2. speakers
  3. 173971-117640

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
audiorusty
270 posts
 

Hi Bob,

Subs can make a substantial difference to most any system if they are set up correctly.  The addition of a high pass filter between the sub and your mains goes a long way in helping with that set-up. Unfortunately it does not appear that your Hegel is capable of integrating a high pass filter (i.e. crossover) into your system. I would look into subs that contain a high pass filter, such as the JL Audio “e” series or the Audiokinesis Swarm.

Talk with Duke at Audiokinesis to see if the Swarm will work with your system. Duke offers some of the best customer service in the industry and imo, the Swarm may be the best value available in subwoofer systems.

Also, read this.

https://www.soundoctor.com/whitepapers/subs.htm

(Full disclosure; I do not own a Swarm system)

simonmoon's avatar
simonmoon
515 posts
 

Yes, a pair of subs will help your system immensely. 

Not only will they fill in the lower octaves of music you are missing, that provide a lot  of visceral impact. But there is a lot of ambient information carried in very low frequencies, so imaging and soundstage will improve, too. 

rocray's avatar
rocray
1,448 posts
 

+1 @simonmoon 

rocray's avatar
rocray
1,448 posts
 

+2 @musicaddict 

paradisecom
307 posts
 

The most important part of extracting great performance with subwoofer(s) has been touched on by a couple of others. It is not only proper integration with your main speakers, but more importantly, with your room. Getting bass "right" can be challenging due to how the room reacts when adding a subwoofer or subwoofers. Proper phase setup along with physical location in the room relative to your mains and listening position is critical. Getting that proper integration can take days or even longer with experimentation of not only the settings on the subwoofer, but also its position within the room. Even moving the subwoofer a foot in one direction or another can have big impacts on peaks, nulls, "boominess" etc.

But with patience, it can lead to a whole new experience.

More to discover