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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
enginedr1960
173 posts
 

http://www.tonepublications.com/review/the-rel-212se-subwoofer/Enter your text ...

Good read . I heard these subs in Jim Smiths room with his Tannoy speakers . Outstanding !

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jhills
622 posts
 
Over the years, I’ve enjoyed some very decent speakers, including Quad ESL 63s, Vandi 2cis, Geshhmans, ADS, PSB and others. One of my favorite small speakers (for small spaces) was a set of Focal. 2 way mini monitors, with external x-overs. Very sweet indeed and beautiful to boot. Even without a sub, they sounded very full, detailed and musical. I can only imagine how nice they would have sounded, if I’d had my ADS sub to mate with them back then...Jim
tutetibiimperes
202 posts
 
I'm a big fan of adding subwoofers for music listening.  Unless you have a big space and a big budget most unpowered towers can't manage more than the mid-30hz region before rolling off hard, and even then you're using almost all of your amp's power to handle the bass.  

Using stand-mounts (or even towers) that are bass managed with a subwoofer or two eases the load on your amplifier and gives you much deeper and stronger bass than you'd get with any passive tower.    

I'm a fan of using electronic bass management vs the passive high-level cable hookup that REL and Vandersteen use.  Unfortunately it's not something found in most 2-channel processors or integrateds, but at least there are some nice options now, and most allow you to apply some room correction DSP to the lower frequencies (and the upper ones if you wish) to smooth out peaks so there's no boominess.  The better systems, like Anthem's ARC will also pick the best crossover point and slope automatically so that you can get a seamless blend between your subwoofers and your mains. 
bondmanp
1,835 posts
 
@d2girls - Three reasons:  Money, money, and money.
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