Do I really need a subwoofer?

[lsiberian]

It will probably sound loud but during considerate hours, who cares? Your not bucking for 120dB @ 40Hz-60Hz, are you?

At my place during the day time when the old bastard upstairs has his grand kids running around at 5:00 PM as they get ready to go home Mon.-Fri. I don't loose my mind. I expect that he can handle a little depth charge periodically. The other thing is that short bursts of LF noise sound like they are coming from the heavens above and hell below. He may not know exactly where it's coming from. hehehe

Maybe he thinks he's getting a massage.

 

[brendy]

It is a matter of personal choice,not absolute neccessity.

 

[Patrick_Wolf]

Would a good sub be less annoying than a medicore sub when played at the same volume? Like, clean vs boomy/muddy?

 

[lsiberian]

Would a good sub be less annoying than a medicore sub when played at the same volume? Like, clean vs boomy/muddy?

Yes a Good sub will outperform a mediocre one in every way.

 

[WmAx]

Would a good sub be less annoying than a medicore sub when played at the same volume? Like, clean vs boomy/muddy?

If you were to use a sub such as the DIY Eclipse SW8200 or Kappa Perfect 12VQ ported system that I often recommend, these will retain the same sound quality at high SPL as they do at very very low SPL. That is, they have extremely linear motors (unlike most subs) that behave nearly identical regardless of input power or excursion levels. Not only do they sound incredibly better because of the very low distortion, they are also able to get substantially louder (higher SPL) in most cases. Most subs, as you will notice, begin to sound 'loose' and 'boomy' as you approach medium to high SPL. The units I recommend simply do not do this; they remain transparent until high SPL levels with no audible loss of control.

-Chris

 

[Patrick_Wolf]

Yes a Good sub will outperform a mediocre one in every way.

Hehe, well I knew that! This may be a dumb question, but let me rephrase it. Would it be less annoying to the neighbors if my bass is clean & tight as opposed to boomy & muddy? Of course both would be annoying when cranked up, but just wondering if a good sub would possibly be less "audible" to them.

 

[fredk]

It is a matter of personal choice,not absolute neccessity.

They'll let anyone in the door these days.

I got a sub because I wanted to really hear pipe organs pump air. I thought it might be nice for movies too.

I would never watch a movie without a good sub (or the rest of my 5.1 system). The sub is nice for pipe organ music too.

 

[jamie2112]

I didn't see this thread so my answer is Yes you need a sub

 

[mistergsf]

I didn't see this thread so my answer is Yes you need a sub

Yes, I will be getting a sub very soon!!! Just figured we could wait on it since my system is pretty capable (and LOUD) right now. We're on the top floor of a 2-unit Victorian condo in San Francisco. You know, hardwood floors (no carpeting), thin walls. We're mindful of our neighbors downstairs but not for much longer.

 

[jamie2112]

Just get yourself a gramma and you will be fine......