My B&W 803's really opened up in my main room (25x235, most of my house). Since I had experimented with various woofers for my prior electrostatics, I had a baseline.
Instead of a generic sub amp, I use a matching amp and preamp for my subs. This is not necessary, but does allow me to place the sub cabinets in a time aligned fashion with my mains. It also allows a separate volume control with no crossover issues, because, I use a mechanical, rather than an electronic crossover, many of which I still have. It consists of foam in the center of the speaker cover cloth and beat crossovers designed for my drivers, as well as Thiel sub crossover I still have., and several others which as good but not as good as my reversed cone of foam.
On most LP's, FM, some CDs and especially XM, it really helps fill out the sound.
Th sub system is off for most small combos.
Instead of a generic sub amp, I use a matching amp and preamp for my subs. This is not necessary, but does allow me to place the sub cabinets in a time aligned fashion with my mains. It also allows a separate volume control with no crossover issues, because, I use a mechanical, rather than an electronic crossover, many of which I still have. It consists of foam in the center of the speaker cover cloth and beat crossovers designed for my drivers, as well as Thiel sub crossover I still have., and several others which as good but not as good as my reversed cone of foam.
On most LP's, FM, some CDs and especially XM, it really helps fill out the sound.
Th sub system is off for most small combos.