Why I'm not adding a sub to my 2-way monitors for music
I've updated my blog post with more data, more analysis and the conclusion that in my particular case I do not need a subwoofer. I encourage everyone who is on the fence about adding a subwoofer or not to read and comment. I think that either way you'll be able to make more informed buying and configuration choices.
Everyone's situation is different but I hope the post helps you get to the right conclusions.
P.S. - I just added distortion measurements to the original blog. Honestly, the numbers seem low, about 2% at 20 Hz??? I’m in the middle of a HT install (with a sub!) so I may not be able to get back to it, but I wanted you all to know I did in fact do more on this but that it probably deserves more exploration before I stand by the distortion numbers.
Best,
Erik |
Hi @rauliruegas
Couple of things. I meant that I would expect a 6.5" woofer to have a -3 dB point around 40 Hz. That doesn't mean that there is no output below that. In fact, upon reflection I realized that when I made these speakers I cheated in a couple of ways. I already had bass traps, and I always intended these speakers to be used near the rear wall, so I designed the crossover accordingly. This flies in the face of "best practices" for speakers which is to make speakers that are measured as if in an echo-free world. My measurements and test location were HUGE cheats and I'm sure the good Dr. Joe D'Appolito would be very unhappy with me. What I mean by subwoofers being tone controls is that there is by merely introducing a subwoofer we are altering the tonal balance of our system, and that the end result must be set by personal preferences. There is no such thing as an objectively neutral subwoofer installation. |
Dear @erik_squires : My mistake was that I read in your link: cut off at 40hz, now I understand thewhole subject. Thank's. In the other side, yes integration of subs in a system always alter the tonal balance of that system and at least for me that's exactly what I was looking for when I integrated the subs to my room/system and yes too to your statement: " and that the end result must be set by personal preferences. There is no such thing as an objectively neutral subwoofer installation. "
Thank's again for your explanation.
R. |
I sold my 2 SVS subs a couple weeks ago. Mostly a net gain, as they are designed for home theater, not hi-end audio. Shortly after I reinserted my Marantz HD CD-1 as a transport, instead of using my Oppo 105 digital out into my Audio Alchemy DDP-1 + PS 5. The 105s main function is SACD playback.
The HD CD 1 was a huge upgrade, but quickly developed an issue in the magnetic clamp. The entire mechanism is $150 + shipping, and I felt it was time to get a dedicated transport. My research and budget led me to a slightly used Audiolab CDT 6000 (MSRP $650ish). It arrived this morning, and stone cold made my chin drop. The music has so much more body top to bottom, but most notable in the lower mids and bass. Im not missing the subs one bit
hth |
