Do I need a subwoofer?
Hopefully I’ve framed this in a way to help people answer. Up until recently I have had a combo 2-channel/home theater system (Krell preamp with home theater bypass, Bryston 5 channel amp, PSB Synchrony 1s bi-amped speakers, Marantz home theater receiver, Power Sound Audio XV15 subwoofer, Oppo CD player). I wanted extra oomph for surround sound movie watching and occasionally some rock music, hence the sub. I was never really impressed with the XV15 sub (have it for sale now). It is insanely large and I wasn’t sure it was adding the oomph I expected, even after having a local hifi shop owner come out for a listen and tune.
What’s changed: A few weeks ago I inherited my late father’s B&W 801 speakers circa 1980, which I have put in place of my PSBs and am enjoying thoroughly despite the age difference.
My questions: (1) would a sub still be of value in my setup (I still like a lot of bass) and (2) what might folks recommend?
Thank you.
That is not how it works. Every frequency is "down" at 3 meters, but depending on cancellation, room response, it could be up at 26. |
I have 2 sb3000. Very happy with them. Ht they do a fantastic job. Looking to add another one soon. They sound great with music, but I am 95 percent ht. Listened to rel t9/I and jl. Decided on svs. Sb3000 had great reviews so I jumped in, no regrets. I've also seen many great reviews on psa. I have one sub in front between TV and speaker and another opposite rear corner. One sub is OK. But 2 is definitely needed. I have a anthem avm 60 and used it's room correction, gave me poor results. Friend came over and used rew. Deal breaker. If I was going to change subs I probably would look into the psa 21 sealed. Like I said I'm mainly HT. Good luck |
@mijostyn my preference for now is no sub. cheers. |
@soix it was so loud in the old Barn. The UC is nice but……the washrooms are a lot nicer lol. |
By and large a sub is a good idea. Most 'full range' speakers are not quite full range. However, consider that many people run stand mounts happily. To my way of thinking either get a good sub or just run with what you have. Two (or more) subs or just one? There is an overwhelming consensus that multiple subs are better than one. This obvious truth is unhelpful. The issue cannot be seen in a vacuum. First up, there may be space issues. Second two subs will cost more than one. I consider it better to get one better quality sub. On the other hand it may actually be easier to locate two subs than one. This is on the basis that you cannot get a perfect location for one sub. Now you really do need to get two subs. Now, what brand of sub? I guess reputation and reviews and forum opinions are very helpful. Let me add a bit more: try to get a sub that will integrate with your system - ie integrate with your amp and your speakers. Here are my tips: First, if possible get a sub that takes high-level input. That is to say it takes the signal from the power amp rather than the pre amp. (Not a big deal if you have an integrated). The reason is that your sub and your speakers will share the exact same signal. This is better because the signal from the pre-amp is a little different than the signal from the power amp. This is strikingly obvious if you had a solid state pre and a tube power amp. Second, try to match your sub and the power amp. If your power amp runs SS with mosfets, then a sub with mosfets would be ideal Third, try to match your sub with your speakers. So: paper cone - paper cone; carbon fiber cone - carbon fiber cone (what I have). Ported design - ported design; sealed cabinet - sealed cabinet. Best of luck
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