Why I'm not adding a sub to my 2-way monitors for music

"I guess you’re not listening to Alan Walker at concert level..;)"

Nah, I'm more of a Skrillex kinda guy.  

@erik_squires, I personally appreciate the benefit of integrating a sub into a restricted low-freq. system, IF the sub can be seamlessly integrated. As most of you knew, the sub is not only filling the low end but could also augmenting soundstange, dynamic range, etc. When listening at low volume, the sub also fill in the low end atmosphere just like the "loudness" button.

Nevertheless, integration of sub is not an easy task. I completely agree with you that high-pass filter (HPF) is almost a must after experimenting one of the few subs that includes such a function, i.e., SVS SB 1000/2000. The HPF in SVS SB is fixed at 80Hz just as mentioned in your article. I am not sure why SVS abandons that in the pro model and higher grade sub. With HPF, the headroom in both main speakers and subs becomes bigger and enables them to handle the notes with more authority. The integration is much better than other methods of connection, such as high level, line level, LFE, or from speaker level to line level through a line-out converter/attenuator. I just wish the amp in SB 1000/2000 could allow users to adjust the Q setting or the HPF frequencies at least has more preset frequencies bet. 60 Hz to 100 Hz like in Emotiva.

Like you have mentioned, the DSP method is another way to integrate a sub. However, the more affordable digital signal processor like MiniDSP does not have digitial OUT that allows users to connect it with the DAC. I am not confident the quality internal DAC in MiniDSP. If placing the DAC before MiniDSP, the MiniDSP will need to perform A-D-A conversion internally and potentially mess up the quality of digitial/analogue signals. To be completely digital, one need to upgrade the DSP to SHD Studio which is sort of cost prohibitive around $1k. I am not sure if you have the exposure to DSP and could share your experience/advise.

With a modicum of subwoofer positioning & some twisting of the dials on the back of the Paradigm sub, I used one of my fistful of test CDs (was it one of the Stereophile ones?) to achieve flat, eminently musical bass response in my listening room with my Nola Boxers down to 40 hz. From there, response steadily goes down until disappearing at just under 30 hz. All by ear, and good enough for me.

Audiophiles who do this do one of two things. They buy a sub and set it to have as low a cut off frequency as possible, which is a HUGE waste, or try to blend them in without high passing the mains. In neither case the results are mediocre to non existent.

I'm with Ozzy. Gotta have octave zero which even the full-range towers can't play anywhere near flat.

....a SHD Studio to some may be a pittance, compared to some cable commitments, but that's me being a tad snide.  But a digital crossover can allow sidestepping the major issues of integration....

Personally, I've always wanted a 'test record/CD' that I could 'sample & hold' at any point in play  Helps to focus on the details.. 

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