What percentage of audiophiles use a sub ?

Tigg,

I'm pretty confident that subwoofers will produce better measurements below 150ish hz than virtually any (non-corrected) monitor or full range speaker. I'm also sure that I prefer the sound of a well executed sub/main combo to any full-range alternative that I've heard. I'm further sure that not everyone will share that opinion.

You may never embrace the subwoofer solution. I didn't mean to suggest that a subwoofer is "better", merely that it's hard to argue against the approach with numbers (AFAIK, anyway). But I'd be the first to admit that numbers aren't everything in this game.

Marty

Marty,

I absolutely agree. Numbers only get you so far. It's a good approach but then you have to get subjective at some point.

It's amazing how much nonsense permeates the audiophile community. I swear if some of you guys chose medical treatments the way you choose your audio systems you would opt for foot reflexology over bypass surgery to cure blocked arteries.

The problem with "sound" systems is that they are most often judged on a visual basis. If one sees a subwoofer in the system then most likely one will "hear" it. Based on what we have discovered about reproducing sound in small rooms all of the evidence suggests that using subwoofers is the best way to achieve accurate, full-range sound. Yes, it takes some work, but the results - both measured and heard - will speak for themselves. I think that when audiophiles refer to having "tight" bass in their system, it is often because they have very little bass. It's time we set aside the voodoo and turn to proven techniques to extract the most from our systems.

What voodoo?

Everyone offered very valid points whether agreed to or not. Your speakers may not be up to the task to reproduce everything in the manner intended so if you really lack bass at all then go ahead and add a sub. I couldn't care less. It isn't going in my system.

But if you start saying Obeah verses while your tubes are warming up then no one can help you.

Marty,

I completely missed your posts on 8-03. Don't know how but again, I agree with you there. Just because MA specs these 6.5" drivers to 43Hz doesn't mean a thing. BTW, very insightful posts too. Thanks