Finally Learned: Subs serve much larger role than adding more low bass

At Deer Creek Audio, we believe adding a subwoofer to your system is one of the most powerful ways to increase clarity, imaging, dynamics and all the attributes audiophiles associate with a high fidelity full range system.

A primary reason is that excessive energy and driver excursion is eliminated in the range speakers, resulting in better utilization of amplifier power and reduced Doppler distortion.

Proper subwoofer integration and calibration are the keys to success.  Following are some highlights.

Crossover Setting

The crossover between the main speakers and subwoofer(s) is a skill that goes beyond applying the symmetrical textbook high and low pass filter. We have found the asymmetrical filter slopes and shapes can produce significantly enhanced results.  See image below for an example of a crossover we use with JBL 4349s and a high power 12-inch subwoofer.

Delay Setting

Next, delay needs to be adjusted so that the gross arrival time between the subs and the mains is aligned to achieve the tightest non-interfering response.

Time Domain Correction

The Dirac room correction process attempts to improve the impulse response of the combined main speaker and subwoofer system.  When properly performed, a Dirac project results in the seamless integration between the subwoofer and the main speakers, allowing the system to achieve the bottom octave of music without the undesirable effects of an untuned subwoofer installation.  Here's a graphic example of impulse response optimization.

It's an amazing high fidelity musical experience when you seamlessly add the last octave. Feel free to contact us at Deer Creek Audio if you'd like to discuss these concepts further.

I just upgraded from the REL T-Zero mkIII to the new T-9X. Very excited to hear what it brings to my system. 

Hi Folks,

Not much to add that hasn't been stated in adding refined, deep bass.  I lived with good monitors in many rooms, discovering the added benefits of quick, sealed subs later in the journey.  My solution in a small dedicated studio is a pair of monitors atop a pair of subs, digging down into the 20's.  I have Auralex isolation platforms to float the subs and IsoAcoustics monitor stands separating the monitors and subs.  I split the incoming signal with a Focusrite Pro DAC which removes the heavy lifting of bass from my main tube amp to the monitors, letting the active sealed subs do their thing from 80Hz down.  This results in a large, deep, full stage, the disappearing act of great monitors and the heft of full range without limitation to genre nor volume levels.  I have nearby friends with astounding, full systems in large rooms.  I'm never sad to come home.  More Peace, and Happy Holidays.  Pin

My first experience with subs was memorable. I got a used pair of Vandersteen 4’s, large 4-way speakers with a powerful integrated sub built into the base of each speaker. Each sub (located in its own enclosure with a slotted port) consisted of 2 x 12" metal cone woofers linked together with a steel bar. That design produced the best bass I ever heard from floorstanders. And FWIW, I would never have a modern ported sub in my system now, but those Vandy ported subs sounded incredibly musical.

Years later my audio system is desktop, all crammed into a 13’ x 13’ home office; the speakers are nearfield. I’ve learned to go with all sealed/acoustic suspension speakers & subs here. I can only fit 1 sub: currently it’s the excellent JL Audio e110, a powerful 10" design. The mains are vintage KEF 103.2s, 2-ways with a strong low end courtesy of the 8" woofers. I have the sub crossed over slightly above where the mains start dropping off. It sounds like one big pair of speakers.

I’d never want to be without a sub...

Added 2 REL S/5 SHO with their longbow wireless to Maggie 3.7i's.  I don't have to worry about placement except for the AC power, no speaker wires to the subs.  Opens up the soundstage, very clean and detailed bass.

The wireless SMPS's are noisy and I had to take them off the dedicated lines as they were injecting a lot of noise.  Made much worse by upgrading to iFi Power X, now I know why iFi sells DC power purifiers.