Sure it would. And keep in mind that this fairly slight increase in dynamic range is one benefit, and not the best one IMO. Reduced IM distortion is another. This is what Warrior was alluding to...low frequencies require longer cone excursion, affecting higher frequencies that the cone also produces; cut those low frequencies and the cones move less, thus modulating higher frequencies less, and voila, tighter, lower distortion mid bass and lower mids.
Okay, so basically it sounds like it's a negligible effect. I had already been using bass management crossover for the other reasons mentioned, I was just hoping it would also help my pitiful power calculations! (Subs are 2x psw125s) Since my speakers apparently hit ~2.5 ohm minimum, I understand having that highpass would reduce the strain on a receiver power supply, so that's good at least.
This is just for the meantime and in the future I was looking at getting an Emotiva and some svs subs.
It adds up quick. LOUD requires more sensitive speakers and more power than you currently have. Keep in mind that our hearing has greatest acuity when the average volume is 75-85 db, and louder than that may not necessarily be better. If you like the sound of your current speakers, and the amount of power you have on tap will get you to 100db or so peaks, kick back, listen to your favorite tunes, and read up on subs and system calibration. Be sure to peruse the articles on system setup on the Audioholics main page. There is a lot of info to absorb (and certainly more vetted than an off the cuff post from me!)
We're 22, and we got this system with the plan to have it for years to come. It already sounds fantastic and I love how sub-optimal the setup is. Too close to walls, no room treatment, only receiver for power, lower end subs (2xpsw125). I'm excited that it will sound even better in the future.
The reason I got thinking about hitting reference is watching "The Cabin in the Woods". Even watching at -5 the voices weren't all too loud. It must have more dynamic range than say, pacific rim. For most other movies we've watched -10 has sounded very loud. I've never felt the need to go past -5 otherwise, so it seems like for the most part our system has adequate power.
It sounds like due to the sensitivity and max power rating (300) of the speakers, reference at further than 7 feet placement is potentially out of the picture. Although, I understand speakers should be able to handle clean powered peaks above their rating.
Luckily, aside from aforementioned cabin movie I've never felt the need to listen at 0 so far, so aiming for -5 seems okay to me.
I've been reading lots of articles, it's a great site!
