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Subs/Monitors vs Full-Range Speakers - Pros/Cons

I've enjoyed a variety of full-range (near full-range) speakers over the years, but I recently decided to give some monitors a try. Inevitably - as would be expected - I like the strengths of the monitors (imaging, sound-staging, ability to disappear...), but I do miss the extended bass response.

I am currently running the Pioneer S-2EX (truly exceptional monitors ' "junior TADs"). I like them well enough to either keep them and incorporate a sub(s) or trade up to the S-1EX floor-standers - they sound great too (with the extended bass I want), but they just don't image quite as well in my room) - I could live with them though, if a sub setup with the S-2EXs doesn't pan out...

I'm looking at JL audio subs. I would rather utilize one sub ("cost" factor) than two... My concern is whether or not a good sub can truly ever be effectively integrated with monitors. I’m hoping so…

Can those of you having had successful integration with subs provide me with some guidance…Can I get by with one sub or is a stereo pair truly necessary. My monitors go down to 38Hz – is that “40Hz range” crossover point low enough provide a seamless integration (i.e.: will I be able to tell where the sub is when it “kicks in”)? How difficult is placement? General pros/cons…etc…?

Thanks.

_Ben
2chnlben
mechans
3,048 posts
 
I have never been able to find subs that integrate truly naturally with monitors. I even went to a JL demo last Winter and yes the bass was prodigious and as musical as sub 50-45Hz tones can be but I still liked the floor standers better. Is there any way to set up the floor standers so that they image the way you want? Maybe you have to deal with the dreaded "its the room problem" I sure hope not for your sake.
2chnlben OP
595 posts
 
Thanks guys...appreciated!

I am glad to hear from some who have had success with even one sub. I've heard that it can be done. I do remain skeptical though based on the known issues associated with integrating subs. I hope my dealer will allow me to demo one so I can be sure.

Mechans, The monitors just disappear soooo well and they look good! They actually look really great in my room (my wife even likes them). I really want them to work. The S-1EXs are really big in my room - they look a bit gaudy. But, overall, you're likely right that the floor-standers will provide a better solution.

Thanks again...

_Ben
tgrisham
1,291 posts
 
My experience with modestly priced systems is that setting up the monitors for the best imaging and ambience and then separately setting up the one or two subs for low end is rewarding. The midrange and high range is what you hear, the low range is what you feel. It helps to have a room analyzer but nothing takes the place of careful listening. First set up the monitors where they sound the best. Then, the subs to fill in. The subs should never be "heard". If you hear them while listening to music, the crossover is to high or their gain is too high. You should only notice them if you turn them off. I use an REL and their tuning advice on the Sumiko website is very helpful. Good luck.
mt10425
1,138 posts
 
I just integrated a sub into my 2-channel analog rig. I don't have monitors per se, but my C & C Abbys are close and in need of LF extension. I bought a NSM 15EXP sub. It's connected from amp speaker taps to sub amp speaker taps. The bass blends well, I can't locate it and only notice if I turn it off. It's not pants-flapping HT type bass, just natural for music. Get a sub and place it correctly. Enjoy.
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dbphd
1,628 posts
 
Integration of monitors and subs seems well understood and solvable. I'm concerned that monitors may not have the dynamic range to represent large orchestrations well. In my experience good floor standers do big sound better than monitors, but my experience with monitors is quite limited. Are there monitors that represent large orchestrations well?

I've used a pair of Velodyne HGS-15s for years, and I agree you should never be aware of a sub as a sound source -- actually, you shouldn't be aware of any of your speakers as a sound source.

db
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