"Addition of subwoofer to Music System"
Hey there. Here's my current thinking on the matter. Pay attention, in advance, to how you will integrate your sub. https://speakermakersjourney.blogspot.com/2020/04/how-to-not-buy-subwoofer.html |
The essay by @erik_squires is well worth reading and is similar to my experience using subs for 15 years. It is possible to get lucky and have a sub integrate fine without a lot of trial and error, but that is the exception. The more general case -- poor integration -- is the reason so many audiophiles say "never!" to a sub in a music system. But if they would stop swapping cables around and think about the problem, most audiophiles could get it right. To me, this statement of Erik's frames the problem very well: A subwoofer has to integrate with your main speakers as well as the room. This means the following settings must be configured:I'd recommend reading all of Erik's essay to learn about options for sub setup. I'd also recommend reading as much else as you can about setting up subwoofers. It will not all be correct, but after a while, you'll figure out what is and what isn't. In particular, don't underestimate the importance of a continuously-variable phase control on a sub (or controlling device), at least if even bass frequency response is important to you. |
If your Denon AV receiver has an LFE subwoofer output and possibly a calibration microphone your connectivity could be as simple as a single (inexpensive custom length RCA cable such as Blue Jeans Cable) to most any subwoofer with an RCA input. IMO any subwoofer/s properly located and adjusted will add a new level of satisfaction. |
The current thinking is that multiple subs are the way to go. I've messed around with subs, equalization, real time analyzers and measurement mics to get an understanding of how my perception relates to measurements. I haven't done it yet myself but I'd buy multiple cheaper subs if I were you. For one, your room dimensions of 13x26 are almost a perfect 1:2 ratio and will almost certainly have bad resonance problems. Something like 4 of the below that can be placed around the room. The individual subs would be doing a lot less work which would increase dynamics and reduce distortion. YAMAHA YST-SW315 10" 250 Watt Powered Subwoofer Black | Accessories4less |
I’d highly recommend going with a pair of subs rather than one. SVS offers a pair of their SB1000 subs for $950 and off a 45-day, risk-free trial period with great customer service. There’s also a pair of Vandersteen 2Wq subs on US Audio Mart for $1400 that’s a no-brainer if you can swing it. They’re fantastic and highly musical as they are made to integrate with a 2-channel system with their own unique crossover system. That’s what I’d do, but either way your system will be improved significantly. Hope this helps, and best of luck. |
