Do I need a subwoofer?


Hopefully I’ve framed this in a way to help people answer. Up until recently I have had a combo 2-channel/home theater system (Krell preamp with home theater bypass, Bryston 5 channel amp, PSB Synchrony 1s bi-amped speakers, Marantz home theater receiver, Power Sound Audio XV15 subwoofer, Oppo CD player). I wanted extra oomph for surround sound movie watching and occasionally some rock music, hence the sub. I was never really impressed with the XV15 sub (have it for sale now). It is insanely large and I wasn’t sure it was adding the oomph I expected, even after having a local hifi shop owner come out for a listen and tune.

What’s changed: A few weeks ago I inherited my late father’s B&W 801 speakers circa 1980, which I have put in place of my PSBs and am enjoying thoroughly despite the age difference.

My questions: (1) would a sub still be of value in my setup (I still like a lot of bass) and (2) what might folks recommend?

 

Thank you.

olfac87

Showing 8 responses by olfac87

@erik_squires That was a nicely written piece. Very informative. Room treatments has been something I have lacked in.

These are a bunch of great posts. Glad to hear other 801 owners' experiences, and appreciate the REL suggestion. I will look into all this.

Saying thank you again. I will definitely look at both SVS and REL, and I've already reached out about room treatments before I do anything else. I really appreciate the input as I put my audiophile research hat back on.

@imaninatural  Thank you, I will add Rythmik to my list. I've seen their name come up a few times now.

@russ69  Someone said with stereo subs I should do two versus the one big one I have now? They seem a lot smaller, too, which would make the wife happy. If I am understanding what stereo subs are (did a quick Google search).

All - this is super helpful. I am enjoying being back in the research game after years doing nothing to my system (looking to replace my preamp, too - that's a different story). The SVS line looks like a good place to start.