Do you think you need a subwoofer?

4yanx...The integral subwoofer that you describe in the Vandersteens is a very good approach. What you end up with is a four-way system. A passive crossover for a three way system is a tough design job, and a four way would be worse, hence the use of the electronic crossover and separate power amp. Also the inductor and capacitor values that would be needed for a passive SW crossover are large and expensive. Last, but not least, the all-in-one aspect has definite cosmetic benefits.

The only drawback that comes to mind is that the SW enclosure size is probably less than what you could use for a separate SW. When I built a tower system with integral powered SW I used the "isobaric" design (two drivers mounted one behind the other in a short tunnel) so as to cut the enclosure volume requirement in half.

Dear Eldartford: Tks for the Maggies info and ¡congratulations! you really do a great job with your self-design subwoofers.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

Thanks, Eldartford. Interesting the mention of isobarics. As yoy may know, the Vandy's incorporate two sub drivers in each cabinet (facing each other - actually virtually stacked). These sound great just positioned properly but, when dialed in are fantastic and a wonderful alternative to separates - WAY better than any three-ways I've heard and as good as most two-way/monitor + subs I've heard.

Very interesting topic, Raul. Based on the responses here from you and Eldartford I'll be holding on to my 10t's for quite a while! These are good down to 28Hz, assuming a good supply of current that is. It's funny since this was always the most frequent complaint about these speakers, "the bass is too loose because of those 12 inch woofers". Now, I have spent a good deal of time and effort building DIY tube traps and absorbers to help treat the room responses and I also use the heavy Aerial stands. It seems to me that speaker designers sometimes shy away from really strong low frequencies because this makes them difficult to place in many rooms, with no control of treatments or flexibility as to placement, and get them to sound good quickly, as in the case of demonstrations. I mean, the first thing I have learned about sound and speaker placement is that you have to control the bass response if you want the mid and high frequencies to sound good and proper. I assume that this is very much true of systems that use strong SW's.

I know that many times when I go to concerts, even an all accoustic night with Godsmack, I do here more bass than what I would normally think I should here. Other times I here bands playing in small venues. I always come away thinking that the bass was too prevelant or the overall sound was too bright. But I have come to believe that this thinking on my part is due to my expectations from listening within my own specially treated and tuned environment. Yes, we do need to here these low frequencies when they are present to get the feel of a live performance.

Dear Dan ed: +++++ " you have to control the bass response if you want the mid and high frequencies to sound good and proper. I assume that this is very much true of systems that use strong SW's. " +++++

THis statement is absolutely true.

The control of the bass response is important but to have that bass is really important too, with out it we can't have proper stereo music/sound reproduction and can't enjoy the complete pleasure of hearing MUSIC.

I know your 10t, and I like it, and you can do a huge improvement in the quality sound of your system with the integration of two subwoofers.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.