Do you think you need a subwoofer?


Why almost any one needs subwoofers in their audio systems?

I talk with my audio friends about and each one give me different answers, from: I don't need it, to : I love that.

Some of you use subwoofers and many do in the speakers forum and everywhere.

The question is: why we need subwoofers ? or don't?

My experience tell me that this subwoofers subject is a critical point in the music/sound reproduction in home audio systems.

What do you think?
Ag insider logo xs@2xrauliruegas
Dear Tbg: Btw, AHEE means: Audio High End Establishment.

regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.
Here's my system:

Bryston amp 4B SST C-Series (2-channel)
Bryston preamp sp 1.7
Paradigm Reference Studio/40 v.2 (front speakers)
Paradigm Reference Studio Center Speaker CC / v2 (Center)
JBL PB12 12" inch Powered Subwoofer
Cambridge Azur 540D the CD/DVD Player

I listen to music 95% of time on 2-channel stereo and I don't like the bass on my music at all. The JBL sub did not blend well with my speakers. I am looking for more "tight" and "deep" bass for the music. What I noticed was that if I select the front speakers as "Large" and turn off the sub then the bass sounds better, but it is less bass and I wanted to be more.

The question is:
1. Should I upgrade my front speakers and get rid of the sub or should I replace sub for a better one?
2. What type of speakers sounds well with my Bryston amp? I like the B&W speakers, what do you think if I upgrade my speakers to B&W?

Thanks.
Vu,

Describe your listening room including size/approximate dimensions please.

Thanks.
Dear Vuluongchitam: IMHO your Studio 40 are good speakers and IMHO too it is on the subwoofer side where you have a " trouble ".

First, for listen music I don't recommend one subwoofer ( for very good reasons that you can read in this thread. ) but two units. Paradigm has very good options that can blend with your speakers better than the JBL but the word " blend " is the main subject here.

I take almost a year to stay where I'm today on the subwoofers overall subject inside my system, not an easy task where we not only need patience but good know-how about music and how music sounds " out there " ( live ).
Your speakers are " ideal " to be mated with subs: great combination if you take your time.

Please read what ( and other posts related. ) I posted in this thread that can put some " light " to you on the subject:

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1117893153&openflup&27&4#27

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1117893153&openflup&31&4#31

Regards and enjoy the music,
R.
Everyone would benefit with a powered sub....amps run cleaner just having to power the mids and highs, and the sub can be tailored for the room