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Subs/Monitors vs Full-Range Speakers - Pros/Cons

I've enjoyed a variety of full-range (near full-range) speakers over the years, but I recently decided to give some monitors a try. Inevitably - as would be expected - I like the strengths of the monitors (imaging, sound-staging, ability to disappear...), but I do miss the extended bass response.

I am currently running the Pioneer S-2EX (truly exceptional monitors ' "junior TADs"). I like them well enough to either keep them and incorporate a sub(s) or trade up to the S-1EX floor-standers - they sound great too (with the extended bass I want), but they just don't image quite as well in my room) - I could live with them though, if a sub setup with the S-2EXs doesn't pan out...

I'm looking at JL audio subs. I would rather utilize one sub ("cost" factor) than two... My concern is whether or not a good sub can truly ever be effectively integrated with monitors. I’m hoping so…

Can those of you having had successful integration with subs provide me with some guidance…Can I get by with one sub or is a stereo pair truly necessary. My monitors go down to 38Hz – is that “40Hz range” crossover point low enough provide a seamless integration (i.e.: will I be able to tell where the sub is when it “kicks in”)? How difficult is placement? General pros/cons…etc…?

Thanks.

_Ben
2chnlben

Showing 1 response by dbphd

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dbphd
1,624 posts
 
Integration of monitors and subs seems well understood and solvable. I'm concerned that monitors may not have the dynamic range to represent large orchestrations well. In my experience good floor standers do big sound better than monitors, but my experience with monitors is quite limited. Are there monitors that represent large orchestrations well?

I've used a pair of Velodyne HGS-15s for years, and I agree you should never be aware of a sub as a sound source -- actually, you shouldn't be aware of any of your speakers as a sound source.

db
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