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How To Add A Sub To B&W N802's

I am thinking about buying one of the B&W 800 series subwoofers to my N802's. I honestly know nothing about how to go about this or if it is even a good idea? I thought about upgrading to bigger B&W's like the 801's but thought this might be an easier and cheaper route. Any advice on this at all?
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Showing 3 responses by shadorne

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shadorne
7,477 posts
 
JL F113 or SVS PB13 Ultra are worth checking out.
shadorne's avatar
shadorne
7,477 posts
 
Assuming you plan to use bass management (TACT, PARC or some such device for room modes) then go for it. I am not familiar with B&W subs and they may include thus feature.

Otherwise you may find room modes iompressive but too much for good two channel listening.
shadorne's avatar
shadorne
7,477 posts
 
The simplest may be to get a Y adaptor to take your preamp outs to the sub and your mains.

Since you have large floorstanders then I would run them full range and use the sub to fill in just the bottom octave.

The issue you will face is room modes....large peaks and nulls in the bass response below 100 Hz due to the room....in most rooms you end up with boomy bass and two or three peaks that need an EQ notch filter to bring then down and lots of acoustic treatment to try to keep the bass even above 100 Hz. Look up Rives PARC on their website for info.

It would be a big mistake to get a $3500 sub and not check your setup for room modes and try to EQ it a bit to get something a bit smoother....
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