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will adding a subwoofer improve overall audio

hi. my question is: will adding a subwoofer to my audio system improve overall performance, soundstage, clarity, etc. my system is: jm labs focal 918's(8' triangle between speakers, and away from listening chair), bat amp and pre amp, rega saturn cd player, running springs power conditioner, jps audio interconnects, kimber kable speaker cable. i have a small listening room, and am thinking the sub would help. also, any sub recomendations? i'm thinkin rel, jl audio, or b&w. thanks for the input, gil
gilman6125
ras422
182 posts
 
OK--you have lots of good thoughts on this thread about subs-It comes down to your system and personal preference whether you use a xover or run your mains with full signal and and let your sub or subs xover at whatever low pass you find works best--my stats are almost flat to 40hz(measured professionally)by xovering them at 50hz with a good active xover I get much increased dynamics etc--I use 2 jlaudio fathom 113s---they do not come with built in xovers --I have tried it the other way with the mains running full and the subs blending and prefer using the xover --see reviews of jl subs in absolute sound and st phile where they used xovers--there are no rights or wrongs just personal preferences and system issues that you have to find out for yourself--good luck Rich
detlof
1,899 posts
 
I've only stumbled late unto this thread and as far as my personal experience with all sorts of sub systems goes, I find Newbee's advice excellent. For all it is worth I have nothing to add or subtract from it, except if properly set up, it may give you some more sound stage clues - not affect the sound stage per se - often more felt than heard, if a really good sub is integrated well with the rest of your system.
sounds_real_audio
1,012 posts
 
The Wilson benesch Torus will do all the above. It wouldn't improve the clarity of your speakers, but will the lower bass. Not a lot of buzz on it, though JV at TAS did an in depth review, pretty expensive at 10K. Since I am a dealer for WB I am sure my phone will be ringing with orders.

Boy in a small room wouldn't Gilman be better served to go with a better CD player?
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jp1208
502 posts
 
I have Electra 936's and 2 JL Audio F113's and it is a HUGE improvement. I would have never bought these subs from reading posts or reviews. What I was reading however made me find some to demo. These add a great deal of depth and you will feel like you have different speakers once dialed in. They handle the higher frequencies with extreme control so don't be afraid to cross these over at 80hz. The sub also hides well at these higher crossover points. I think you would be impressed with the F113. The Velodyne DD18 gets my vote as well but the JL fit my area.
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