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What do you guys think of adding a subwoofer to this system?

I am just getting back into 2 channel music and critical listening. My system is comprised of B&W 805 Diamonds and a Hegel H390 integrated amplifier.  My audio source is primarily Tidal MQA files streamed thru a Bluesound Node 2i.  I stream digital out of the node 2i using a decent coaxial cable into the Hegel.  I use decent cables from the Hegel to the speakers.  
 

The rom is quite large 15x20’ with quite high sloping ceilings.  16’ over speakers and  12’ to the rear behind me.

the system (imho)sounds very good.  In fact I think it is the best system I have ever assembled.  Imagining, detail and separation is excellent . Midrange  is detailed and sharp.  Low end is tight.   I think the speakers roll off at 49 hz.

I can’t say enough positive about the Hegel H390. That is one fine piece of audio equipment and is certainly a keeper.  I gush every time I turn it on!

I have tried subwoofers in the past but have always been disappointed.  I know subs have come a long way and would be interested in your thoughts especially people who have a similar system.

I have found some discussion on this subject but thought I might ask the question directly.  I apologize in advance if I missed some relevant discussion.

Thanks for any advice.

 

Bob-

 

 

bobo2006
m-db's avatar
m-db
969 posts
 

Which subwoofers disappointed you and where / how did you position them?

Have you considered B&W's own DB1 or DB2? 

mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,488 posts
 

Bob, unless you go to the extreme of buying a digital preamp with bass management and room control bypassing the low pass filter in the subwoofers, and get two very high quality subs you are always likely to be disappointed if you are critical with your bass. But, done right it would add greatly to your system increasing head room, lowering distortion and extending the bass down below 20 Hz. People will say the it is unnecessary to go below 20 Hz because you can not hear it. This is dead wrong. You can't hear it but you sure can feel it. Big venues breath at very low frequencies and with digital playback you can feel this in good live recordings. One problem with vinyl is that the very low bass is confused by record irregularities and to prevent your woofers from flying across the room you have to use a high pass filter below 20 Hz. 

ditusa's avatar
ditusa
1,876 posts
 

+4 For two subwoofers.

bobo2006 OP
6 posts
 

Thank you to everyone who has replied.  I apologize for not responding sooner.  I am still digesting all the responses.  It feels like the solution maybe  more complicated than I anticipated.  

 

To: m-db

Sorry man, I do not recall what subwoofer was tested.  I do remember that it had an integral power amp .  It probably was at least 10 years ago so the details are a bit fuzzy.  I do remember it being really sloppy.  It was loaned to me from my local Audio shop (Listenup) for an at home audition.  That shop has always carried decent audio equipment.  I'm not blaming the shop or the equipment. I'm pretty sure I did not set it up properly.

Forum and responders, Thank you again.  This place is awesome wealth of information.

I have much studying and work to do on this subject.

Cheers!

Bob-

jim5559
604 posts
 

Foolish to even have a sub  if you do critical listening !

If you are a rocker makes zero what you do.

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