Will a subwoofer add depth and clarity to my system, or just bass?
I just purchased a set of Focal Aria 906 speakers with stand, powered by a Bluestream PowerNode (not my ideal system but I had a limited budget). I think it sounds really good, but am wondering if an upgrade to a subwoofer is worth it, and if so, what would pair well with this system -- my audio guy recommended the JL Audio D110 10" Dominion Subwoofer, but that's out of my price range. Perhaps a SVSPB1000, for $499? My room isn't very big, and I don't use the system for movies, just listening to mostly jazz and rock (and classical).
Thank you!
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- 155 posts total
Yes, indeed. I agree Dave. Just to mention, last night I've read the chapter "Stereo System Bass and Subwoofers" of the book "Get Better Sound" of Jim Smith, an interesting and educational book from a well known and respected expert on the audio field with several decades of experience. I didnt read this chapter before as I dont have subs in my system. Well, Jim starts the chapter with this: "One of the greatest dissappointments for me has come from listening to stereo systems that incorporated subwoofers at shows and in home installations. I suppose it's the complexity of getting so many variables correctly adjusted". Then, intrigued by it, I kept on reading the chapter so he provides many advices to install de subs (he suggest two for stereo) and smoothly blend them with stereo speakers. Well, it aint simple at all as I thought. It also says something I found very interesting, as posted by @shadys telling his experience. For Jim, well installed subs can really improve soundstage holography. Ive never though it possible! I thought 3D sound came only from the tweeters, but it seems that long bass waves have somehow spatial information that contributes with imagin. Incredible! Well, I would LOVE to hear a good pair of subs "well matched" in a nice high end system, to see how improves the sound of it. Im intrigued. Nevertheless, do I recomend a sub for an entry level audiophile? Not, for sure. Again, just my opinion. |
plga- I thought 3D sound came only from the tweeters, but it seems that long bass waves have somehow spatial information that contributes with imagin. Incredible! While we don't hear low bass frequencies as localized sounds within a sound stage the way we do upper bass, midrange and treble, really low bass does contribute to imaging by imparting a sense of space. Really good low bass like you get with the Swarm or other distributed bass array can put you more fully in the recording venue. This reviewer explains it beautifully. http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/audiokinesis-swarm-subwoofer-system/
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Yes. Even at $499 some of the suggestions here should provide increased depth and bass when properly positioned and setup. Clearly the addition of a subwoofer/s can dramatically alter a systems presentation which might be described by some enthusiastic new sub owners as added clarity. Keep in mind an investment in a higher quality subwoofer may service you for a lifetime despite all your other audio related upgrades. Good luck with it. |
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