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Why the fascination with subwoofers?

I have noticed many posts with questions about adding subwoofers to an audio system. Why the fascination with subwoofers? I guess I understand why any audiophile would want to hear more tight bass in their audio system, but why add a subwoofer to an existing audio system when they don’t always perform well, are costly, and are difficult to integrate with the many varied speakers offered. Additionally, why wouldn’t any audiophile first choose a speaker with a well designed bass driver designed, engineered and BUILT INTO that same cabinet? If anyone’s speakers were not giving enough tight bass, why wouldn’t that person sell those speakers and buy a pair that does have tight bass?
2psyop

Showing 1 response by v_benkhan

v_benkhan
9 posts
 
Look, small bookshelf speakers begin to work effectively from 120-150Hz. I mean really flat characteristic. There are different reasons for it. So, subwoofer mast work to 160-180Hz in this case. Just if you install it at center between the main speakers, bass and main signals can look "separate". And the negative effect is just stronger if the subwoofer stands somewhere in the corner. The best idea is to use main speakers working at least from 40-50Hz and subwoofer just to 60Hz. There is another way - you can have small main speakers and TWO subwoofers, one for each channel. They must be installed under the main speakers. It is possible to buy not expensive devices (about $200 each) produced by PolkAudio company.
Vlad
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