Full-Range to Monitors

Just to clarify, I love the JL audio auto-eq, but wow, those are pricey beasts. 

@don_c55 

I have never heard a system that was digitally EQ'd that did not sound unnatural.

I believe you have not. This is why I really like the JL subs. They do it very nicely. So do I. In both cases, we avoid EQ above the subwoofer. 

If you find low bass room effects hard to deal with do not use subwoofers.

Well, I don't know I would go that far, but I will say this is non-trivial. 

Reproducing lower than 30 Hz will just lead to frustration in all but the biggest rooms.

The transition from main speaker to subwoofer is always unnatural IMO.

I don't agree with you at all, but you illustrate why I give the advice that I do. Experience, bass traps and EQ are essential in most rooms to get this right. It is possible, and quite glorious, but it is so rarely done right that this experience appears mythical. Many have never heard this happen. So, in the absence of this, I agree, get a smaller speaker and avoid a sub, but this is not an impossibility either. 

Best,


E

I also want to point out how much technology has really changed. Honestly the sub/satellite system from M&K was awful.  The sub was under powered, and in the room, without any EQ or room acoustics, it was either feast or famine. There was no good combination of settings which let me have a wonderful, immersive sound.

Now, a little miniDSP and the right measurement software and I'm in absolute musical and HT heaven. Of course, I make loudspeakers so what I consider easy may be a royal PITA for a lot of audiophiles. My point is just, the state of the art for the old satellite/sub concept has improved by decades. Not to mention vendors like Hsu putting out AMAZING hardware for dirt cheap prices.

chachi -

The JL audio has the single feature I admire most: great self-calibrating software.

Otherwise I think they are way too expensive.

But besides that, they are pretty awesome and I like how you are thinking.

Best,

E

I have gone back and forth. I started with Miller & Kriesel satellite / subwoofer sets, then 2.5 way, now listen to a large custom 2-way "stand mount" with a sub for movies. 

What I have learned is that the smaller speakers stay away from the biggest problems in music and rooms: Bass. 

Integrating a true "full range" speaker without EQ into a room is nearly bonkers. 

The idea that small speakers are "fast" and big drivers are "slow" is 100% horse hockey. What matters is how well you'll get the bass integration into the room and speakers done. 

If I must do a "full-range" today I would bi-amp with DSP on the bass. If I cannot have this, I would rather get a smaller speaker.

Best,

E