I've always suscribed to the notion that if you want a big sound you need a big speaker. If you compare this to say, an orchestra, then the more instruments the larger audicence they can play to, This is the same for say a marching band. A properly adjusted sub can reinforce the bass at lower volumes but will require constant setting changes for almost each track to maintain the proper balance.
As for the wife, perhaps you might find what she likes listen to and play it loud until she complains....you should already have a SPL meter and at the level she complains is the same level you should be able to play your music. There are zero quatentees this will be met with a rational resoponse - afterall she is 'THE WIFE' There might also be certian days of the month that her response will not be consistent - afterall she is 'THE WIFE'
The other solution is either BOSE noise cancelling headphones for her of perhaps a High Quality set of headphones for you...I have a pair of 'old school' Koss Pro 4A's but haven't had to use them for many years as I replaced the wife with a loving dog who loves to listen and sometimes howles along to 'the floyd' :)
As for the wife, perhaps you might find what she likes listen to and play it loud until she complains....you should already have a SPL meter and at the level she complains is the same level you should be able to play your music. There are zero quatentees this will be met with a rational resoponse - afterall she is 'THE WIFE' There might also be certian days of the month that her response will not be consistent - afterall she is 'THE WIFE'
The other solution is either BOSE noise cancelling headphones for her of perhaps a High Quality set of headphones for you...I have a pair of 'old school' Koss Pro 4A's but haven't had to use them for many years as I replaced the wife with a loving dog who loves to listen and sometimes howles along to 'the floyd' :)