Full range or subwoofer with bookshelfs for best bass at low to moderate volume?


I have an older subwoofer with bookshelf speakers and the subwoofer is dying. I listen mostly at low to moderate volume and am in the middle of changing over my system as my Pioneer Elite VSX 49 TXI receiver was degrading, also due to age. My question is whether a subwoofer with bookshelf speakers or full range speakers produce more bass at low to moderate volume? 

Current system:
Moon Audio 250i integrated amp
Angstrom signature 3 speakers ( 6.5", Seas drivers, 86 DB, 6 Ohm)
Paradigm subwoofer (needs to be replaced)
Denon 2910 used as transport
Looking for an analog sounding dac at this time

mtloriginal

Showing 2 responses by erik_squires

Guys, if you hate crossovers, get a sealed 2-way,plus a sub and don’t use a crossover at all.  Run the satellites full range, and only use a crossover and EQ on the sub.

You won’t get big gains in the amp's dynamic range, but you will avoid the electronics being in the way.

Best,

E
The only empirically proven method discovered to date for providing very good bass response that is well dispersed throughout any given room is the use of a Distributed Bass Array (DBA) system.  

<< cough cough>> Hahaha. Hahahah. Hahahahaha. Let's ignore all of the literature on the subject to date.

Getting good bass is no joke, and (DBA) has merits, but typically room acoustic treatment + EQ is the solution and yields very very good results when done properly.

When it comes to a large full range vs. Satellites+Sub, the best solutions are usually satellites + subs, BUT!!! What a pain to do right. I mean, there are technical advantages, in being able to place the sub separately, and being able to put an EQ in front of the sub without altering the mains, but it is a lot harder to do than just dropping a sub into the room.

My usual answer is get a really good 2 way. :) Mine are flat in-room to 25 Hz or so.

There is also the issue of loudness. If you have a receiver, having a loudness control is a really good thing at low volumes. Otherwise, you want a speaker with a smile-shaped response which will be great at low volumes, and then be uncomfortable at higher levels.

Denon used to have a wonderful loudness control for this.

Best,


E