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Monitor W. Subwoofer VS. Floorstander??

I recently found a good pair of monitors, and I'm wondering if I should combine them with a sub? Also, this is going to be strictly for 2 channel listening. However, I heard it is "Very" difficult to optimally match a subwoofer with a monitor. Is that true? If I could put together a synergistic sub/monitor combo, would it rival the sound of a good floorstander? Lastly, what are the disadvantages and advantages in going the route of a monitor and subwoofer combo for music? Thanks!
Stan
stanwymane1a5
avguygeorge
2,300 posts
 
Stan; Depends on your speakers / and does the pre have two main outs? The Rel subs fill in very well.(Storm/ or above) Also depends on how big the room is/ do we play loud?/might need 2 subs. Downside- the work on placement. (To pressurize the room)The Rels work best with good mains that have bass of there own.
sedond
1,387 posts
 
i tink this is a *great* way to go. many ridiculously-priced hi-end speakers are in fact monitors & subs, even if the *monitors* are huge, in their own right. and, a truly full-range speaker in one box can present placement problems of its own, that can actually be made easier w/a monitor/sub system. ie - sometimes soundstaging has to be compromised for optimum bass responce, or wicw-wersa.

regarding subs, i'd recommend two, regardless of room-size, or how loud ewe like to listen. yule definitely get better soundtage results, placement/integration w/the monitors will be easier, and, whatever wolume ewe listen at, the distortion will be lower, cuz each sub will be outputting at a lower level for any given db-level as one sub playing at that level. as to which subs, i'm partial to the vmps, as they're passive, which gives ewe the choice of x-over configuration and amplification. and, it will *still* be less $$$ than two powered subs, for anyting even remotely approaching the quality yule get w/the vmps, imo. i recommend the marchand deluxe xm-9 x-over - wery transparent, & wery flexble - ewe should be able to mate the vmps (or any good passive sub, for that matter) w/pretty-much any speaker w/this x-over. for amplification any decent used solid-state power amp will be fine.

i've had long-term success w/a pair of thiel 3.5's (these speakers, flat to 20 hz, still had the total presentation improved w/my subs), and my current speakers, meret re's. if yure unfamiliar w/the re's they use the same drivers, & were designed by the same guy that designed the artemis eos'. short-term use has seen proac tablettes, nht super-ones, and totem arrows all successfully integrated into my system.

doug s.

milo
58 posts
 
I agree with avgguy with the exception that you shouldn't overlook the REL Strata (one model below Storm), depending on room size. With any of them, allow it to break in and then you'll need to spend some time with crossover and volume. It's worth the effort. Also, depending on the full range speakers you're auditioning, the monitor/sub combo may provide better bass extension.
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