I don't think any of us have to act like any kind of salesperson,here.If anyone wants to add "good" low frequencies,to an already good speaker,then the technology is readily available.The problem,to me,on this thread,is that some of the recommendations may scare away some potential music lovers,with the inference of needing 2 units,or additional crossovers.It is simply NOT true.
Me?I really don't care if one does not want to explore the benefit of lowering bass frequencies.It is easy to be dissuaded(I hope I spelled that correctly).
Originally,when Avalon introduced their ported designs,in the Eidolon,it sent up a RED FLAG to me,because they had ALWAYS been insistent about the advantages of a sealed enclosure.They touted this "BIG TIME" in their owner's manuals.With extensive documentation,and scientific arguments in favor of the sealed cabinet.However,it was apparent that they could sell more product by making the enclosure more compact,and putting the HUGE external crossover (of my Ascents) in one cabinet.I had auditioned the newer ported designs at the time,but did not feel there was a big enough edge to move away from my current speaker.
About that time I discovered the REL line at HE 2001.I would have loved to add,just a bit of low freq depyh to my Ascents,and felt this would enhance performance if I could make a seamless transition.This,originally,like Doug's experience,was not the case in dealer systems.I kept coming back to the subject,for the next 2 years.Sterling Trayle(then of Sumiko)told me that my dealer was not demoing the Stentor correctly(the same dealer,Doug,who sold me the Triplaner).The dealer's manager,then,told me that I could have a money back guarantee,if the sub didn't work,as I wanted it,and Sumiko claimed it would.
Well it has been a fabulous investment(the manager was fired later,though it had nothing to do with his offer to me,but he was the ONLY good employee there).
Finally,and to me this is a HUGE point!Generally speaking,most hobbyists use too much bass.This is easy to do with a new sub,myself included.This is why I am so sceptical of any thoughts from either Raul,or anyone else,for that matter.Also,my advise should,also,be taken as just one more hobbyist,with a bass tuning set-up that is really an unknown commodity.
Almost always,I hear way too much bass from systems that have the capability to dole it out.Even my friends(except Sid,who is borderline,here)who have everything from Infinity's to Pipe Dreams,love to "DISH IT OUT"!!Fun,but not realistic!
The bottom line,and one reason a good one box sub set-up WILL work,is if you are careful,and don't get carried away,to simply underpin your low bass(extend it down,a bit,without overkill,which you WILL find hard,only because overkill is so damn much fun)you can EASILY be successful.It will take some time,but can be done,without a large investment or the extra space for 2 units(which is admittedly better,but not necessary,unless you are so fanatical,that you cannot live with one or two turntables.Or 5 cartridges aren't enough for you).Come and get me "R"!!
Anyone else wanting to "rationalize" not benefitting from low bass information,due to fear of costs,or system complexity,is losing an opportunity to add real insight to their listening pleasure.Make the effort to try it out.You may be pleasantly surprised!Best wishes!
