2. home-theater
  3. 1417228749

Do I need a subwoofer? Which brand and model?

I mainly listen to classical and jazz - mostly trumpets and violins, with the occasional piano, viola or bass guitar. A couple of my friends have been suggesting to me that my ensemble lacks bass and having a subwoofer will address it. My setup includes a 2 ch. NAD C365BEE integrated amp, Wharfdale EVO 50 loudspeakers (pair), and an Oppo BDP 105 Bluray player as a CD player. The setup is in the living room, with three walls, and the fourth side open to the dining room. The living room itself would have been 18' L X 12' W X 18' H = 3888 cu. ft, but the fact that it opens up to the dining room makes the entire space more like 40' L X 18' W X 12' = 8540 cu. ft. Would I benefit from a subwoofer and which one should I get? Budget $1000 or close to that.
shugho
shugho OP
44 posts
 
Wow! It makes a significant difference to the sound of the piano as well!
shugho OP
44 posts
 
After talking to SVS support, I realized that the crossover was too high, and that phase apparently is not something I need to worry about. I learnt about localization. I still have my crossover high and I don't think it is that localized - I suppose every room is different and tastes differ as well, I am liking it with the crossover high at least with piano, as the low frequency piano notes are now a lot more audible and I like that. Not sure if this is the wrong thing to do but I am ignoring that advice.
shugho OP
44 posts
 
One interesting test I tried was to shut the main speakers off. This allowed me to independently test the effect of the subwoofers and adjust settings until I got what I liked the most. This was an useful test for me,
Post removed 
zd542
5,339 posts
 
This is the problem with having no experience, along with the commitment to not get any because you think you're a scientist. All you do is list other people's opinions on stuff and select only the factual info that you think is important, while not addressing other issues because you simply don't know how to deal with them. The only science that applies in your case is psychology.

"But, in general the higher the low pass filter setting the easier it becomes to localize the sub."

"I've read many people say that the sub should not call attention to itself and you only realize it was in the system after you turn it off and miss its effects."

Pick one. In the first paragraph, you're telling him set the sub up so it can be localized. In the 3rd paragraph you're telling him to set it up so it can't be localized.

"Measuring will help you set it. My understanding is to set the phase control such that it maximizes the bass response. Doing so will let you turn the overall level down and give you some headroom; you are effectively taking advantage of the room by not destructively interfering with the main speakers."

Maybe you should actually try it. The logic in that paragraph has more holes in it than a French Poodle that was hit with a 12 gauge shot gun. Give him some headroom? That implies that he has none to begin with. How do you know that?

"you are effectively taking advantage of the room by not destructively interfering with the main speakers."

That doesn't even make sense. You take advantage of the room by not destructively interfering with the main speakers? Scientist, my ass.
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