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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
1,836 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.
wspohn's avatar
wspohn
622 posts
 
Good bass is possible at acceptable cost if you look to heritage speakers.

I still use some late 1980s Vandersteen 4As in one of my rooms. They were built in small numbers at much higher price in between filling all the orders for the 2Cs and they were overly complicated - basically a separate push-pull subwoofer in a single cabinet, driven by a separate amplifier and, to get best sound, a Vandersteen made active crossover.  I have two bass amps, two amps for mid and highs, triwired, with separate crossover.  But the pay off was that they sound very good indeed, probably better than anything up to the Vandersteen 5, they were 3Db down at 24 Hz, and they can be found (if you look awhile) for under $2K - sometimes well under. 

There are a number of other classic speakers that were true full range including many under that price point - I'm sure people could recommend any number of them, Maggies, Infinity etc.

In other words, a full range set of speakers for less than you paid for one of your RELs.....
wolf_garcia
6,794 posts
 
I paid 200 bucks each for my 2 RELs.
bondmanp
1,836 posts
 
@wspohn - Well, sure, you basically turned the 4's into a full-range tower with powered woofers.  That works as well, even though the argument can be made that being able to position the subs and the mains independently has some advantages.  To go that route, there are now affordable options, such as Golden Ear Tritons, some Legacy models, and others.  But here's another consideration.  I had my 2Wqs before I got the speakers I have now.  I loved the 2Wqs; my old speakers, not so much.  I was able to upgrade my mains to something I like much better, while keeping the bass I love.  Try that with a full range tower!
harrylavo's avatar
harrylavo
346 posts
 
My solution is a two channel / four channel setup (center bridged) using Thiel 3.5 equalized speakers.  The four channels virtually eliminate room modes in the three rooms I've used this setup in, and the bass does truly extend down to 20Hz.  Poof!!  There go the subwoofers and integration issues.
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