How do you know if you need to add a sub (without auditioning one, I mean)?


I like my speakers, I like the SQ of my system, so I'm not asking this question because I'm seeking a remedy to a deficit. I just wonder if it would sound even better with a sub. and I don't want to buy/audition anything based on mild curiosity. Also, like many of us, I don't have an unlimited budget and wouldn't care to stretch it unnecessarily.
How does anyone else decide whether to add a sub or play a pat hand?
My speakers are ATC SC40v2s. By specs, they don't go low. To my ears, the bass is much more satisfying than anything else I've listened to in my limited experience.

m669326

Showing 2 responses by soix

So what does anyone think of the idea of using a Loki as a very inexpensive experiment to see if more bass even suits me. I know it won’t be the lower register bass and there are plenty of other differences between this and a sub.
Think you just answered your own question. Why even bother? You’ll be missing many of the benefits of adding a sub(s) so really what’s the point, especially when you can try actual subs in your system absolutely risk free? I frankly don’t understand the hesitation.

I just wonder if it would sound even better with a sub. 
My experience, once you listen with a properly set-up sub(s) you won’t want to listen without it anymore.  Along with losing the lower foundation of the music the soundstage utterly collapses and the involvement/enjoyability factor drops precipitously without subs.  If I’m you I’d try a pair of the new SVS SB1000 Pro subs for $950 that come with a 45-day trial (including shipping both ways), which should be plenty.  These will get you down to 20Hz, and I’d definitely get a pair rather than a single sub.  Frankly, I highly doubt you’d end up returning them.  FWIW, and best of luck.