Hi bound4h...thanks for the topic.
I've spent most of my 40+ hi fi years with larger monitors and no subs in several rooms. My Chapman T-4's dug into the 30hz region and I was always quite happy. In the last 23 years, in my dedicated studio, I've experimented with subs and better monitors...Salk Veracitys and my present Revolution Be's...discovering subwoofers, indeed, add refinement to the ENTIRE frequency spectrum. In the last several years, I've used a pair of Paradigm Ultracube 10" sealed subs beneath my monitors, with careful isolation. This, in essence, created a "full range" presentation in a small space.
Recently, one of my Paradigm subs failed. To my great surprise, using ONE subwoofer increased the quality of my sound, to all parameters! Since the surviving sub is also showing sign of failing, so I've been doing a deeper dive about subwoofers in small rooms. A friend, with equivalent experience, said ODD numbered subs work better in small rooms. I've researched "swarms" of subs, but that's simply too complicated in this small space.
Jeff, my long-time audio Tech friend who has much experience both building and helping others with subwoofers has recommended the Rythmic L12 Direct Servo subwoofer. "Speed" in the context of subwoofers for music vs HT, is a topic worth researching, relative to start and stop timing and decay. A "direct servo" addresses that for music. Jeff also prefers larger drivers working less and quicker.
I also have a preference for the musicality of "paper cone" drivers, so the Rythmic L12 is on order and on its way to me. This will mean a change-over to conventional loudspeaker monitor stands and finding the sweet-spot for a single subwoofer, in my studio. HUZZAH! After all these years, I continue to be excited and recharged by chasing better sound. Like springtime, everything gets refreshened. Will report back further down the road.
(bold print for old eyes) More Peace. Pin
