will adding a subwoofer improve overall audio


hi. my question is: will adding a subwoofer to my audio system improve overall performance, soundstage, clarity, etc. my system is: jm labs focal 918's(8' triangle between speakers, and away from listening chair), bat amp and pre amp, rega saturn cd player, running springs power conditioner, jps audio interconnects, kimber kable speaker cable. i have a small listening room, and am thinking the sub would help. also, any sub recomendations? i'm thinkin rel, jl audio, or b&w. thanks for the input, gil
gilman6125

Showing 1 response by newbee

"....would a sub help?"

Maybe.............

Depends on the size of your room
Depends on the dimensions of your room......
Depends on the set up you can facilitate......
Depends on what sounds you are trying to add or correct....

A sub could add some bass
A sub could help you with bass problems if properly integrated
A sub could give your main speakers a better sense of 'body'

A sub will not add to your systems clarity - in fact it could cloud it up if not properly integrated......
A sub will not enhance the sense of soundstage - generally speaking that is more a function of mid/high frequencies and set up......

Rives is right - sub integration is neither easy nor cheap if you want really quality results.

FWIW, except to compensate for room problems with full range speakers where you can use sub positioning to help fix it (flatten out nodes/reduce boomyness) I'd always use full range speakers (even small ones) and run them full range and add a sub, rolled off below 60hz, to fill out the bottom end. This can be done, sub wise cheaper and easier because you don't have to deal with the effects of a cheap cross over with the main speakers.

All IMHO, but something for you to consider.