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Subs/Monitors vs Full-Range Speakers - Pros/Cons

I've enjoyed a variety of full-range (near full-range) speakers over the years, but I recently decided to give some monitors a try. Inevitably - as would be expected - I like the strengths of the monitors (imaging, sound-staging, ability to disappear...), but I do miss the extended bass response.

I am currently running the Pioneer S-2EX (truly exceptional monitors ' "junior TADs"). I like them well enough to either keep them and incorporate a sub(s) or trade up to the S-1EX floor-standers - they sound great too (with the extended bass I want), but they just don't image quite as well in my room) - I could live with them though, if a sub setup with the S-2EXs doesn't pan out...

I'm looking at JL audio subs. I would rather utilize one sub ("cost" factor) than two... My concern is whether or not a good sub can truly ever be effectively integrated with monitors. I’m hoping so…

Can those of you having had successful integration with subs provide me with some guidance…Can I get by with one sub or is a stereo pair truly necessary. My monitors go down to 38Hz – is that “40Hz range” crossover point low enough provide a seamless integration (i.e.: will I be able to tell where the sub is when it “kicks in”)? How difficult is placement? General pros/cons…etc…?

Thanks.

_Ben
2chnlben
mt10425
1,138 posts
 
I just integrated a sub into my 2-channel analog rig. I don't have monitors per se, but my C & C Abbys are close and in need of LF extension. I bought a NSM 15EXP sub. It's connected from amp speaker taps to sub amp speaker taps. The bass blends well, I can't locate it and only notice if I turn it off. It's not pants-flapping HT type bass, just natural for music. Get a sub and place it correctly. Enjoy.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
dbphd
1,616 posts
 
Integration of monitors and subs seems well understood and solvable. I'm concerned that monitors may not have the dynamic range to represent large orchestrations well. In my experience good floor standers do big sound better than monitors, but my experience with monitors is quite limited. Are there monitors that represent large orchestrations well?

I've used a pair of Velodyne HGS-15s for years, and I agree you should never be aware of a sub as a sound source -- actually, you shouldn't be aware of any of your speakers as a sound source.

db
xti16
1,525 posts
 
I have a single sub with my Dyn C1's crossed over at 34 hz and I can't imagine 2 subs. I get all the low bass I need/want with a single. Like others have said I just want to extend the sub bass not add loudness. Just want what the monitors can not reproduce.

As far as setting the sub up the hardest part for me was getting the timing right. I don't want the sound from the sub leading or lagging my speakers sound. When set up properly you can't tell where the sub is. Mine BTW is located about 6 ft to the right of my right speaker.
rockadanny
1,221 posts
 
Xti16 - dual subs in my system are not for more bass, but for smoother bass response. If properly set up, two or more subs can reduce nulls/peaks where one sub cannot.
2chnlben OP
595 posts
 
I tried feverishly to incorporate a JL Audio sub with my system. John, from Audio Video logic, was kind and generous enough to come over and spend a couple of hours. John brought with him his "tools" and measured pink noise from various positions. We moved the main speakers around, we moved the sub around. Even John agreed that the integration wasn't seamless.

My room produces quite a dip (a "suck out" really) between 80 - 100 cycles. No matter what we tried, the sub couldn't correct this issue (without crossing over at too high a frequency - where we could really hear the sub). I believe that the "monitors" simply do not produce enough energy for my room and I am therefore going to move up to the floor-standers (the S-1EXs).

The S-2EX are astonishingly good. By far the best small speakers I have ever heard at anywhere near their price-range. I can only hope that the much larger S-1EXs provide the same qualities with the needed extra energy and frequency response.

Thank you all for your valuable input. It was fun experimenting with the sub and the monitors.

_Ben
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