What do you guys think of adding a subwoofer to this system?

Ok here is quick update on my progress.  I have done a fair  bit of homework.  Mostly reading this and other audio forums and watching lots of YouTube videos.  Yesterday I visited my local audio shop and listened to a Rel s/510 to try and get a sense of what  I might expect adding a subwoofer or 2 to my system.  This is the subwoofer that Rel recommends pairing with my equipment.  This sub was coupled with McIntosh MA12000 amplifier and a pair of B&W 802 D4.  The audio source was Tidal streaming thru a Node 2i.  We were using the MA12000's DAC.  I listened to a couple of tracks that I know very well and have to say I was not impressed.  The mid range was ok but the upper was not good and the lower end was down right crap.  We turned the Rel on and off and I was still not impressed.  I'm not sure if it was the speakers, the amp, the DAC or the sub.  But together it was not good and very difficult to evaluate what, how or if the sub was contributing.  I do recall listening to that specific McIntosh amp previously and was not impressed.  I did follow up with the rep who auditioned the equipment and he agreed with me that it was less than good. He also said that it was possible the subwoofer was not set up properly.🤣

In any event, I am still working on this and truly appreciate the forum input.

Best,

Bob-

Hi Bob,

Subs can make a substantial difference to most any system if they are set up correctly.  The addition of a high pass filter between the sub and your mains goes a long way in helping with that set-up. Unfortunately it does not appear that your Hegel is capable of integrating a high pass filter (i.e. crossover) into your system. I would look into subs that contain a high pass filter, such as the JL Audio “e” series or the Audiokinesis Swarm.

Talk with Duke at Audiokinesis to see if the Swarm will work with your system. Duke offers some of the best customer service in the industry and imo, the Swarm may be the best value available in subwoofer systems.

Also, read this.

https://www.soundoctor.com/whitepapers/subs.htm

(Full disclosure; I do not own a Swarm system)

Yes, a pair of subs will help your system immensely. 

Not only will they fill in the lower octaves of music you are missing, that provide a lot  of visceral impact. But there is a lot of ambient information carried in very low frequencies, so imaging and soundstage will improve, too. 

+1 @simonmoon 

+2 @musicaddict