That video was interesting and captured the fundamental difference in subwoofer approaches. While I generally avoid subwoofers, I have helped with installations using them and I agree that REL is good at integrating the woofer with the main system (both effective and easy to accomplish).
I have also heard SWARM subwoofers integrate well (not surprising because they employ many subwoofers to distribute room nodes).
can subwoofers make things worse?
What tiny subwoofer should i mate with my Aerial 5T? I have a small room with very little space to put a subwoofer. I am very happy with my current sound, but I've read that adding the missing bottom end to stand mounts can add enjoyment).
I've been reading about:
1) Kef Kc62 (very expensive)
2) Rel T5X
3) SVS 3000 Micro
4) Do nothing because they aren't good enough and will make things worse.
Anyone own any of these or have an educated opinion?
(Associated equipment: Parasound Hint 6 integrated, Bluesound Node 2).
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- 57 posts total
@epz As you can see the HiFi community disagrees on subwoofers, choice and implementation which can easily lead the worse. Start with manufacturers that offer a simply return policy and customer setup phone support. When I put a $9K REL in my room the first thing I noticed is that its not really a subwoofer. In its manual titled Sub-Bass System the claimed a frequency response is -6dB@9Hz. Our best in room measurement began to roll off in the mid 30's, at a barely audible -6dB was 27Hz. Compared to the other subs in the room the big Brit's integration was the worst. So much for direct in room comparisons. Even though I swear by my subs DSP, remote control and EQ presets. I prefer to use as little as possible which made corner placement out of the question in every room they've been in. Playing a low frequency test tone with a sub in the listening position to locate the rooms bass modes are where my two subs are positioned. A little hassle at first but when you get right you'll never go back. |
@sudnh , Many times, the 1 note boom is because you're seated right on top of a room modal peak. Other times, the perception of a 1ish note boom can come from ported subs and associated group delays. The big SVS ported subs have appeal for the boominaughty hometheater dudes when they're watching Godzilla or some fratty maverick shooting things (SVS's primary market). A SVS sealed sub integrated correctly won't give you 1 note boom. P..S. That neck bearded reviewer on the vid though...he kinda looks/ sounds like a 1 note boom, |
@deep_333 Heh heh. Good points BTW. |
- 57 posts total