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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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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.
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dawgbyte
290 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.
mfkeleher
146 posts
 
Consider that a subwoofer gives you a whole 'nother chance to custom tailor the sound of your system to the realities of your taste, aural sensitivity and listening environment. If your room likes to eat lower frequencies, like mine does, you may want to set your crossover well above the rolloff of your mains.

Do try the Rel line, and experiment to find your best answer.
sdcampbell
2,136 posts
 
The Vandersteen 2Wq subwoofer is one of the most musical on the market. There have been a LOT of posts about them here over the past two years, and rather than try to recap those posts, I suggest you spend some time looking through the A-gon archives.
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