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Are Sub-woofers really for music?

My system consists of an Audio Note Oto SE 10w and B&W CDM 1NT spealers. As i'vee posted in other threads my only nag is lack of low end. My speakers spec out out 60hz. The salesperson where i bought my speakers suggested I would NOT like a sub. and was not a good idea, Other than to impress my lower primate buddys. I listened to a pair of B&W 703s at the same store. While there was more bass present they lacked the mid details of my CDMs. The salesman said in order to get better lows and maintain my current sound Id have to step up quite a ways. I like this guy never did he try to "sell" me something he didnt think Id like.I also additioned a set of Audio Note AN-K/SP. These were nice but did not sound much better than the B&Ws in terms of the lows. In fact they may even have been a bit slower. I also suspect the efficiency rating was a bit optimistic.
So back to my initial question. Are there any "Music" subs? Can 1 sub actually do the job of two better speakers? If i turn the crossover down to "non-directional" low frequencys would this be too low below my 60hz rating and creat a hole? If I turned it up to crossover where my speakers drop off would it then be directional?
Speaker suggestions would be appriciated. Noting that I'm not going to replace my Oto. Im looking for the same sound I have now with a little more low end response. Maybe some ProAc's????
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dsweeney33
19 posts
 
Flickkit

SPL - Answer: Sound Pressure Level

What signifies a speaker as a "monitor"? - Answer: Generally (in your case), a monitor speaker is a two-way speaker design. This type of speaker does not have a bass driver for low frequencies.

Hope this helps.

Dan S.
musicslug
430 posts
 
You can spend kilobucks completely upgrading your speakers to ones that go down to subwoofer frequencies (and do it well) or you can audition something like a rel or vandersteen and see if it makes you happy. I had also heard the same line your salesman gave you. My speakers go down to 30hz. Adding the rel (stadium) was a no brainer, especially since I listen to, among other things, electronic/experimental music which often goes down to below audible - you just feel the floor shake a little - frequencies. You do have to be careful to only have the sub kick in when it's needed, though. I have to adjust mine every once in a while, depending on the recording, but mostly I just leave it alone. I love it!
seandtaylor99
1,262 posts
 
Try to audition a REL, such as the Strata. If you don't like it then you probably won't like any sub ... but I expect that you'll like it a lot. Mine has transformed my system.
dsk
36 posts
 
I agree with Perkadin that you want your sub to start rolling in where your speakers start rolling out. In my experience, I only use my sub for some music. I have Monitor Audio silver 5i speakers and a bag end infra 18 sub. Despite it's large size, it is very musical and fast. I have it crossed over at 90hz. I disagree with Perkadin's analysis of smaller vs larger subs. I have also used M&K 10" and Sony 10" and auditioned a number of others. I think smaller subs tend to be overdriven and get sloppy sooner than a larger sub with more composure.
dawgbyte's avatar
dawgbyte
325 posts
 
I have a 15" Mirage sub to go along with my Hale T-5's. I've listened to my system with and without the sub and my personal preference is to turn on the sub at a low volume level (around #3). I think it adds a life to the overall presentation. I don't notice any roll off or other harmonic distortion.
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