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Are Sub-woofers really for music?

My system consists of an Audio Note Oto SE 10w and B&W CDM 1NT spealers. As i'vee posted in other threads my only nag is lack of low end. My speakers spec out out 60hz. The salesperson where i bought my speakers suggested I would NOT like a sub. and was not a good idea, Other than to impress my lower primate buddys. I listened to a pair of B&W 703s at the same store. While there was more bass present they lacked the mid details of my CDMs. The salesman said in order to get better lows and maintain my current sound Id have to step up quite a ways. I like this guy never did he try to "sell" me something he didnt think Id like.I also additioned a set of Audio Note AN-K/SP. These were nice but did not sound much better than the B&Ws in terms of the lows. In fact they may even have been a bit slower. I also suspect the efficiency rating was a bit optimistic.
So back to my initial question. Are there any "Music" subs? Can 1 sub actually do the job of two better speakers? If i turn the crossover down to "non-directional" low frequencys would this be too low below my 60hz rating and creat a hole? If I turned it up to crossover where my speakers drop off would it then be directional?
Speaker suggestions would be appriciated. Noting that I'm not going to replace my Oto. Im looking for the same sound I have now with a little more low end response. Maybe some ProAc's????
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perkadin's avatar
perkadin
281 posts
 
I'd get a small sub with no bigger then a 10in woofer, and preferably an 8in. Your speakers start to roll off around 100hz and thats really when your sub should start to kick in, not at 60hz, in order to get a nice flat responce. You also don't want a lot of power behind it either or it will quickly overwhelm the rest of the system. B&W's ASW300 might be a logical choice with its 8in driver and modest amplification.
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dsweeney33
19 posts
 
Flickkit:

If you get a moment, the following website has two free journals you can download and print at your leisure. There is an article in one of the two journals regarding the benefits of adding a subwoofer(s) to an audio system(not home theater system). Take a look at it. It will definitely answer your question and then some.

http://www.audioperfectionist.com/pages/freejournals.html

Good luck!

Dan S.
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dsweeney33
19 posts
 
Flickkit

SPL - Answer: Sound Pressure Level

What signifies a speaker as a "monitor"? - Answer: Generally (in your case), a monitor speaker is a two-way speaker design. This type of speaker does not have a bass driver for low frequencies.

Hope this helps.

Dan S.
musicslug
430 posts
 
You can spend kilobucks completely upgrading your speakers to ones that go down to subwoofer frequencies (and do it well) or you can audition something like a rel or vandersteen and see if it makes you happy. I had also heard the same line your salesman gave you. My speakers go down to 30hz. Adding the rel (stadium) was a no brainer, especially since I listen to, among other things, electronic/experimental music which often goes down to below audible - you just feel the floor shake a little - frequencies. You do have to be careful to only have the sub kick in when it's needed, though. I have to adjust mine every once in a while, depending on the recording, but mostly I just leave it alone. I love it!
seandtaylor99
1,262 posts
 
Try to audition a REL, such as the Strata. If you don't like it then you probably won't like any sub ... but I expect that you'll like it a lot. Mine has transformed my system.
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