Do i need a subwoofer ?

[cptslow]

Hii guys,

I am trying to setup a system strictly for music listening only. I am looking to buy a pair of B&W 683 floor standers. I see the frequency response of the speakers listed as "52Hz - 22kHz ±3dB " . So i am wondering do i need a subwoofer ? the audible range is 20-20khz. so for the lower frequencies below the -3db point do i need a subwoofer ? I genrally listen to classic rock, blues, some jazz. for listening to rock will these speakers be able to reproduce all the music ? please feel free to comment anything about this, i am fairly new and trying to understand the basics.

--thanks,

 

[j_garcia]

Do you WANT a subwoofer is the question 52Hz isn't low enough to get the full point across IMHO. BUT, you'll have to try it out without a sub first and see, because it might be adequate for your needs and room. My former speakers are -3dB at 55Hz and I listened to them with no sub all the time, but a sub definitely adds to the experience. Also depends on what you're powering things with, as the ability to add a sub may be complicated if you have a system that lacks direct preamp out support for a sub.

Note too that +/-3dB can mean -6dB at that 52Hz, which would translate into a lot less bass than the spec might lead you to believe at first glance, so listening to them will be key.

 

[ImcLoud]

OK, so to be honest with you, I am not sure if you are buying the bw's used or getting a great deal but you can do better, how about you list a budget and we let you know what we think would sound good, then you can demo a few things go and listen for yourself and have a better system.. I am not a fan of the 28649 tweeter that comes in them, first I hae heard issues with them cooking, and second they don't sound good to me... Just not worth the money, there is better sound out there for less money...

Now for a sub, yes I would get one with them speakers and with almost any speaker made, there are very few that I can think of that satisfy my needs for low end...

DO you also need a reciever, is this for music only, what are your cources {cd, ipod, turntable?}

 

[macddmac]

If you want want To go sub-less, I can think of better alternatives than the 683's
Monitor Audio silver 6 at 1500.00 are a great value compared to the B&W's.
Also, KEF Q900 at 1000.00 (@A4L) , and Dali Ikon, Dynaudio DM series are great but you'll have to wheel and deal a little as they retail for 2k
If you can bump the budget to 2k, the field really opens up with some great ID brands like Ascend,Philharmonic, and Aperion.
All of these suggestions are just that.. Their are lots of choices out there- get out and listen to some
Room size is a big player in all of this.. The larger the room, the more likely you'll want ( need) a subwoofer.
Cheers, Mac

 

[shadyJ]

I would get a sub for the music you listen to, but I wouldn't feel the need for something really heavy duty. Almost all speakers benefit from assistance from a subwoofer, even so-called 'full range' speakers. Given your listening preferences, I wouldn't bother getting a sub with deep extension, so don't worry about a gigantic ported sub. You could get a sealed sub and it would work just fine, but a ported sub will work great too.

 

[markw]

Have you heard these? ALL the music, no. Enough of it to satisfy you, maybe. They wouldn't do it for me without a sub.

They won't handle the low end of any bass, stand-up or electric, the bortom octave of a piano or organ, and a lot of synth.

I suggest you listen to them first.

Remember, speakers are a personal preference, and while B&W has a great rep, they ain't my cuppa tea.

 

[zieglj01]

If you have some power to drive them - I would put the MB Quart Alexxa towers on a short list.
AS-S1PB (Single) | MB Quart

 

[cptslow]

Thank you for the reply guys, my buget for the speakers are $1500 to 1700, i found a used APT-Holman preamp for 350 bucks, planning to pick them up and also planning to get a emotiva XPA 200. I did not see a dedicated sub out on the pre-amp. can i not use the sub if the preamp doesnot have a dedicated pre out for the sub ?


--thanks,

 

[markw]

Mos subs have line level inputs. You can connect it between the preamp amp and the power amp input. Just make sure that whatever sub you wind up with has botha right and left input. If it has only one "LFE" input, you're essentially screwed.

Also, you can use speaker level inputs if the sub has one. Just connect it in parallel with your mainn speakers or, if available, you can connect your mains to any speaker outputs on the sub as well.

In either case, take your time finding the right crossover frequency and level for the sub controls. It's effect should be subtle and only take over where your man speakers fall off. IOW, it's contribution should be noticible by it's absence when you turn it off.

 

[j_garcia]

I would avoid connecting the speakers to the sub inline unless you want to use the fixed x-over the sub provides. Connect them separately to the preamp and adjust the sub using its crossover adjustment to blend with the mains (that adjustment affects the sub only, not the speaker level outputs).

 

[markw]

I would avoid connecting the speakers to the sub inline unless you want to use the fixed x-over the sub provides. Connect them separately to the preamp and adjust the sub using its crossover adjustment to blend with the mains (that adjustment affects the sub only, not the speaker level outputs).

True. "Between" does not necessarially mean "in line with". This can be done with something like this where the male would go in the preamp out and the two females would have interconnects feeding both the subwoofer and the power amp.