Subwoofer


Looking to add a subwoofer to my 2 channel system. Problem arises in that there is only one location give or take 2 feet in all directions where the subwoofer can be. 

Very large untreated open concept room. 14 ft tray ceilings, about 30 ft by 20 ft. Hardwood floors. Serious WAF. Maybe one day will have dedicated room but for now should I wait, make it "work" with eq, accept the limitations of the location, hope it works?

Suggestions please. Maybe a particular brand addresses this.

Modwright integrated, vintage Thorens, Innuos streamer,  Kef R3. Kef LS50. Usher 530. Watkins.  Ryan R2. 

jpwarren58

Find an audio buddy who will loan you a sub.  Install it in your "only" location, and make sure it isn't a "suck out" node in your room at which all low freq disappears, or a node which exaggerates low freq regardless of what adjustments you make.  If either of those conditions persists, forget the sub and be thankful you just saved yourself a bunch of $$.

What’s your budget ?  Both JL audio, and Rel have a stacked model 2 in 1 space 

@grislybutter - agree totally

I've just added 2 Rel S812 Subs to compliment my Kef Ref 5's.

My hifi buddy Rod uses 2 subs with his Wilson Sasha Daws and when I asked him to turn them off I was quite surprised at the difference so, I experimented with my (old) Kef TDM45 sub on my system. I could see the potential but nothing like the benefits shown on Rods system using 2 subs. He kindly bought his Rel S5 subs to my house and then I realised the potential. - I had to buy some!

All my speakers are Kef so I was drawn to them first but I don't think you can connect them using 'high level' inputs directly from mono amps so that put me off. Also, after watching many John Hunter videos I thought that Rel was the way to go. they only make subs ... right?

anyway, bottom line is I have been well pleased. Bottom end bass has obviously improved but to me the most pleasing aspect is the weight now given to the mid bass and vocals and especially the guitar. Listening at lower volume levels is far more enjoyable as well, much more overall presence.

so, if you can, find a way to integrate two subs - you won't regret it

good luck

@markprice 

glad to hear you mention how adding subs has not only added bottom end but has enhanced all the sound. This has been my results as well. I listen to any music eith guitars and find a well integrated sub bring weight to the guitars and the vocals and the drums. I crossover at a higher rang than most as I like to have the sub help with those midrange frequencies as well. To the op yes two or a full array is always better but one will still sound great when set right. 

Bass play a great role enjoying the music...Even for localization ( phase angle) and imaging and soundstage...

And hearing tuba clearly and deeply and organ bass note is like , time to time making love with a plump woman and not always with an anorexic, an another cosmos of love or sounds... :)

One sub only , everybody say it, is very difficult to balance ( impiossible for me in my experience)...