I do not think there is a simple answer to the original question. IMO there are
many reasons. First, my feeling is that initially many speaker manufactures
had very little understanding (if any) about the interaction between a sub,
room and main speakers, so they simple did not know how to built a proper
subwoofer. Combining this with the purist approach mentioned above by
Martykl, it is easy to understand how the myth about subwoofers being
detrimental to the sound has started. Second, my feeling is that a significant
percent of the audiophiles have never heard a properly set up subwoofer. This
is because most dealers are unable to properly set up a sub, viz. they have no
idea about interference phenomena (i.e. the way waves interact) and do not
understand how a sub interacts with the room and main speakers. In the
other camp, we have the audiophiles who have aheard a properly integrated
subwoofer, and, of course, bass freaks who want a lot of bass no matter
what.
The fact is, however, that eventually people (i.e. scientists) have taken the
time to study and understand subwoofers properly. Proof of this is not only
the fact that new subs are much better than the old ones (e.g. REL Stentor 3 &
Studio 3 are simply no match for the new Velodine and SVS subs), but also the
wealth of softwares available these days which do wonders when it comes to
integrating a sub into a system. I believe Bo 100% when he says that he gets
marvelous results with the help of such softwares. I get marvelous results too.
Finally, regarding Bo, I should say that, I have cross paths with him here on
audiogon quite a few times, and my experience is that trying to have an
intelligent dialog with him is like trying to communicate with an untrained
chimp or a parrot. He will keep on repeating the same things over and over
again irrespectively of what the other are saying/asking. Take 5 minutes and
glance at his answers, he has hijacked so many threads by writing over and
over again the same things he has also written in this thread.
Bo, it is commendable that a dealer recommends not very expensive (given
hi-end standards) electronics and speakers (e.g. Monitor Audio Platinum
speakers and subwoofers, Pass Labs amps and the Onkyo receivers with
audissey pro software) over much more expensive ones, but the way you do it
is unprofessional and tiring.
many reasons. First, my feeling is that initially many speaker manufactures
had very little understanding (if any) about the interaction between a sub,
room and main speakers, so they simple did not know how to built a proper
subwoofer. Combining this with the purist approach mentioned above by
Martykl, it is easy to understand how the myth about subwoofers being
detrimental to the sound has started. Second, my feeling is that a significant
percent of the audiophiles have never heard a properly set up subwoofer. This
is because most dealers are unable to properly set up a sub, viz. they have no
idea about interference phenomena (i.e. the way waves interact) and do not
understand how a sub interacts with the room and main speakers. In the
other camp, we have the audiophiles who have aheard a properly integrated
subwoofer, and, of course, bass freaks who want a lot of bass no matter
what.
The fact is, however, that eventually people (i.e. scientists) have taken the
time to study and understand subwoofers properly. Proof of this is not only
the fact that new subs are much better than the old ones (e.g. REL Stentor 3 &
Studio 3 are simply no match for the new Velodine and SVS subs), but also the
wealth of softwares available these days which do wonders when it comes to
integrating a sub into a system. I believe Bo 100% when he says that he gets
marvelous results with the help of such softwares. I get marvelous results too.
Finally, regarding Bo, I should say that, I have cross paths with him here on
audiogon quite a few times, and my experience is that trying to have an
intelligent dialog with him is like trying to communicate with an untrained
chimp or a parrot. He will keep on repeating the same things over and over
again irrespectively of what the other are saying/asking. Take 5 minutes and
glance at his answers, he has hijacked so many threads by writing over and
over again the same things he has also written in this thread.
Bo, it is commendable that a dealer recommends not very expensive (given
hi-end standards) electronics and speakers (e.g. Monitor Audio Platinum
speakers and subwoofers, Pass Labs amps and the Onkyo receivers with
audissey pro software) over much more expensive ones, but the way you do it
is unprofessional and tiring.