When I set up a pair of Velodyne HGS-15s to augment KEF Reference 1s, I ran the usual sweeps using the SMS-1 bass manager and was surprised in-room response of the KEFs was pretty flat to 30 Hz, then dropped sharply. So I low-passed at 45 Hz, and it sounded pretty good. I decided to try 80 Hz, and that transformed the listening experience, big detailed soundstage with no awareness of the subs. Marchand provides balanced passive high-pass at 80 Hz -- Charley Hanson had admonished me not to put active high-pass between an Ayre preamp and amp.
Why I'm not adding a sub to my 2-way monitors for music
I've updated my blog post with more data, more analysis and the conclusion that in my particular case I do not need a subwoofer. I encourage everyone who is on the fence about adding a subwoofer or not to read and comment. I think that either way you'll be able to make more informed buying and configuration choices.
Everyone's situation is different but I hope the post helps you get to the right conclusions.
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...agree with the positive aspects of DBA, but in need of a proper space to make matters work....an integrated single sub works, but always needs a tweak to seem apropos to the program.... Integration, whether in audio or cultures, always seems an 'iffy issue'...imh... And the room rules when it comes to augmenting bass, ignored at peril..... *sigh* So many details, so little time.... :)
Did the " 'bot gate " ask "Will I dream?" |
One of the many beautiful aspects of DBA is more subs beats bigger subs every time. The idea of "proper space" for example. If you understand the concept then you know your four subs don't have to be 12" or even 10" they can be 8" or even 6". They don't have to be boxes either they can be tubes. Hsu Research used to make subs that were only about 8" diameter by 30" long and tuned to 20Hz. "Proper space" then is what you already have behind every sofa, under or behind all kinds of furniture, and at the corner of every room. "Integration" with a DBA comes down to throwing them down, setting xo and level, and enjoy. Really, more people should try it to appreciate just how painless easy and effective it is. |
@sameyers1 Interesting advice. Chuck really enjoys taking Erik and many others to task for recommending acoustic treatments, maybe you just haven’t read enough of his posts…yet. You must be aware of what he thinks of Levinson gear…Your post was clear, lucid and not rude to the OP. Your post is also cognizant that maybe not everyone wants a forest of subwoofers and wire strung across the back fourty… No doubt you understand that classical symphonic bass is not mono. Maybe below 100 ish hz it is..but you probably also understand the rich vibrant and loud harmonics of a scaling standup bass…way above 100 hz. A swarm is but one answer, with some texture , imaging and harmonic downsides. Flat frequency response is an upside. I know a certain Strad owner with great high passed main speakers with integral subs with 11 bands of analog EQ below 120 hz. No swarm desired or needed. High passing the main amp for magic midrange is crucial. I complimented your ability to detect clipping in your great system. @lemonhaze is correct, RT60 is an excellent tool for working the room. Some of us have achieved near perfect control room RT60 numbers using modern measurement tools, a variety of room treatments , natural furnishings AND listening . We bring in peers to help. Fun. Finally rock is not a good audiophile sub test, a Fender Precision or Kick drum just don’t go very low, so it’s more about mid bass slam and freeing up the mains and main amp to reproduce those IMD free as @rauliruegas so astutely noted. :-) enjoy the music Jim |
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