Thinking I need a Sub...

^^^

That's great news about the SVS SB-2000. I wasn't sure if it high-passed to the main amp, but the user guide indicates that the line out high passes at 80 Hz. That would give the Boxers lots of breathing room. Everything below the botom string of a guitar would be handled by the sub.

01-14-14: Neo-luddite
Ugh...now I'm really spinning.

Nola says the Contender extends down to 25hz. I'm not up on the technical
jargon but that seems like it would be low enough?

I just checked the Nola website and it claims a frequency response of 35 Hz -28
Khz for the Boxers. No tolerances are given, so that 35 Hz could be 10-20 dB
down from the output at 1 KHz. The speakers could also have been positioned
for maximum room gain irrespective of imaging and clarity of the rest of the
audio spectrum. In speakers the two most often told lies are probably claimed
specs for sensitivity and bass extension. Read the Stereophile review I provided
the link for. The response curve is there to see. The bass is down -33 dB at 25
Hz, and -18dB at 35 Hz. It may be that with the right footers, a completely rigid,
masonry listening room (no suspended wood floors), and the speakers
positioned for maximum room gain, that you might be able to *hear* 35 Hz but
definitely not 25, and neither of these diminished levels at those frequencies
would begin to compare to the linear bass frequency extension offered by either
of the subwoofers Bob and I mentioned.

BTW, in response to your subject line, *everybody* needs a sub (preferably two).

I seem to change my outlook and oppinions about all this audio shtuff quite a bit. I was on the "just buy towers" kick once I got my kef xq5's and they did everything well, at least for me and in my rig. Then I had to sell them and my new speakers don't have much bass but the midrange and highs are great (subwoofer, here I come).

Johnny makes a great point that has never even crossed my mind "you won't be adding cabinet noise to your mains" and he's definately right when he said "the bass [will] be stronger, more dynamic, and more extended than what the Contender can offer [with a good sub]".

Also, you can place your boxers where they image best, and not have to worry about bass response from the boxers because your sub will pick that up.

My issue with a sub is that I couldn't get it to integrate with my monitors like I've heard it done at shows. I'm going with 2 subs next time to see if I have better results.

By the way, 2 years ago at RMAF, I heard one of the best sounding systems I've heard, even until this day, and it was in a small room with a pair of Nola Boxers and Rel (T5?) subs. The front end gear was top notch, as was the set-up including trick room treatments. Did anyone else hear this room?

Thanks so much...I appreciate this.

Is there a simple way to explain the specs you give about db loss at certain frequencies?..I think I understand but I'm not sure.

A

If you do go the route of subs look into the new JL's (I've not heard them yet but do use the F113). I used to use REL's and had many, many issues so my recomendation is to stay away from REL. Just my 2 cents worth.

(Dealer disclaimer)