Do you think you need a subwoofer?

DEAR FRIENDS: There is a subject that maybe is not very clear about the integration in a true stereo fashion of powered subwoofers with " full range " speakers like Dynaudio Evidence/Temptations, Dali Megaline, Wilson Maxx2, etc, etc,...

We can think that with a FRS the integration of two powered subwoofers can't do any help to improve the quality sound reproduction. I can tell you that even with FRS the integration of subs can help a lot, let me to give my opinion about::

- That elusive full octave in the low bass is a headache for any one, especially for the loudspeaker manufacturers: they have to choose very carefully the right trade-offs about.
In the other side, we the FRS customers have to choose the right amplification device for really " take-out " and " live " that marvelous low bass reproduction through those FRS: a very hard task, it does not matters the speaker design and the amplifier design.

- There is no single external / stand alone amplifier that can work or do a better job than a low bass dedicated amplifier like the one that comes with a powered subwoofer:
think that this dedicated bass amplifier was designed/tailored to match every single woofer parameter: impedance, frecuency response range, damping, power, distortion, etc, etc,...

- It is not only this dedicated amplifier what makes this subwoofer approach/technology ideal to handle the low bass octaves.
The driver/woofer is designed/tailored too for that specific frecuency range.
There is no passive FRS, at any price with any amplifier, that could beat a self powered subwoofers in that frecuency range. When you have and hear the subs on your system you never can live again with out those subwoofers.

Here we have to remember other important issue: the best subwoofers are SERVO CONTROLLED, this characteristic give to the subwoofer a heavy advantage over a FRS about the low distortion that a well designed subwoofer had against a higher distortions on any FRS.

- With a subwoofer we not only gain with a lowest harmonic distortion but with a lowest intermodulation distortion too. This means better quality sound reproduction.

- Other advantage is that with the integration of two subwoofers in a true stereo fashion to a full range speakers system: the main ( s ) amplifier will be free of those high power consumtion low bass frecuency range: this means too, better quality music sound reproduction. No exception.

- Other advantage with the subs integration is that facilitate the integration of our mains speakers to the room.

Do you think that your FRS audio system sounds great? Wait till you do the subwoofers integration: you will be on music heaven !!!!!!!! Nothing less. Try it.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

Dear friends: I'm sorry but I'm not sure if the Dali Megaline is a real full range speaker. I think so and that's why I mentioned but I'm not sure.
Anyway, this one could take advante off subs integration.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

Here is what I used to do to set subwoofer volume when I had them. Pick a frequency that both speakers are capable of reproducing as low as possible. I use 100 Hz. Reverse the connections on your main speakers and remove their input from the high on the crossover. Set the the crossover at at least that 100 Hz. Run 100 Hz signal to both. At a volume where you would normally listen on the main speakers, now set the volume on the subwoofers to give the lowest volume. You are using the out of phase speakers to counter balance each other for minimum volume at 100 Hz.

Reverse the leads on the mains and put them on the high outputs of the crossover. Enjoy. I usually found a slight reduction for the subwoofers from this setting was perfect.

Servo systems offer their own set of problems(ex:heavy work load on amp).Room loading,with a careful ear,costs absolutely nothing,and may ameliorate the need for any aftermarket sub systems.

PS--Raul,the Rel line is NOT only for low freq. reinforcement.Why don't you actually listen to one,in a proper set-up?Best regards!

Dear Sirspeedy: +++++ " Servo systems offer their own set of problems(ex:heavy work load on amp). " +++++

I really don't know what you are talking about.

I have my two Velodyne ( servo controled ) HGS-15 for two years and I never " see"hear " any problem about. Its dedicated amplifiers don't have any problem about.

Who tell you rhis?.

+++++ " .Room loading,with a careful ear,costs absolutely nothing,and may ameliorate the need for any aftermarket sub systems. " +++++

Room loading with a careful ear.. Sorry, what do you mean with this?

+++++ " and may ameliorate the need for any aftermarket sub systems. " +++++

My opinion is that f the room enable and if we don't have a self powered full range speakers: any one needs and after market sub system for an improvement in the quality and complete true music sound reproduction experience at home.

I will take your advice about Rel.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.