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Add sub to 802D4s?

I’ve been thinking about adding a sub to my newish B&W 802D4s. They’re driven by a McIntosh 462. I love the tightness and quick response of the speakers, and I love the thump of the bass. I listen to mostly rock, new, old, alternative, and less often to chill, jazz or blues, piano or classical.  I have a friend who is quite knowledgeable that thinks it’s a bad idea, as the speakers are very capable and well balanced, so a sub would not only be superfluous but counterproductive. Any experts here agree, or disagree? 

cmb13
bwguy's avatar
bwguy
216 posts
 

I have B&W 802d3’s and have 2 JL Audio f 113’s.  I listen to rock, indie, and some alternative.  I love bass and the subs really give music an extra kick and dynamic.   I had them both in repair about a year ago and really missed the deeper bass.   As mentioned above, subs not really needed at lower volumes.   

soix
8,729 posts
 

A pair of subs, well implemented, will always improve sound significantly. The thing many people don’t realize is that good-quality subs not only improve bass response but also hugely improve imaging and soundstage. When you turn the subs off, the soundstage just collapses and you won’t wanna listen without them anymore. The difference is not small. Wilson uses their subs with their Alexandrias that stomp your B&Ws into the ground, so what does that tell you?  Your friend has absolutely no idea what he’s talking about and has clearly never heard good and well-implemented subs. And yes, you need at least two subs and preferably four that’s commonly called a swarm. Get the subs and you’ll never go back.

missioncoonery
1,202 posts
 

Ive personally owned that Mac amp,if you want those speakers to stand up and take notice dump it..Way better amps out there that can get you where you want with out adding subs,although I agree subs are a must in most systems..just my opinion....but start with a better amp.

bwguy's avatar
bwguy
216 posts
 

Which amps do you like with B&W’s? I have Mac 611 monos and feel they mate well with B&W.   Very happy with the sound, smooth, robust, and dynamic to my ears.  

james633
904 posts
 

I demoed the 802D4 on McIntosh MC611s and 2700 preamp. It sounded pretty good. Then I came home and listened to the same songs on my system with two subs highpassed at 60hz (Revel 228be, JL audio E112, MC462 amp). The bass was so much better on my system. It made the whole system seem better. Without question subs will improve your system. But budget for a highpass crossover if your system does not have the capability, JL CR-1 etc.

 

i felt the bass was fine on the McIntosh amps/802D. Some other amps may hit harder I guess but the Mac works some magic in the mids/highs with B&W. 

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