Subwoofer suggestion


Hi,

I have a pre-amp/amp 5.1.2 setup with 200w amplifiers and B&W Speakers/Sub. Currently I have the B&W ASW610 subwoofer and looking to upgrade it to DB4S. I don't go very high in the volume and even for the current subwoofer, I feel that I barely scratched the surface with the bass. Is upgrading worth it? What difference will the DB4S sub give? 

Appreciate your suggestions.

128x128terrancej

In this case, upgrading your subwoofer is not about adding volume to the system, although that will probably also be possible. A larger subwoofer should allow you to reach lower in the frequency response range to take advantage of the LFE track on your multi-channel AV entertainment, as those tracks can get well into the infrasonic range.  This is less important for music that is based on natural instruments (pipe organs notwithstanding, since they can get down to infrasonic frequencies), but if your music tastes run to music that includes synthesizers too, those lower frequency ranges that an improved subwoofer can reach can be applicable here too.

It's worth noting that while CEA-2010-A measurements for the base B&W AS610 have not been taken, nor are they comprehensive indicators of a subwoofer's performance, the ASW610XP has been measured, and its performance here is roughly analogous to the ubiquitous SVS SB-1000 Pro subwoofer. I would suggest that while the DB4S would be considered an upgrade from your current unit, there are other options to consider.  Several non-B&W products might gain you equal or better performance for the same budget, particularly if you were to invest in a pair of subwoofers rather than a single larger unit.  I have been particularly impressed with the output of both Monoprice's current-generation THX subwoofers and RSL's Speedwoofer 10s/12s, both of which are available at prices under $1,000.  Dual subwoofers, properly placed within your listening area, can provide dramatically improved bass response within it, regardless of the volume they are set at.

Svs SB 4000, free delivery around $1800 nice app. control it 45 day audition 

5 year transferrable warranty, it matters not how loud you play it’s the power reserves and Quality of Bass , and you can play it wireless with a kit .

 

While it’s not an apples to apples comparison, I recently replaced a 30 year old Paradigm PS1000 with a very nice used B&W ASW855 for my second family room system.  I have an SVS PC12 in my main system which performs respectably, but this B&W is mighty impressive. It is effective down to 15hz and seems to outperform the SVS in most, if not all, aspects. If you can find a good used ASW 8 series it may do well with your other B&W speakers.  

Sidenote: using 2 subs was mentioned as beneficial. Assuming same 'air movement capability' and budget (think 2x 12" vs 1x 18"), what ARE the perceived noticeable benefits? For discussion sake, I counter that the single LARGE sub will reach lower and is easier to 'hide' than 2 small subs.