In my experience, the subs help with the low end but also help deal with room modes -- they even out the bass, from 20-300 hz. Measurement and DSP are the best ways to add a sub. Of course, you want to get the right sub, so your attention to your speakers' capabilities is right on target.
Adding an Sub that doesn't go well below speakers?
The backbone of my setup is based on a couple of Canor Monoblocks that feed a pair of Marten Oscar Trio. The trio are rated for 27hz (-3db), but I still feel that the system would benefit of having one or two subwoofers that help both of below 27 while also allowing more breathing space for the speakers.
I was considering a couple of REL T5X because of the little footprint as well as the high line connections (the amps don't have a dedicated low-level sub out). But just before pulling the trigger, I saw that the T5X is rated at 37hz (-6db).
Would it make sense to add them to the system? Doesn't sound right. I know probably the Martens roll off above 27, but perhaps 37hz sub is too high for my system.
Perhaps a T9X that goes to the same 27hz? Or do I definitely need to splurge and do for an S series, like the S510 that is rated at 20 hz? If I do an S510 I will do just one and add a second once my wallet recovers.
Well, would love to hear from you.
Showing 3 responses by hilde45
Dialing in a room is tricky. Typically, multiple subs are helpful. In addition, having adjustable phase on those subs is helpful. I have both REL and Rythmik subs, but only Rythmik’s adjustable phase makes it possible to get the room dialed in. The last piece of the puzzle is DSP. I run all three subs through a miniDSP and that completes the integration. A response from 20-300 Hz within +/- 4db of flat. Bass is full and also articulate. What’s great about the Rythmik phase control is that it allows one to position the sub where one wants it in the room (to avoid locations where room modes exist---peaks or nulls, a consequence of room dimensions); then, the phase control is used to align the sub with the main speakers. Many of use would not own a sub without a continuously-variable phase control. The 0/180 phase switch on many subs, including the REL, is far too crude to be of much value in a high performance system. REL is clearly a good product and they have a very vocal and earnest fan base. As I said, I love my REL sub, but the ability to adjust phase in a variable way is an absolutely crucial feature for anyone without a dedicated listening room and the dozens of hours it takes to get a sub without variable phase placed. It is ridiculous for REL not to include this feature, but they don’t. Yes they have a "high level" way to connect to the amp, etc., but that’s not very important if they task is achieving a blend with both room and subs. |
@12many Before I had DSP, I would turn the knob and then run a new REW scan and see whether it helped. |