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Do you use a Subwoofer when listening to stereo?

I thought using a 12 inch b&w asw 2000 sub would b good to allow my b&w 804 d3’s to better handle freq above 80 hz (ie. benefit from sharing burden).  I am not sure this is prudent as my well powered 804s can probably handle those lower frequencies just fine, and may make them sound better vs cutting them off from flowing thru the 804s.
My Stereo listening is done by streaming thru a nucleus connected via usb to a chord Hugo tt2 and then to a marantz 5014 via coaxial, then to a McIntosh mc255 and then off to speakers referred to above

 Does excluding sub from stereo make sense?
emergingsoul

Showing 3 responses by big_greg

big_greg
6,554 posts
 
No, and I never will. Now I do use one in home theater and that's where it stays. I'm not into the boom boom boom when listening intently to my stereo.
With 4 subs there's no "boom boom boom" in my room.  If that's all you're hearing when you're listening to movies you could benefit from more subs and/or better setup and/or room treatments.  It's kind of like saying "I don't play vinyl because of the noise".
big_greg
6,554 posts
 
I use 4 subs in my main system.  I have 3 smaller systems.  Each of them has a subwoofer.  Where space permits, more is better.  

I have to agree with the person that said to consider ditching the receiver before you do anything else.  Get a preamp (or an integrated amp and ditch the Mac amps also) that has home theater bypass and use it for two channel listening and limit the Marantz to home theater use.  Then start adding some subs.
big_greg
6,554 posts
 
Why don’t you like McIntosh?
If that was directed at me, I did not say that I don't like McIntosh.  I'm not familiar with your amp, but it looks like a nice one and should have more than enough power to drive your main speakers.  If you like the amp, then get a preamp with home theater bypass.  As another poster described, it's super easy to switch between the preamp for 2 channel listening and back to the Marantz for home theater duties.

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