Subwoofer: How low should I go?


My B&W 683s are rated at 38Hz - 22kHz.

I've been toying with the idea of a small subwoofer to augment the low end a bit. My apartment is pretty tiny, and in a crowded NYC building so I don't have room for a big sub and don't need or want earth shaking bass, just a little more oomph.

The sub I've been looking at is the Velodyne Microvee. It fits the bill size wise. But it's rated at 38–120 Hz.

My question is, do those numbers mean the sub covers exactly the same low end as my speakers, making it useless? Do I need to go with a lower frequency sub to hear a difference?

Thanks!
rkny

Showing 1 response by esserry

Rkny,
The Rel T1,T2 and T3 are very compact and may do the trick for you with some effort. The effort will be required to isolate the sub from the floor as they have downward firing woofers. I have a T2 and it works quite well with my Piega P2 LTD monitors. I do not have the same concerns as you though as I live in a single family home.
As for the hookup, there are three wires on one end of the Neutrik Connector. Two go to the left speaker terminals and the third goes to the positive right terminal. I suspect that your salesperson may not be too familiar with hooking up that particular type of sub cable ???
If at all possible, maybe your dealer can let you borrow a demo and this would enable you to get a better grasp of whether you may be able to isolate it from your neighbours ears and preserve your safety...LOL
Either way, the REL is definitely worth an audition.
I was never a fan of subs in two channel environment but I am certainly a believer now.
I hope this helps.
Thanks, BJ.