Small Speakers with a Subwoofer or Big Speakers That Can Do It All?

[Mark of Cenla]

Which do you prefer small speakers with a subwoofer or big speakers that do not need a subwoofer? I much prefer small speakers with a subwoofer. Peace and goodwill.

 

[Wardog555]

Bookshelf speakers with a subwoofer indeed. Nothing under 5 inches woofers though.

 

[TLS Guy]

Which do you prefer small speakers with a subwoofer or big speakers that do not need a subwoofer? I much prefer small speakers with a subwoofer. Peace and goodwill.

A small speaker and a sub does not really cut it, unless you play at low volume. The reason is that the bass octaves extend well above sub range. So, speakers do need a capable bass performance at power.

So a sub plus speakers with good spl. down to 40 to 50 Hz range or lower are required. Then it mates well with a sub.

A larger capable speaker with good bass extension at power is definitely preferable to a puny speaker and a sub.

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

I vote C. Capable towers with subs. I have no need for bookshelf speakers(in my main system at least, the other systems in my house have do have BS speakers and subs, but mainly due to space).
IMO bookshelf speakers can’t handle the midband on their own,(unless fairly quiet) and subs don’t handle upper bass like a good speaker can. Of course there are special cases where you have a small room, or only listen to certain content etc. fwiw my mains have 12” woofers.

 

[Bobby Bass]

I go back and forth between towers with s pair of subs and standmounts with subs every couple of weeks. It’s the best of both worlds. It’s good to have choices and subs make everything better.

 

[ski2xblack]

Generally, my preference is for big speakers that can do it all. Seems closer to the ideal, and without the potential pitfalls of trying to seamlessly blend subs in.

The issue is that such speakers comprise a tiny slice of what's available, and the good ones of that small group cost big money.

 

[TLS Guy]

Generally, my preference is for big speakers that can do it all. Seems closer to the ideal, and without the potential pitfalls of trying to seamlessly blend subs in.

The issue is that such speakers comprise a tiny slice of what's available, and the good ones of that small group cost big money.

Or you can build your own at reasonable cost.