do monitors require a subwoofer?

Also depends on the paricular monitor. Some (earlier ProAc Tablette comes to mind) are designed to be flat with only the deep bass missing. I find that these need a sub. Others (earlier Sonus Faber monitors for example) are designed with elevated mid-bass and sound much more satisfying (to my ear) as a stand-alone speaker, even though they're technically less neutral.

A good trade-off might be something like the 3A deCapo. Large enough to provide real bass into the 40s and gently rolled on top to smooth the overall tonal balance. These are definitely suitable for use without a sub.

Good Luck,

Marty

Here's another vote for the Di Capo i's , in a smaller space and nearfield . No sub required , for me .

Good luck .

I'm moving from Vandersteen Quatros with built-in subs (great speakers, BTW) to small monitors (probably Harbeth P3Esr) for aesthetic and flexibility purposes. As I test these little speakers out I am less inclined to get a sub, at least right away. I think I'll enjoy them as-is for a while, and reassess later the issue of the sub.

So, you might just get a good pair of monitors, and just listen for a while. Setup/positioning will change how they sound, so experiment a bit.

If you need a sub later, go for it, but you may find you don't miss it after a while.

Of course, I am generally listening to jazz and vocals and not at earsplitting levels. If you are cranking up some rock, well, you'll probably want a sub.

I can't recommend one since I have not looked hard at them yet (and may not).

Good luck with it.

thanks, all. It looks like I'll just have to buy used and keep at it until I find something that sounds about right.

The problem with subs is that they are tough to integrate into the overall sound of a system. It may be too loud or sound different or what have you. I've tried running a sub and played around with placement to where I thought it sounded good. Then one day I decided to hear how the system sounded without it - much better!

I have a pair of Quad 12L2 speakers. While I can criticize them in one or two aspects, they put out a surprising amount of bass, and it's nice and tight too. And they aren't exactly a large monitor, just a standard 6.5" woofer 2 way design, in a probably average or below average sized box. They probably go down to 45-50Hz, yet it feels lower. I don't feel I'm missing out on too much low end info.