Best subwoffer crossover with room correction

Lets start with placement.  Use the AM Acoustics room mode simulator to try to find the best location for the speakers and sub.  Try to keep your speakers and listening location out of the worst / lowest room modes.

Next, you should take Vandersteen's advice and use a high pass filter.  Vandersteen sells them directly. Try to use a subwoofer for 10 Hz wide space is madness.  Also keep in mind that the specs are garbage when the speaker is in the room, but many an audiophile who has attempted minimalist subwoofer use has become a convert to using a high pass filter, and one of the main reasons is that it makes integration a lot better and easier.

Thank you for your time and detailed technical explanations. I appreciate your insights. While I was initially hesitant to add a subwoofer to address the 3–6 dB dip at 10–20 Hz, I understand the importance of placement optimization for the Vandersteen 2CE speakers. I will continue experimenting with different placements to achieve the best possible sound quality.

Mahalo and Aloha,

mschwabmmd

OP:

By letting the sub take over more Hz you not only reduce the distortion, and increase the dynamic range of your mains but you also make it possible to introduce DSP that is ONLY in your bass. That is, any problems you have in the 20-80Hz range move over to the sub and become easier to manage. 

Done well a subwoofer should make your speakers sound glorious instead of incrementally better.

I had concerns about introducing a digital stage into my completely analog system. I prefer the idea of a crossover (say 40 Hz), then using the SVS3000's digital parametric equalizer to smooth out the bass.

I need to find an analog crossover since the miniDSP introduces a digital stage between my preamplifier and amplifier. I would appreciate suggestions for an audiophile-grade analog crossover. I hope I do not need to revisit my electrical engineering textbook (from 1972) and build one myself.

I am impressed and grateful for the high level of audio engineering and experience your answers bring to my questions. Thank you all very much.

Mschwabmmd

40 Hz is too low. I agree with Vandersteen that 100Hz is about the right place for a crossover.

It is an unfortunate Audiophile myth that lower is better, but the handful that have tried going over to higher crossovers have learned the benefit.