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Surprised

Every time I listen to my system I am delighted with the sound, realism, imaging, tonal quality etc. First to describe my system in 2-channel since it seems most people who read these forums listen to either 2-channel or 2.1 channel.
I have a pair of Paradigm Signature S2’s and compliment each of them with a REL R-528. The REL’s are connected high level at the binding post of the amplifier (Anthem P5). It took awhile but I have them dialed in pretty good to the point when I watch something, even a movie streamed from my computer (Amazon) which comes through in 2-channel, I’m fooled thinking my center channel is active. When low frequency information is delivered, I forget there are subwoofers and the whole soundstage comes alive.
I just wonder why more people don’t opt for quality bookshelf speakers each complimented with it’s own dedicated subwoofer. Keeping in mind the REL is different than conventional subs in the way it gets the same exact signal signature as the main speakers.
I’m interested in hearing others thoughts on my scheme as opposed to floor standers with a single sub with appears most popular.
oldschool1
bondmanp
1,804 posts
 
I had no trouble integrating my Vandersteen 2Wq subs (each with the M5-HP crossover) with my Ohm Walsh 2000s. No, these are not stand-mounts, but still, it could not have been easier. I plunked the subs in the corners, where they are designed to go, adjusted the output level and Q control, a process that took just a few minutes, and - bam! - deep, tight, powerful, and completely integrated bass that sounds like it is wholly a part of the music, not eminnating from the two boxes in the corners. I did mass-load each sub as recommended by Vandersteen, but it was really easy. I don’t have the time or the patience to fiddle too much with my system. I want to spend my precious and rare free time listeing to music.
wolf_garcia
6,686 posts
 
Sorry you missed the humor in my post Clearthink (I bet you're a LOT of fun at  parties), but I still wonder if anyone moves a sub a little from time to time. I don't need any suggestions regarding my "fiddling" with my system as I've had decades as a professional working musician and currently overpaid live concert sound technician to learn what is fiddle worthy. 
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,403 posts
 
oldschool1nice system! Anthem, Paradigm and REL are sonic matches and work very well together. Happy Listening!
wspohn's avatar
wspohn
597 posts
 
Integration is always at least a possible issue with subs. Many are very flexible and easy to integrate like the REL, Vandersteen, and Hsu, but many are not.

Most subs aren't for really low bass, they are for bass from about 60 Hz and down and I've seen both really good pairing and really horrid sounding pairings.

The question of why people don't go this way more often is probably that when you buy a full range speaker, the manufacturer has already done all the integration work for you and you can bet it will be optimal.  OTOH, if you are building a  system on a budget, separates offer stepwise progress even if it wouldn't have cost more to just buy the full range speaker in the first place.

I listened to a pair of Spica TC-50s with Vandersteen 2Ws and it was pretty impressive, so very good sound is possible either way..
bondmanp
1,804 posts
 
@wspohn - Good point.  However, it depends on what you're after.  My mains go down to the mid-30 Hz range on their own.  The bass is clean, extended, and not at all boomy.  Nevertheless, for a bass freak like me, they just cannot pressurize a room the way my subs can.  Maybe if I had more than 150 watts per side feeding them they would put out a bit more bass, but my two Vandy 2Wqs put out a total of 600 watts RMS to six 8" woofers in pretty solid cabs.  No full-range speaker that I could ever afford will pressurize my room the way these subs do, and without calling attention to themselves at all.  I guess my point is this:  If you can't afford really good full range speakers, a well integrated subwoofer (or, better, pair of subs) is an economical short-cut to full range sound.
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