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Do I need a sub woofer to match my ATC SCM11s

Hi,
I love my speakers (ATC SCM 11s), but am wondering if adding a sub woofer would better my experience? The speakers are on stands being driven by a Hegel H160. Any suggestions/tips to further enhance my system would be greatly appreciated. 


jeres8860
jeres8860 OP
10 posts
 

So I've had my sub set up for a week now and I'm loving the addition to my system. I was at a crossroads, in that, do I reverse course and sell my ATCs and my newly purchased stands that cost me close to a grand and get tower speakers, or do I venture to improve the sound I currently have? I'm not sure there was a right answer as there's always better; I could  also get two subs and replace my ATC SCM11s with 19s, that would objectively better. Anyways, I'm pleased with my decision and am loving my improved, weightier sound. I've played around with location and settings and with advice (thanks again Tim!) I think I've nailed it...for now. This isn't my first time at the rodeo and I know I will forever be trying to improve things whether its adjusting settings and positions or buying new products or replacing everything and starting again. I'm very happy with my current decision and can't wait to get home after work and throw on some music. for now, I'm in awe! Thanks again everyone!


One last point, I really do love the Rel, I think their high level connection really works. the timing is excellent. very pleased with that decision as well.

noble100's avatar
noble100
2,419 posts
 

Hello noble 100,

"some systems use two subs, -is the integration of two subs easier, more seamless."

Hello changeout,

     In most systems and rooms, I think 2 subs will provide better bass performance than 1, 3 subs will work better than 2 and 4 subs will optimize bass response to state of the art levels in virtually any system/room.  This is assuming that all subs are carefully and properly positioned within the room.

    In my experience, the more subs I've utilized in my system/room the more life-like, seamless, dynamic and effortless the perceived bass becomes.  I've personally only used 1, 2 and 4 subs in my system/room and my statement that 3 subs work better than 2 is based on acoustic researcher"s experimental results along with numerous fellow members' reported experiences.

     The proper positioning of the sub or subs within a room is required for optimizing bass response.  I mentioned on an earlier post exactly how to position a single sub to attain optimum bass response at the listening seat.  The same procedure is followed for each additional sub added to the system/room.  

     As the number of subs in a system/room is increased beyond a single sub, you'll notice the bass begins to sound better at more locations in the room beyond just the sweet spot.with sota bass response throughout the entire room existing once 4 subs are deployed.  

   Bass effortlessness, impact and dynamics also increases, as the number of subs in the room increases (when the subs are configured to operate in mono mode) since each sub is required to contribute a smaller portion of the total bass output. 

Tim


     



mapman's avatar
mapman
22,097 posts
 
No doubt in most any room with most any smaller monitor speaker, no matter how good,  adding a sub or two and integrating it well betters the experience by extending the low end that is largely missing otherwise.

If you do it right you should as good off or probably even better off than if you simply invested in a pair of good quality large heavy expensive full range speakers.
noble100's avatar
noble100
2,419 posts
 
Hi mapman,

    Don't you think it's more difficult to optimize the positioning of large full range speakers in relation to the listening seat since the midrange, treble and bass drivers are all located within a single cabinet? 
     I don't consider it difficult to position large full range speakers to optimize the mid/treble frequency response and imaging at the listening seat; it typically just takes some experimenting with the distance between the speakers, distance out from the front wall, distance from the listening seat, toe-in and often some room treatments along the side walls to control first reflection points. 
     Once the large speakers are optimally positioned for midrange/treble and imaging, however, the bass response at the listening seat cannot be optimized because the position of the bass drivers cannot be independently located within the room to do so.  The bass drivers are locked into position, usually at the bottom section of the large speaker cabinets below the midrange and treble drivers.  
     I agree with you that adding a sub or two to a system that uses small monitor speakers betters the experience by extending the low end that is otherwise missing.  
     But I disagree that a pair of good quality. large and expensive full range speakers would be superior to a pair of good quality, smaller and less expensive monitors on stands along with at least a couple of good subs.  The main reason being the ability of the monitor system to independently optimize the mid/treble/imaging at the listening seat with monitor positioning and the bass response at the listening seat with sub positioning.
     Of course, I think a pair of good quality, large and expensive full range speakers along with at least a couple of good subs independently positioned would be even better.

Tim
julie_priest
134 posts
 

Why not just have an ATC subwoofer?

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