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Why the fascination with subwoofers?

I have noticed many posts with questions about adding subwoofers to an audio system. Why the fascination with subwoofers? I guess I understand why any audiophile would want to hear more tight bass in their audio system, but why add a subwoofer to an existing audio system when they don’t always perform well, are costly, and are difficult to integrate with the many varied speakers offered. Additionally, why wouldn’t any audiophile first choose a speaker with a well designed bass driver designed, engineered and BUILT INTO that same cabinet? If anyone’s speakers were not giving enough tight bass, why wouldn’t that person sell those speakers and buy a pair that does have tight bass?
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yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,779 posts
 
Why do you think you will need a subwoofer with any of those Vandersteens that you auditioned at Audio Connection? I use a subwoofer with my small stand mount speakers that only go down to 75hz. I would think those full range Vandersteens would not need a subwoofer!
clio09
3,360 posts
 
I am a former AudioKinesis owner and really respect Duke's work. His Swarm is a great system. I took a similar path as I wanted smaller drivers and boxes. I use 8" drivers in 0.4 cu. ft. sealed boxes. The four boxes sit at various spots in the room. I use a Beveridge RM-3 active crossover with LP and HP boards cut at 100 Hz, Linkwitz-Riley 4th order 24 dB slope. Amplifiers for above 100 Hz are either Atma-Sphere or Music Reference, the bottom a vintage Luxman. I use this set up with my ESLs and box speakers and all I can say is I wish I did this a lot sooner. I can't see going back.
gdnrbob
4,460 posts
 
@brskie,
I own the non-CT Treos, and have 2 2wq subs. I am very happy with the combo. So much so, I will probably get the new Sub 3's when I sell the 2w's.
If it were me, first I would ask Johnny.
Barring that, I would think getting 2 Sub 3's with the Treo's might possibly be a smidge better than the Quatro's(as you can distribute the bass within the room)- Only if you have limited room/placement options-which is my problem.
The Treo's are a tad smaller than the Quatro's and I can place them easier in my cluttered LR/DR.
As far as amps go, the Pass should be a nice match. I have no experience with AR.
One thing I would offer is that Vandy's like zero feedback amps.
I use Ayre and Atma-Sphere.
Bob
gdnrbob
4,460 posts
 
@yogiboy ,
Vandies don't 'need' subs, but having them really fleshes things out, subtle but noticeable. Quatro's have built in subs with equalizer.
B
mirolab
208 posts
 
If you can hear the sub, then it's too loud.  A good friend of mine always has his up a bit, and he complains that he cannot hear mine.... but you sure miss it if I turn it OFF.  In my studio I run stereo 15" subs... they make great monitor stands, but they do not call attention to themselves unless the music demands.   
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