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Sub suggestions

Hi all,

I've decided to go with a new sub - finally. As of now I'm running Reference 3A de Capo BE's powered by an LSA Statement integrated and have an ancient Velodyne 8" CHT sub.

What're good recommendations for a sub-$1000 (new or used) sub or pair of subs? I listen mainly to jazz, folk-rock, and occasional good rock and ambient techno on a mix of cd and vinyl, but nothing too heavy in the bass area. I have a small, small listening room for the next few years, but have bass traps.

Thank you
128x128simao

Showing 2 responses by martykl

martykl
3,578 posts
 
I agree that the SVS looks like a great value.

One thought FWIW:

I once owned deCapos (not BE). To my ear, they were a bit rolled off on top and unusually extended in the bass (for a stand mount). The result was a well-balanced, extended (rather than full) range speaker. IMO, they weren't a great candidate for subwoofers because they were that unusual small speaker designed for neutral response and balanced accordingly at the frequency extremes. I'd think the top end would go a bit dull if you use a sub to enhance the bottom end.

I'm not sure at all that this would apply to the BE, but I personally wouldn't use a sub with the original deCapo.
martykl
3,578 posts
 
Matt,

To clarify:

Bob's quote - (and your reprint of it) - states that the signal reaching the DRIVER in the sub in not the same as the signal reaching the drivers in your main speakers. Assuming that you are using a powered sub, he is correct. The input signal routed by the speaker level REL connector to the sub goes first to the sub's internal amp and the output from that internal amp goes to the driver in the subwoofer.

If you're using a passive subwoofer and not bi-amping, then the drivers in both subwoofer and mains would see the same signal. The trade-offs in doing that are significant.

Some folks prefer the REL speaker level arrangement and claim that "capturing" the characteristics of the main amp in the input signal for the subwoofer amp has benefits (and I won't argue that one way or the other), but that's not the same as saying that all the drivers see the same signal with this set-up.
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