2. tech-talk
  3. 1239758564

How can a subwoofer expand the soundstage?

I have recently added a Rel Storm III to my two channel system (Essence Sapphire amp, modded Essence Reference Super Gems, Arcam FMJ 23T CD, SOTA Sapphire TT, Benz Glider, Audible Illusions Preamp). I immediately noticed an improvement in imaging and depth of the sound stage at all frequencies. The REL manual specifically mentions these benefits. Can someone please explain how adding a driver that's designed to play at lower frequencies can have this kind of impact? I will NEVER take the REL out of my system.
rockyboy

Showing 2 responses by dbphd

dbphd
1,632 posts
 
Horacio,

Your observatons comport with my experience. I use KEF R104/2s with a Velodyne HGS-15. Crossover by the pre/pro is set at 80 Hz. The 104/2s sound fine full range by themselves, but I think they have a bit more transparency when relieved of LF duty by high passing. OTOH, when both the 104/2s and the sub cover the same mid-bass region transparency seems to suffer just a bit.

db
dbphd
1,632 posts
 
Lewinskih01,

If you can find an external crossover on Audiogon at a reasonable price, I'd give it a try. But if your B & Ws are down 3 dB at 38 Hz, they presumably start rolling off before that, and your REL could roll off before 50 Hz, so there may be little effective overlap. The actual LF frequency response of your B & Ws will depend on how you've located them in your room, particularly in regards to rear and side walls. I wouldn't rely on achieving the manufacturer's 38 Hz value in your home.

db
More to discover