Will a subwoofer add depth and clarity to my system, or just bass?

Agree with you @noble100 regarding the mix of tones that make up realistic bass response.

Rather reminds me of how adding a supertweeter improves bass definition and impact, by cleaning up the leading edges it gives immediacy and greater realism.

The theory that it’s all about the fundamental frequency is only a tiny part of the puzzle - improving both the full frequency range and the ability of the system to resolve subtle room cues will do much more to improve bass quality than adding any subwoofer (which 9 times out of 10 will mess up the room if it’s been previously optimized for a sub less setup)

Hi Chuck,
     I was just wondering if we hijacked this thread.   We haven't heard from the OP. jazz99/Paul, for awhile now.On his last post on 3/1/19 he stated:  "I suppose one has to make a decision at some point, so will try to decide (after auditioning) between the SVS SB1000 and the JL Audio Dominion D110, which is unfortunately twice the price (but perhaps twice as nice)."  Sorry Paul, we seemed to have got sidetracked discussing dbas. I really would like to still help if I can.

     What's your current thinking?

Tim

   

    

Dear @noble100  : ""  combining a very good mono 4-sub bass dba system with a very good pair of stereo speakers for the mids and treble results in a very natural, very realistic, palpable full range sound stage that I perceive as stereo and lif-like from top to bottom.  

     This supports the theory, which I believe we both agree with, that the higher frequency harmonics of those bass drum whacks reproduced by our l+r main speakers provides the necessary spatial clues to determine exactly where the individual bass drums are located within the 3d sound stage image.  """

I'm running my subs in true stereo fashion and never listen it wired mono but I will do this week ( I hope can do it. ).

In the other side that " theory " about harmonics room/system " effect " maybe needs and additional " theory "/explanation and I said this because:

in that Telarc 1812 LP recording  the lowes bass frequency was/is 6hz and that says that the first 3 harmonics  still " happens through the subs and maybe the 4th starts to be reproduce by the mains speakers. In other recordings like the Dafos LP things performs the same and the position of the bass source is always anchored at the same position even that the higher harmonics to that very low bass fundamental arrives with low SPL against the fundamental/lower harmonics SPL's.

I don't know what you can coment about or other gentlemans .

Btw, I think the OP as me and other readers are learning a lot in this thread dialogue in a main and critical subject as is the " bass room/system/brain management ".

R.

jazz99

Hi Paul,

I was just wondering if we hijacked your thread. We haven’t heard from you for awhile now. On your last post on 3/1/19 you stated: "I suppose one has to make a decision at some point, so will try to decide (after auditioning) between the SVS SB1000 and the JL Audio Dominion D110, which is unfortunately twice the price (but perhaps twice as nice)."

Sorry Paul, we seemed to have got sidetracked discussing dbas but I’d really like to still help if I can.

Any updates on your sub search? What’s your current thinking?

Tim

Dear @folkfreak  : """   improving both the full frequency range and the ability of the system to resolve subtle room cues will do much more to improve bass quality than adding any subwoofer..."""

with passive speakers in a room/system your statement can't be true if we are talking of " true full frequency range " quality performance levels.

Every thing the same maybe we can be " near " to a room/system with subs but can't even it and of course that outperformed is out of question.

The Harman white papers is science and your statement is something different with a different foundation.

Full bass range first main target is evenly low bas dispersion at seat position. The only way that you really can understand it against what you listen through your room/system is to try there the subs " superior " alternative .
First hand experiences on that critical bass issue is a must to have.

As I said we can be near or we can have very good quality performance through our room/system but.........the integration of subs is a little step ahead and in a high-end those tiny/little steps forward means something for the better.

Some day you should try or should not  ! !  ? ? .

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R