Subwoofer for classical music listener


This is my second post on the subject of subwoofers.
My first post wasn't specific enough.
I listen to classical music 90% of the time.
Are there any classical music listeners out there who have subwoofers?
if there are, could you let me know what you have?
i don't imagine I would need quite as powerful or expensive a sub as those who mainly listen to other types of music, but I may be wrong.

128x128rvpiano

Showing 9 responses by tablejockey

My floorstanders are competent for general listening of all genres of music, classical included without a sub.

Once hearing "Tocatta and Fugue in D minor" and the 2nd movement of Ludwig V's 9th with a sub, no turning back.

Dual Rel B3's(way outdated) deliver the goods. The new models
can be found used/demo for decent prices here on Agon.

The others-JL,SVS,Rythmic all good. Just do the homework with research.

"Does anyone have an opinion of the REL S/2 sub?"

rvpiano- My experience with REL  is the with the B series. One of the last series "made in GreatBritain"

Having heard a number of systems with the S series, I can say they sound great.

A better value may be the Rhythmic or SVS made in USA. I would check those websites for closeouts/demo.

This might be a good buy if your willing to take some risk.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/subwoofers-rel-acoustics-b1-brittania-12-powered-subwoofer-in-cher...

A "REAL" Brit made REL. The current stuff is equally way nice if not better(wireless capability) This  B1 will either be trouble free for at least a few more years or it could fail without warning? 

The "budget" 8" REL's are always listed here and the other sites for good deals.
You may want to check those out. A pair possibly could be had for the cost of a single 12". IMO, it would sound possibly better than a single 12"




"I was trying to bring a concert hall (or cathedral) into my living room. Unrealistic."

rvpiano- good to see you were able to make an informed purchase, and outcome is positive. 

You're hearing what a sub can bring to the party. 

As mentioned in my page 1 post, I advanced a couple of steps into the "real" room, when I added a second sub. Playing with your location a little more and bumping the gain a notch may get you closer to hearing the pedal tones/feel of a 
17th century Cathedral organ. 

I play a number of LP's titled "Historic organs of..." They are a real acid test for my mid fi system. While I thought the single sub was fine, adding the 2nd was a game changer. You canget a closer approximation of the crescendo in the opening of Bach's "Toccata "with a sub(single or..) 

2 subs is like sitting in the upper level, and the usher has just escorted you to prime seats, stage level.

Happy listening with your new sub , and continue to fiddle.

rvpiano-

I too, have the constraints of the system among a living space(no dedicated room)

My 2 sub configuration has BOTH subs equidistant to floorstanders  BEHIND the listening sofa-long walls. 
This pressurizes the room in a convincing manner. Bass envelops the room-but not is an obstrusive way. You end up dialing back the settings, as the subs work less.

As an aesthetic benefit, no unsightly giant boxes behind the floorstanders.
I have them on brass footers/4" maple slabs also brass footers(Mapleshade)

A single sub in my room was fine, but the second eliminated a room mode,also changing the very lowest of bass tones(slightly mushy) to a clearer,defined more convincing presentation. Finding the 2nd sub for cheap was the only reason for even considering the sub. I was happy with the single REL.

As a side note,  the 1812 Overture WITH cannons is glorious. A visceral experience-almost as if you're standing next to them!

Happy listening.


"Upon extensive listening, I've discovered that, although I love the sub, there is a definite coloration and lack of precise imaging when listening with it on."

rvpiano-

Assuming you've done your homework on sub location, you're still not done finding the sweet spot for the sub.

How about BEHIND the listening position? Every room is different so there isn't a absolute "right" location. In my case, the subs(even one) are invisible sonically, with just a  hint of low frequency "presence" in the room, noticed when subs are tuned off.

Also, IMO there just isn't a "set and forget" gain setting, since bass levels on some recordings(rock) are ridiculously high or low and gain must be adjusted.

With Classical music, I find myself not having to fuss, once I find an acceptable 
setting.

The real solution is a remote for the sub, and the listener adjusts to taste, just like the  volume remote. The upper level REL  G1's have this feature, way out of my reach$$

Finding that spot where the sub "locks in" is a pain, and the ideal spot may not be feasible, but you can find a compromise.

Good luck



"Right now I'm listening to an audiophile pressing of "Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall."
Not having any classic "crooner" records, thanks for a new bin search!
A quick lookup tells me the period presses are a good ol 6eye mono.

I do own mono's  of the 2  Frank/The Count on Reprise. "Frank & Basie"/"It Might As a Well Be Swing" Same year as Tony 1962 wow! What a period for music.

Highly recommended if you don't have a copies already. A workout on any system along with great music.



"I have since upgraded to the new No25 model and plan on adding a second one when funds permit.,

quiltzig- If I were so fortunate, I would bow to No25, before a listening session. BRAVO!

I have only seen No 25, haven’t heard a system with. No doubt its a fine sub.

My ancient pair B3’s do the job, but if my system at such a level, I’d have FOUR...2 behind the listening area, equidistant as my own.

About the only thing a i wish REL still did is offer a nice veneer. My subs are cherry with matching Mapleshade 4" slabs/ brass footers.

No 25 would be stunning is a beautiful exotic veneer$$. I would still swap those stock footers though, just my thing.



rvpiano- looks like you've traveled quite far on your sub journey.

Have you experimented with a power cable yet? I hear  noticeable difference when I swapped the stock cord. The "shape" of bass notes present themselves as more believable.

Naturally.. .YMMV

"Where would I attach the power cable?"

rv- I'm just referring to swapping the supplied stock cable your sub came with?
The cable game is contentious, so I've learned over the years to tread lightly.

Personally, I've joined the camp-power cords first. The "highs" you're referring to, 
Im assuming you've exhausted all tweaking of the subs adjustments?