Do you think you need a subwoofer?


Why almost any one needs subwoofers in their audio systems?

I talk with my audio friends about and each one give me different answers, from: I don't need it, to : I love that.

Some of you use subwoofers and many do in the speakers forum and everywhere.

The question is: why we need subwoofers ? or don't?

My experience tell me that this subwoofers subject is a critical point in the music/sound reproduction in home audio systems.

What do you think?
Ag insider logo xs@2xrauliruegas
Rauliruegas, I have no experience with the Tannoys. My only question is whether you hear music when only they are on. With both the Townshends and Muratas, you hear no music at all, just various pops and clicks.

What convinced me about the Muratas was a demonstration of them at CES years ago. They played music on a full range speaker with the Muratas on. Next they replayed the music with them off. All in the audience said almost as one, wow, put them back on. While the members of the audience were talking among themselves, there was silence. Finally, one guy asked what do the Muratas sound like by themselves? The demonstrator said you have been listening to them for quite some time. We all focused on what we were hearing and heard occasional pop or click. I bought a pair, and frequently did the demonstration for those visiting me.
Dear Tbg: In my system I really like ST. I bought the Tannoys because made a better match to my speakers but I like too the Muratas even that I never had the opportunity to heard it.

Using the ST gives to my system a quality performance improve at both frequency extremes.

Btw, the Tannoys " only " goes to 60khz not 100khz like the Muratas or Townshend, but works for me.

Certainly the ST integration in a speaker system is a lot easy than subs integration and because the rewards with both items IMHO are worth to try it.

I think that the " problem " with the subwoofers integration in a passive speaker system is the very low knowledge of the people and the same for STs.

Unfortunatelly ( like many other things. ) the AHEE already maintained the subs subject between " dense clouds " and that's why our poor understanding about and understanding of the subs huge advantages ( in favor of MUSIC. ) in a two music stereo system.

Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.
Dear Tbg: Btw, AHEE means: Audio High End Establishment.

regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.
Here's my system:

Bryston amp 4B SST C-Series (2-channel)
Bryston preamp sp 1.7
Paradigm Reference Studio/40 v.2 (front speakers)
Paradigm Reference Studio Center Speaker CC / v2 (Center)
JBL PB12 12" inch Powered Subwoofer
Cambridge Azur 540D the CD/DVD Player

I listen to music 95% of time on 2-channel stereo and I don't like the bass on my music at all. The JBL sub did not blend well with my speakers. I am looking for more "tight" and "deep" bass for the music. What I noticed was that if I select the front speakers as "Large" and turn off the sub then the bass sounds better, but it is less bass and I wanted to be more.

The question is:
1. Should I upgrade my front speakers and get rid of the sub or should I replace sub for a better one?
2. What type of speakers sounds well with my Bryston amp? I like the B&W speakers, what do you think if I upgrade my speakers to B&W?

Thanks.
Vu,

Describe your listening room including size/approximate dimensions please.

Thanks.