2. speakers
  3. 160927-150037

Do you use a Subwoofer when listening to stereo?

I thought using a 12 inch b&w asw 2000 sub would b good to allow my b&w 804 d3’s to better handle freq above 80 hz (ie. benefit from sharing burden).  I am not sure this is prudent as my well powered 804s can probably handle those lower frequencies just fine, and may make them sound better vs cutting them off from flowing thru the 804s.
My Stereo listening is done by streaming thru a nucleus connected via usb to a chord Hugo tt2 and then to a marantz 5014 via coaxial, then to a McIntosh mc255 and then off to speakers referred to above

 Does excluding sub from stereo make sense?
emergingsoul
djones51
4,947 posts
 
Depends somewhat on the type of music you listen to and your age. I find most of what I listen to I don't need a subwoofer but my speakers will go down to around 24hz  measured with REW 
emergingsoul OP
1,096 posts
 
I like functionality of avr where I can view tv screen while listening to stereo.

its very easy with the marantz avr.  I just press one key on remote to change source and that’s it ( ‘video select’ is their version of independent service).  Of course all this follows pressing play on roon.
not sure if other higher end preamps will work this well.

big_greg
6,622 posts
 
I use 4 subs in my main system.  I have 3 smaller systems.  Each of them has a subwoofer.  Where space permits, more is better.  

I have to agree with the person that said to consider ditching the receiver before you do anything else.  Get a preamp (or an integrated amp and ditch the Mac amps also) that has home theater bypass and use it for two channel listening and limit the Marantz to home theater use.  Then start adding some subs.
emergingsoul OP
1,096 posts
 
Why don’t you like McIntosh? Due to multi Chanel amp? Mac does a great job with amps under one roof.  That’s why the don’t sell smaller mono amps, the don’t need too.

i likely will get a stereo preamp and need to explore the process of switching back and forth between stereo and ht, ie. How many steps involved.
edcyn
1,876 posts
 
I'm an old school guy. I have a reasonably priced Paradigm 10" subwoofer parked to the left of my out-in-the-room NOLA Boxers, set up against the back wall but not too near the corner. I used my ears and a stereo test CD to match levels with the rest of my system and minimize boom. My system doesn't go all the way down to 20hz but I figure I'm able to enjoy a pretty good 30.  Bottom line (heh-heh) -- the subwoofer significantly enhances my modest system. Not only does it provide bass, it increases the size and believability of the soundstage.
More to discover