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Surprised

Every time I listen to my system I am delighted with the sound, realism, imaging, tonal quality etc. First to describe my system in 2-channel since it seems most people who read these forums listen to either 2-channel or 2.1 channel.
I have a pair of Paradigm Signature S2’s and compliment each of them with a REL R-528. The REL’s are connected high level at the binding post of the amplifier (Anthem P5). It took awhile but I have them dialed in pretty good to the point when I watch something, even a movie streamed from my computer (Amazon) which comes through in 2-channel, I’m fooled thinking my center channel is active. When low frequency information is delivered, I forget there are subwoofers and the whole soundstage comes alive.
I just wonder why more people don’t opt for quality bookshelf speakers each complimented with it’s own dedicated subwoofer. Keeping in mind the REL is different than conventional subs in the way it gets the same exact signal signature as the main speakers.
I’m interested in hearing others thoughts on my scheme as opposed to floor standers with a single sub with appears most popular.
oldschool1
kennythekey
558 posts
 
I had floorstanders in a room with about the same dimensions as your room, so 14' x 15' x 8.' My speakers go down to 30 Hz and driven with the right amplification, the bass was excellent. Then I moved my system into a large open space, and while I gained some detail, where's the beef?

I added subs, and I'm still running my floorstanders full range. I use my two preamp outs for the setup. The sub amps have all the controls necessary to set things up any way you want. It's all there now, plus a wide open presentation I never had before.
Kenny
bache's avatar
bache
222 posts
 
@oldschool111,
The big difference between the floorstanders  and bookshelf is not 
only bass, Most of the bookshelf is 2 way LS,   and loosing nice
mids, is the shortcoming, The best 2 way speakers is 3 way speakers,
The tweeter and woofer are not design to get good mids, 
We design all my speakers based on wideband drivers and get 
excellent vocal reproduction , like live    

itzhak1969
369 posts
 
Many years ago had 7.1 system with a sub the sound was rubbish, Moved to 2 floorstanders with a sub to found out it’s extremely difficult to get the sub tuned correctly now my Proac floorstanders go down to 25 Hz and driven with the McIntosh really making the sub unnecessary.Bookshelfs in principle can’t produce full body sound as floorstanders neither low bottom end unless you you’re buying extremely expensive high end bookshelfs that obviously will reuquier expnensive powerful amplification,cables and stands.
ozzy's avatar
ozzy
3,650 posts
 
Well, I  own a DEQX Preamp and one of its features is a very sophisticated range of controls to intergrade the subs (JL F-113) very nicely.

ozzy
wolf_garcia
4,650 posts
 
I've owned a REL Q150e (10" front firing 150 watt) for 7 or 8 years and eventually added a Q108II (8" downfiring 100 watts). Both were purchased used but in great shape for 200 buck each, and they still show up on Ebay or wherever for close to that price...highly recommended. Once you get the phase correct these things are amazing, easy to adjust the level (no DSP for me), and move around. They work well with small monitors (I have a friend who's way into tiny English 3/5a type speakers and he matches 'em with one small REL sub and it sounds glorious) or floorstanders, and I currently use these with Klipsch Heresy IIIs that have accurate bass to only around 58hz so the subs are necessary. Used RELs...a no brainer if there ever was one.
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