Do you think you need a subwoofer?

Hi lewm,

     I already knew the 845s are one of the most efficient Sound Labs ever made (about 89 db).  It sounds like your mods made them even more efficient and a good match with your OTL tube amp.

     I was just listing all the benefits I thought going to a DBA would have in your situation.  I now understand you don't really need to decrease the demand on your OTL.  You're more interested in a DBA to get a more full-range frequency balance and increase bass definition.

     I can confirm that a Debra or Swarm DBA will give your system high quality bass that is capable of blending seamlessly with your Sound Labs while it's also able to reproduce deep,powerful and impactful bass when the content calls for it.

     Just to clarify, Duke sells the Audio Kinesis Swarm and James Romeyn Audio LLC.  in Utah sells the Debra system. Here's a link to the Debra system:
http://jamesromeyn.com/old-pages/home-audio-gear/dsa-1-0-distributed-subwoofer-array-5-pieces-4k-usd...


 They're both basically the same 4 sub DBA, with small differences mainly in the subs' construction.  James licenses the rights to sell it from his friend Duke.   They both come with the same 1,000 watt class A/B sub amp, are both rated accurate down to 20 hertz, about the same system price and share the exact same setup procedure.  Either system will deliver excellent bass response that is very evenly dispersed due to the significant reduction in bass standing waves in your room.

     I didn,t know you bought your Sound Labs from Duke.  He'll be able to give you good advice on how well the Swarm would integrate with your 845s.

  Good idea to give him a call,

                Tim   

     

Dear @enginedr1960: I think that you can have even better results if your monitor hi-pass changes from 50hz to 80hz. You can do it listen it and decide about. It's only an alternative to test it.


regards and enjoy the music,
R.

Thanks  R I have been thinking that myself . I need to change the value of the amps signal line caps . I will give it a try .

Thanks, Noble. I did find the Romeyn website for the Debra, by searching on "Audiokinesis Debra", oddly. As you note, they are similar in price and very similar in composition.  So this begs the question, why are two different and so similar products co-existing?  Do you have a feel for the audible differences between the two?  And, a question I will address to Duke as well, does the set-up provide for a hi-pass filter to feed the amplifier that is driving the main speakers?

Hi Tim great thing about this hobby is there are many ways to achieve great sound . I chose my components very carefully based on my preferences . I do my research and know how to read in between the lines . I am a engine builder by trade I take the same approach in building a audio system as a high performance engine . I apply the system to the room . The Bent passive Dave Slagle autoformer volume control is a great component . The volume control in most audio systems is the weak link . Do some web research on transformer and autoformer volume controls . I have a great sounding system at the lower volume range then all the others I have heard . Remember you cant fix it unless you know how it works !