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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
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.
tombowlus
416 posts
 
I had originally intended to avoid the use of a subwoofer, and I went with full range speakers (Thiel CS3.6). However, it turns out that my listening room has some rather extreme dropouts in the low frequencies (it's a very cut up and open room). This lead me to consider adding a subwoofer, and after much investigation and auditioning, I finally picked up a Velodyne DD-12, which is from their new Digital Drive series. This has been the most significant improvement that I have made to my system. It allowed me to find, and corret for, all the deficiencies in the low end, and I now have a very flat response. It is a very controlled and musical sub, and if you didn't know that it was there, you'd never suspect that the low end is coming from anywhere other than the Thiels. It has interfaced very well with my system, and certainly makes music sound much more, well musical. Not only do the lower notes themselves sound more real, but having the proper fundamental underneath them also very much improves the higher frequency notes, even cymbals, and especially human voice.

Of course, that said, a boomy subwoofer can really muck things up. So, audition as many as you can, and hopefully find a tight, fast sub.

Tom.
haskin1234
3 posts
 
I'm going to post my two cents. I own four Bag Ends and three Vandersteen 2W's. I love both of them and don't think you can find anything better for the price. In my opinion, one Bag end or two Vandersteen's would do you fine. Stereo subs are the best though. You can find a used Bag End or Vandersteen here on Agone for about half the retail price.

Tony.....
baileyje
45 posts
 
As I started looking for speakers, I noticed I didn't like many, if any, floor standers. I wanted to, but they just didn't seem to have the detail. I'm also a dedicated "budget buyer" and I'm sure that didn't help. However, I did find speakers that fit my need, PSB Image 2B's. I've added the budget PSB Subzero and have heard a very good difference. I keep the sub down in volume and the crossover at 110. I rarely notice the sub, but I do notice the speakers have become more detailed. The key for me was to find a volume level that is very low, but still adds substance. I had to experiment a lot but now I never change the settings. Well, I never have to change it until I use the system after my sons get done with it. I can always tell when my sons have been using my stereo when I walk into the house and notice all the pictures hanging crooked again and my dog is hiding in a corner in the fetal position. They crank the sub.
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