Top notch speakers with their own sub
Deqx powered systems from Salk, Selah, Lyngdorf and a few others are probably the current gen lineal descendants of the approach described by your Infinity Preludes. These are all actively crossed, multi-amped systems (the subwoofer amps are now BYO), and they now add digital room correction. Not precisely analogous to the Preludes, but these are probably the best for fit your "current technology" criterion that I know of. Marty |
I'd agree with the post which suggests separate subs to get the full-monty effect in specific rooms with various responses to low frequency sound waves. One of the finest effects I've heard in that respect has been the satellite sub system offered by Audiokinesis. This system offers seamless integration of subs in the most challenging of rooms, and the effect is astounding. The system is called the Planetarium System and is available in two forms. |
I certainly don't mind supplying amplifiers for various drivers including the subs. It's the seemless integration of the subs with other drivers to have coherent sound that I am worried about. Perhaps I'm wrong, but so far from the discussion, it comes across that the major speaker manufacturers don't get into system approach. In other word, you are on your own if you want to add sub-woofers into "standard" pair of speakers. This is for music listening, yet "standard" speakers don't have that abudance of a deep base sub-woofers can provide. Nor can you afford having the base coming from somewhere else but the primary speakers. At least with home theater, incoherance is more tolerable. |
Nor can you afford having the base coming from somewhere else but the primary speakers. At least with home theater, incoherance is more tolerable. I would take exception to your position. I can only touch on a few points that may explain; Sub level bass is non-directional and can be integrated, sometimes far more effectively, when produced from a point outside of the main speakers housing. The soundwaves at that level are much slower and longer than the others produced by your main speakers. I think room nodes have tremendous potential to wreak havoc with bass reproduction and in doing so have a detrimental affect on other parts of the range and generally in the natural presentation of the sound and timing. I'm by no means an expert...look to experts in the field for far more information than I could ever provide. From my own listening to various systems (my own, friends, and at shows) the best effects I've heard have come from satellite systems - that's not to say that speakers with integrated subs cannot do deep bass very well too - I have heard the PBN Montana's mentioned above by their representative (?) and they produced thunderous bass, practically to the point of distraction, but very effective. Rattle your fillings bass. I would remind you again that your room will have a profound effect on how that bass is delivered to your ears where you sit and listen. With the subs attached to the mains your only potential for adjustments are positioning of the (large) main speakers, and or room treatments (which may be a good idea regardless). Optimal position for the sub may not necessarily be the optimal position for the mains. The best (most natural) integration I've ever heard has been in Satellite systems with 2 or more subs that are separate from the mains and not always positioned near the mains. The Audiokinesis approach uses 4 subs placed asymmetrically around the room to cancel out room nodes. No association and I don't own Duke's speakers, but would certainly consider a set in the future. The word is "bass", not "base", by the way. |
