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do monitors require a subwoofer?

I always found small speakers less than satisfactory, sounding thin and lacking bass. But in a post-divorce apartment, meaning a smaller room, the bass, or at least the room-reinforced parts, is too much, so I must consider smaller speakers, perhaps monitors. I can't really imagine being satisfied with inadequate bass, never really understood the attraction of using only small stand-mounted monitors. Many instruments just do not sound "right". No opportunity in Houston for in-home demos, have to buy to try. Never heard an eq that didn't veil the sound. So what do you do? Get monitors and a sub with lots of adjustability? Get small floorstanders and count on that reinforcement? thanks in advance for advice.
128x128lloydc
notec
407 posts
 
My ProAc D Two's dont need a sub. They're living and breathing in a small room....
tpreaves's avatar
tpreaves
2,515 posts
 
Lloyd,
You have to make these decisions for yourself.You will get lots of well meaning posts but they are all that persons opinion with their gear in their room.You can already see by the posts that there are as many reccomendations as there are posters.What works for Joe Blow might be totally unacceptable to you.I can't imagine a city the size of Houston,does not have several dealers that will give you an in home demo.Maybe your best bet is to find a local audio club/society and get to know some members(try a search here on A'gon).Most people love to show off their gear!!You might also consider buying used and trying some different things out to find something you can live with.Buying and selling used is a great way to try different equipment and usually pretty "dollar wise".Good luck in your journey.
martykl
3,563 posts
 
Also depends on the paricular monitor. Some (earlier ProAc Tablette comes to mind) are designed to be flat with only the deep bass missing. I find that these need a sub. Others (earlier Sonus Faber monitors for example) are designed with elevated mid-bass and sound much more satisfying (to my ear) as a stand-alone speaker, even though they're technically less neutral.

A good trade-off might be something like the 3A deCapo. Large enough to provide real bass into the 40s and gently rolled on top to smooth the overall tonal balance. These are definitely suitable for use without a sub.

Good Luck,

Marty
saki70
853 posts
 
Here's another vote for the Di Capo i's , in a smaller space and nearfield . No sub required , for me .

Good luck .
posty
19 posts
 
I'm moving from Vandersteen Quatros with built-in subs (great speakers, BTW) to small monitors (probably Harbeth P3Esr) for aesthetic and flexibility purposes. As I test these little speakers out I am less inclined to get a sub, at least right away. I think I'll enjoy them as-is for a while, and reassess later the issue of the sub.

So, you might just get a good pair of monitors, and just listen for a while. Setup/positioning will change how they sound, so experiment a bit.

If you need a sub later, go for it, but you may find you don't miss it after a while.

Of course, I am generally listening to jazz and vocals and not at earsplitting levels. If you are cranking up some rock, well, you'll probably want a sub.

I can't recommend one since I have not looked hard at them yet (and may not).

Good luck with it.
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