Why I'm not adding a sub to my 2-way monitors for music


 

I've updated my blog post with more data, more analysis and the conclusion that in my particular case I do not need a subwoofer.  I encourage everyone who is on the fence about adding a subwoofer or not to read and comment.  I think that either way you'll be able to make more informed buying and configuration choices.

Everyone's situation is different but I hope the post helps you get to the right conclusions.

 

erik_squires

Nothing against those that choose to use a sub, to each their own. To me, it is over kill and not necessary. Most music contains nothing below say 40 hz...most speakers with say a 40 hz rating actually go significantly lower when interacting with the room. Lastly, you will never get the timbre to match the 2 channel speakers. To me, you are ruining the sound of a well designed 2 channel speaker.

Uh, @audioguy85, a statement like this indicates someone who’s never experienced a sub properly set up and hence is focusing on the wrong things.  You have no idea what you’re talking about.  Wilson Audio uses subs with their Alexandrias, which go gobs lower than your speakers could ever hope to.  What do you think you know that they don’t?  Ugh. 

@soix I think @audioguy85 is referring to adding separate sub-woofers to speakers, but not to those that are already part of the speaker system. Not only Wilson, but Vandersteens Quatro have built-in sub-woofers. Those are fine. He is questioning the wisdom of adding sub-woofers by end-users which are not part of the speaker manufacturers recommendation. This is just a trial-and-error procedure hoping to get something in addition to what main speakers deliver.

I have KEF R3 bookshelf speakers. They are substantial for bookshelf speakers. After owning them a few months I decided to add a sub. I added a KEF R400B, It definitely added another dimension to the sound. Although better, I still felt like I was missing something, so I added a second R400B. It has taken a while to get it right, but the 2 subs really complimented the R3s and allow them to do what they do best and the subs take care of the rest. I don't know about all applications, but adding subs worked for me.

Personally, I feel DSP and it's ilk "spoils the cow's milk". I would never think to alter the eq of what the producers in the studio intended. In fact, the goal for my source gear is to preserve that source as purely as possible to feed my phase and time coherent Dunlavy SM-1 monitors, which were designed to be used with a sub. An active analog crossover is key to setting up that sub properly as is room placement etc. I do like the idea of using a device like the omnimic, but only to tune the sub with analog circuits.