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Subwoofer advice

Sorry in advance for the long post but I thought it would be helpful to give as much context as possible in order to receive the most accurate advice.

I am new to this subwoofer thing. Currently I have a traditional stereo system. Dedicated amp/pre/dac and Harbeth 30.2 speakers. Now I am not unhappy with the bass output of the Harbeths, in fact, I was impressed with the useful output I heard under 50hz, even though they're only rated to 50hz.

I was thinking adding a powered sub or perhaps two subs would be beneficial as my Harbeths start to roll off around 40hz and I get no useful output below 30hz or so. I don't consider myself a bass head but I do like the occasional Daft Punk song, and know that a good sized woofer can make all the difference in a system. I think the Harbeth Radial driver is swell, but it struggles at higher spl, under 50hz. (Herb Reichart mentioned the logo will rattle against the enclosure with strong subbass, he wasn't joking)

I don't wish to add a processor into my chain for subwoofer management, even though I could (my preamp has home theatre bypass) I would rather do the "traditional" way where I set the crossover of the sub to maybe around 40hz and adjust placement in room manually by ear.

My room is small, 10x14.

My questions are thus: what brand should I look to get?

Should I get one or two subs? One to start?

What considerations must I factor in for seamless integration?
d2girls

Showing 1 response by m-db

m-db's avatar
m-db
313 posts
 
Aside from the rapidly falling price of subwoofer room correction what is your issue with the likelihood of improved system and room integration over simple crossover and two position phase adjustments?

With integration factors as varied as the rooms and systems, you might opt for a manufacture that offers a convenient return policy. While your level of success maybe entirely subjective my experience with room correction with some level of manual adjustment has always yielded quicker and better integration as well as any other perks that a particular processor might offer.

Depending on the room the 30.2 appears to begin rolling off at 60Hz and down 4-5dB at 45Hz. I don't think one need to be a "bass head" to appreciate the potential overall improvement that most users gain with the addition of a more seamlessly integrated subwoofer/s.  
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