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Bookshelf + sub vs. floorstanding

I have room which I currently use 50% for music and 50% Home Theater (I wish I could split, but no way at the moment). The room is 15 x 21 x 10 feet and I'm working on some acoustic panels to help with overall image and definition. I'm looking forward to make an upgrade on my system, more specifically buying new speakers for left and right channel. The budget is $14,000 max. I see lot of people happy with bookshelf speakers, especially for their imaging and ability to "disappear". Main complain is the lack of bass. 
I'm considering buying a nice pair of bookshelf plus a pair of sub woofers, instead of going with classical floorstanding ones. I really like a sound stage "reproduction" and that "separation" of instruments. 
What would you recommend and why? 
fabifrac
audiokinesis
2,746 posts
 

@gdnrbob said:  "I think the Vandy subs will be a better integration than the HSU's- which are running parallel to the speakers, so there is some overlap, which I think muddies the sound."

If you have a phase control on the Hsu's, you may be able to find a setting where there is enough partial cancellation between your mains and subs that you won't have over-emphasis in the region of overlap.

Duke

erik_squires
16,172 posts
 
Satellites with a well integrated sub are magical. 

Few ever end up with a well integrated sub. 

How about a large 2-way that can do bass? 

If you do a floor stander, stick to 2.5 ways, they are more efficient and integrate better in a room. 
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
13,100 posts
 
Dear @fabifrac: Satellites plus two self powered subwoofers always is a great option. Due that you will use it for music and home theater is very important to know the maximum SPL and sensitivity spec of the satellites.

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,407 posts
 
GE Triton Reference. Bass down into the low 20’s, pinpoint imaging and spl in the 100+dB range with ease. 1800 watt subwoofers built in.  
wolf_garcia
6,711 posts
 
It's actually very easy to get great sound from a sub or two, so don't pay much attention to anybody saying otherwise. Use subs that take the signal from the amp, like RELs or Vandys , and simply move the sub around and adjust the level. Not as head scratchingly difficult as many imply. Note that a good sub (I have 2 perfect "previously owned" RELs bought cheap) allows control over the bass simply by phase and level adjustments on the sub, and DSP in most cases is unnecessary and just adds electronic junk (and more cables to get in the way) to the signal...less is more, simple is better. A "full range" tower speaker generally doesn't allow the flexibility of bass control, and obviously doesn't allow for bass speaker placement free of the main speakers.
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