Will Subwoofer Help?
Yes more subs will be an improvement. But not "by taking full responsibility for the very bottom range." The best way to do it is to continue to run the stereo pair full range, and add subs. That's what I did. https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/8367 It works great. Run the subs off the RCA. You can run 4 no problem. |
It would depend on the preamp, but normally I would think using both the XLR and RCA outputs from your preamp should not be a problem. But you will have both your main and subs producing the same low frequencies so you may have to play around with the subs crossover point to get them to mesh. And you might want to play around with the speakers position in the room. ozzy |
Thanks, miller & ozzy. I guess just start out running everything full-range, then tweak crossover if/as needed. Think I've got tower placement figured out, and from what I have read, sub placement doesn't really matter. Though I would start between, which seems both convenient and logical. Would the overlap in the sub-100Hz range add clarity rather than just augmentation? I have read that removing the deep bottom from the stereo pair allows the amp to sound better in the mid-bass and up. Although mine (Class A/AB) doesn't get all that hot even at 90db SPL. At least not in winter . . . |
Begin with one subwoofer you can always add more providing your first has an output provision. Its not critical that they be identical. If you decide on a subwoofer with equalization that equalized signal should feed extension subs that are not equipped with equalization saving you that expense. Multiple subwoofers can reduce or eliminate the rooms nulls and modes but do not provide equalization. To find your rooms optimum subwoofer locations the link below will explain the crawl test. Make a note of every location in the room where the bass sounds best in case you add more subs. You'll need an extension cord to power the sub from the same circuit powering your system. You'll also need a long interconnect cable (RCA or XLR). MonoPrice or Blue Jeans Cable offer very reasonably priced custom length interconnect. High pass filtering was designed for the situation were the main systems amplifier has difficulty driving the main speakers. Your main speakers in room response will most likely begin to fall off well below 80 Hz. Unless you're using a receiver with an LF (subwoofer output), a subwoofer with a variable crossover and phase should do a better job of matching your main speakers crossover region. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AV3oLLMgS-M Have fun. |
powered subs do take over the heavy lifting from the amp and speakers but in your case I don’t think you need one. From your description of your regular speakers I’m thinking they have good response down to 20 hz. You probably don’t need a sub and if you run the main speakers full range with a sub the sound is going to be way too bass-heavy. Also the sub and the mains will be reproducing the same low frequencies which is a no-no. If you get a sub you want to set a crossover between it and the mains at about 60 0r 80 hz. |
