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Why the fascination with subwoofers?

I have noticed many posts with questions about adding subwoofers to an audio system. Why the fascination with subwoofers? I guess I understand why any audiophile would want to hear more tight bass in their audio system, but why add a subwoofer to an existing audio system when they don’t always perform well, are costly, and are difficult to integrate with the many varied speakers offered. Additionally, why wouldn’t any audiophile first choose a speaker with a well designed bass driver designed, engineered and BUILT INTO that same cabinet? If anyone’s speakers were not giving enough tight bass, why wouldn’t that person sell those speakers and buy a pair that does have tight bass?
2psyop
williewonka
3,110 posts
 
@2psyop - perception, cost, wow-factor etc...

Having said that - I do not have sub's, because I chose speakers that have pretty good bass performance, certainly good enought for most recorded "music"

Whereas - if you like to hear LFE's that are present in music, then subs are required
e.g.
  • if you like pipe organ music then sub's will convey those really low wall shaking frequncies
  • also some artists have recorded trucks and other sound effects that require them
  • electronic music can also go to very low frequncies

Some peoples speakers may require augmentation of the lower frequencies  e.g. bookshelf/monitor speakers

They can be more affordable than upgrading to a speaker that has comparable bass perofrmance .

There may be a perception in some peopled minds that without subs they are missing something.

And a big 12" or 15" sub certainly look impressive (throbbing away in the corners)

I do have a sub on my A/V system and I agree that it is complex to...
  • find the right match (size and performance) to your system
  • get the sound perfectly balanced

 It's a personal preference and not suited to everyone on every system - but they can add to a performance if the L/R speakers are lacking.

Regards - Steve
jtcf's avatar
jtcf
1,620 posts
 
It really is personal preference as ww states.I find it easier to get deep and articulate bass by using subs that can be positioned and adjusted  to work with my room.
ct0517's avatar
ct0517
2,041 posts
 
Many speakers that are "full range" are either

1) placed in a space that is too large for them to pressurize properly

and/or

2) inadequate setup of gear in front of them.

Subs help fill out the bottom octaves if listening to music that has "music" in the bottom octaves.

That’s been my personal experience.
audionoobie's avatar
audionoobie
374 posts
 

As to subs being difficult to integrate, I must have just gotten lucky (you can look at my virtual system). My Kef R400b sub perfectly compliments my R11's, which i believe only go down to 32Hz. I run the mains full range and cross over the sub around 60Hz. It fattens up the bass guitar and gives the kick drum and lower tom toms a little girth.

I can't tell where the sub is located in the room if I close my eyes. I also don't feel like I need another sub either, as I've heard multiple subs is preferrable to one sub.

To each their own. I happen to enjoy the music with sub added. YMMV



kenjit
1,771 posts
 
 
I guess I understand why any audiophile would want to hear more tight bass in their audio system, but why add a subwoofer to an existing audio system when they don’t always perform well, are costly, and are difficult to integrate with the many varied speakers offered.

its not tight bass its low bass. Most floorstanders cant go flat to 18hz. Subs will help to achieve that. Human hearing is 20~20khz. 



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