Will a subwoofer add depth and clarity to my system, or just bass?


hi folks,
I just purchased a set of Focal Aria 906 speakers with stand, powered by a Bluestream PowerNode (not my ideal system but I had a limited budget).  I think it sounds really good, but am wondering if an upgrade to a subwoofer is worth it, and if so, what would pair well with this system -- my audio guy recommended the JL Audio D110 10" Dominion Subwoofer, but that's out of my price range.  Perhaps a SVSPB1000, for $499?  My room isn't very big, and I don't use the system for movies, just listening to mostly jazz and rock (and classical).
Thank you!
jazz99
jazz99

Hi Paul,

I was just wondering if we hijacked your thread. We haven’t heard from you for awhile now. On your last post on 3/1/19 you stated: "I suppose one has to make a decision at some point, so will try to decide (after auditioning) between the SVS SB1000 and the JL Audio Dominion D110, which is unfortunately twice the price (but perhaps twice as nice)."

Sorry Paul, we seemed to have got sidetracked discussing dbas but I’d really like to still help if I can.

Any updates on your sub search? What’s your current thinking?

Tim
Dear @folkfreak  : """   improving both the full frequency range and the ability of the system to resolve subtle room cues will do much more to improve bass quality than adding any subwoofer..."""

with passive speakers in a room/system your statement can't be true if we are talking of " true full frequency range " quality performance levels.

Every thing the same maybe we can be " near " to a room/system with subs but can't even it and of course that outperformed is out of question.

The Harman white papers is science and your statement is something different with a different foundation.

Full bass range first main target is evenly low bas dispersion at seat position. The only way that you really can understand it against what you listen through your room/system is to try there the subs " superior " alternative .
First hand experiences on that critical bass issue is a must to have.

As I said we can be near or we can have very good quality performance through our room/system but.........the integration of subs is a little step ahead and in a high-end those tiny/little steps forward means something for the better.

Some day you should try or should not  ! !  ? ? .

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R
raul I'm having a hard time understanding you, just the language barrier.
You can get perfect bass response at the listening position but it requires digital room control to do it. Getting reasonably smooth response through 
out the room requires a savvy approach to acoustic detail. But, even under the best circumstance you can not get perfect bass response unless you make your room an open amphitheater, a bit hard to heat. 
No such thing as perfect bass response...varies by venue!  So, that being the case, one can relax and get 1 or 2 subs for their system and play around until your happy with the sound.  Doesn’t need to be over engineered or killed with angst!  Have fun, grab a brew and enjoy the tunes.
Dear @mijostyn : """ But, even under the best circumstance you can not get perfect bass response...."""

absolutely rigth, we never can get " perfect " bass under no-circumstance.

Our target must be try to approach that " perfect " bass range, is the best we can do it.

The low bass quality performance at my home is very good ( not near " perfect ". ) and is very good only between a limited space/distance around the seat position, not over the whole room. I’m lucky enough that the low bass response in my place does not have a negative effect with my analog rig that is seated in between the speakers/subs. ( at least I’m unaware of it. ) that’s a position totally out of my sweet spot.

I had opportunity to listen to great home audio systems where only a few ones uses subs and as with my own system the best system overall performers are the ones with subs but one system for the owner priorities.

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.