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Can a subwoofer help a bad recording?

Currently, I am running a little push/pull tube amp through a pair of fairly, high efficiency Silverline Panatella floorstanding speakers. When I play a CD by Sade or Neko Case, the bass is excellent. The bass drum thumps and bass instruments are not boomy. However, on some CD, the bass just isn't there. I can hear it, but it has no authority. Is this the recording or can a subwoofer help out in some cases. I am think that a subwoofer won't help because it can't reproduce information that it isn't given.
matchstikman
stehno
1,453 posts
 
Cfjohn makes some good points and suggestions.

If your Silverlines are pretty much full-range, then, assuming all other components are somewhat equal, I'll venture a guess that more than likely it's your amplifier.

-IMO
matchstikman OP
205 posts
 
Cfjohn, I have played lots of classical and it is a very rich sound. I don't have that big of a collection, but I do have about 30 or so classical CDs to choose from. Are you saying that all(every) CD that I place on my system should have a bass with authority or else it is something on my system? As I write this I am listening to Paul McCartney's Wingspan and it sounds great; rich and full. By the way, I don't play my system very loud. It is a few notches higher that normal conversation.

By the way, I have no friends that share in my insanity.
cfjohn
15 posts
 
Not all CD will have good bass. There seems to be more variation in engineering of popular ones which is why I suggested playing classical to determine what your system is capable of. Since they sound rich on your system, something comes to mind since you listen at low levels. The ear doesn't hear low and high notes as well as mid frequencies when played at a low volume. In this case a sub may help give the bass punch you wish.
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