2. speakers
  3. 1073618557

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????
128x128flickkit
quadophile's avatar
quadophile
417 posts
 
Making the decision to add or not to add a sub is easy. The diffucult part is to set it up properly before you decide whether it works for you or not. I recently became a believer in subs importance to the overall system synergy. One thing I realised now that in the past I never heard a sub properly setup in any home, that is the reason I was without a sub, I was wrong and so were the folks who set it up improperly whose systems unfortunately I had heard.

I use the REL Strata III but I will refrain from giving a sermon on its behalf. You will find plenty of information on REL on Audiogon as well as elsewhere.

In the end, its YOU who has to decide.
iseekheils
131 posts
 
I have a Velodyne HGS-15 and it sounds great for just music. It has very low distortion which gives it a very clean and punchy sound. It has a remote so you can make adjustments from your chair, when necessary.
Low powered subs can be boomy, when played too loud, that might be how they got a bad rep in the first place. But some people like their music that way, go figure.
I think that most speaker systems benefit from a good sub, that's set up properly.
Sonny
gmorris
351 posts
 
Stereo subs are the way to go.
I am using a stereo pair of Sunfire Signature subs with my MG 3.5s with excellent results.

Properly integrated subs can enhance the musical experience markedly.
ozzyathome
7 posts
 
I agree with Sdcampbell,
I have 2 Vandersteen 2wq subs in stereo configuration. My satellites are a couple of Vandersteen VSM wall mounts, though not hanging on the wall. Very musical in my opinion...
sundance45
63 posts
 
There has always been different opinions on subs vs. full range speakers. The argument for no sub, was that it was hard to integrate and never are they seemless. I never agreed with that argument, in that monitors almost always image better than full range speakers, are easier to place in a room and almost never detonate or excite the room. For most of us, we don't build custom listening rooms and have to integrate our systems into living rooms, which usually are far from perfect. The monitors give us the midrange and upper registers and a good sub-woofer produces true bass and in most cases, improves the sound of the saterlites. I own Piega speakers and use a Rel Strata III sub and I'll match their performance with most of the highly regarded full range speakers for a lot less money.
More to discover