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Opinions before purchasing

I've done a bunch of research on this sub and others and am starting to solidify my first real stereo system. I've used a 60 inch TV and very basic soundbar for years now and I'm moving to a 120" X3000i projector and real sound system. Room setup is 12x12, closed basement room. Going to mainly utilize the projector for movies/shows with some gaming thrown in there off a PC.

 

I've already purchased the Denon S760H since it seems to be able to do most things that I'll need and has some nice features and everyone loves it.

 

Currently debating between bookshelves/sub and towers/no sub, specifically between Airmotiv B1+ and a Speedwoofer sub or Airmotiv T1+ towers without sub. I've been happy with the soun bar for years and I tend to not like loud sub noises anywyas (spent enough time in Iraq and Afghanistan around loud noises), so I feel like I may not miss it? Room is also relatively small so a lot of power isn't needed. Either way I would go with the Airmotiv C1+ for center channel as well. Will probably stay at a 3.0 or 3.1 system for now and upgrade later.

 

Curious on everyone's thoughts here about the bookshelf/sub, towers/no sub decision and choices of equipment as well. Trying to stay around the 1000-1500 total budget range. Thanks for the help!

redonkawa
yyzsantabarbara
4,512 posts
 

I use KEF LS50 Meta and KEF KC62 sub. It is the perfect combo for my similar sized room. The KEF sub is for audio not so much for HT.

soix
8,718 posts
 

Don’t listen to the anti-sub club.  The room size matters not — it’s all in how you set up the sub.  A good sub makes all the difference in any room.  Once you’ve got it dialed in you won’t want to listen without it. 

john737
6 posts
 

Hi,

   New to the forum but wanted to forward my recent experience with something similar.  My room is 14x26 and a bit irregular... plus 10 ft cielings.   I just went from bookshelves + sub to floorstanders and both were really good.  I would say for music the floorstanders'  is 99% as good as the 2+1 (better actually in some ways as it's quicker) and 95% as good for movies.  The walls rattle a bit, but the whole house doesn't shake. 

 BTW, regarding not being able to get below 50hz in a small room... I ran my bookshelves that go down to 50hz  3db   without a sub and then with... and it's a VERY noticeable difference in music and movies but I only ran the sub for movies as it was a bit muddy.   So while you may not get 20hz I don't recommend doing without the low end even in a smallish room as you do get something (maybe someone can chime in as to what?).  Then again I'm new here.   Multiple grains of salt needed.

Have fun

holmz's avatar
holmz
2,328 posts
 

I find a sub more useful than a center channel.

  • So I would go 2.2 before I went 3.1 or 3.1
  • And even 4.2 before 5.01 or 5.1.

But in a small room, if people are off to the sides, then a center may be more useful. Just not for 1 or 2 people close to the middle they aren’t.

mrskeptic
262 posts
 

The size of the room has no bearing on whether a speaker can reach a certain Hz. A speaker, of any variety, puts out certain frequencies regardless of whether they're in a bathroom or a 6 car garage. In a room that size, one sub will be fine and if properly adjusted, will get down to it's stated frequency, as long as the manufacturer is accurate with their measurements. 

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