I'm running B&W 802 D3's with 2 B&W ASW 700 subwoofers integrated with a JL Audio CR-1 crossover.
For years I could never get solid bass in my room, because it's a carpet over concrete floor basement room and I have a huge suck out where my listing position is set up ( the sitting position is limited due to various factors in the room).
Since adding the subwoofers (basically positioned across from each other on each side of the room ) and spending quite a bit of time integrating them with the crossover, it's been the best investment I've ever made and has raised my system to a whole new level.
For a long time I was very reluctant to add Subs as it was not seen as the "purist" thing to do, but after reading an article in Stereophile where they reviewed the cr1 integrated with I believe REL speakers, and also listening to Paul from PS Audio who's a big proponent of using subwoofers even with full range speakers, I got over my bias thinking subwoofers are only for home theater and heavy metal stereo listeners.
One thing I did do recently, is run the main speakers down to 30 Hz but have the subs crossed over around 65hz. By doing this, it's really opened up the sound stage. You would think having the subs crossover ay above where the main speakers cut-out would cause too much bass at those points, but it doesn't do that.
To the point about how much bass you want, I have the bass at a level where it's natural but can still be felt. The goal for me is not to create a heavy metal system where the bass is kicking you in the head. I can certainly crank up the bass to do that but that sort of defeats the purpose in a true audiophile system IMO.
For years I could never get solid bass in my room, because it's a carpet over concrete floor basement room and I have a huge suck out where my listing position is set up ( the sitting position is limited due to various factors in the room).
Since adding the subwoofers (basically positioned across from each other on each side of the room ) and spending quite a bit of time integrating them with the crossover, it's been the best investment I've ever made and has raised my system to a whole new level.
For a long time I was very reluctant to add Subs as it was not seen as the "purist" thing to do, but after reading an article in Stereophile where they reviewed the cr1 integrated with I believe REL speakers, and also listening to Paul from PS Audio who's a big proponent of using subwoofers even with full range speakers, I got over my bias thinking subwoofers are only for home theater and heavy metal stereo listeners.
One thing I did do recently, is run the main speakers down to 30 Hz but have the subs crossed over around 65hz. By doing this, it's really opened up the sound stage. You would think having the subs crossover ay above where the main speakers cut-out would cause too much bass at those points, but it doesn't do that.
To the point about how much bass you want, I have the bass at a level where it's natural but can still be felt. The goal for me is not to create a heavy metal system where the bass is kicking you in the head. I can certainly crank up the bass to do that but that sort of defeats the purpose in a true audiophile system IMO.