 12 x11.5 room with absorption behind the speakers. Couldn't be happier with the sound. There is an obvious hump in the 40hz range but really it works well with the Omegas. Small square rooms suck but with lots of work you can get there. My room is still a work in progress but damn I love it!