Does the Sub Have to Match? If not which one?

D

DSMCasey

Junior Audioholic
Hi everyone,

Here's what I got:
Yamaha 2500
Paradigm 11s
Paradigm CC-370
Paradigm ADP-370

Right now I am using a kenwood sub that came from my original (5 years ago) HTIB. The kenwood sucks. I wanted to upgrade it but didn't have the cash untill now. So, What do I get? I like the way the 12" paradigm sounds but if I don't "have to" have the same brand I think I could find a better one for the same money ($650 or less). I'm open to ideas and input on this.
 
W

wafflebird

Audioholic
Relax you don't have to match

Fortunately you are now at the point to purchase the sub. The sub does not have to "match" the rest of your speakers. Also keep in mind that the sub is an extremely important component in your setup. Since the sub produces the lower frequency sounds it is in and of itself the speaker that produces the lower end. Therefore trying to match your existing set of speakers is not important. You don't have to worry about "Timbre Matching" them. :)

What you need to do is try to match the size of the sub to the size of your speakers. If you have larger speakers, then it is a little easier to go with a larger sub. If you have mid size to smaller speakers it will be a little harder to blend in a massive sub.

Believe me coming from a passive Kenwood sub to my Velodyne was like coming into the light from the dark. The difference is astounding. I also have the RX-V2500 running my system; it handles bass management extremely well. You will want to get the specs on your other speakers and set the crossover after you know what the lowest frequency that your current speakers will go.

I am sure that you will get a lot of good input from the folks here. :cool: I can certainly tell you I was, and still am blown away with my Velodyne DLS-3750R. I can not tell you how much bass this thing puts out. Really I cant tell you, it has a remote control and I have it turned down, I am guessing I normally keep it about a third of the way up and all sorts of things in the house shake. Not from distortion or anything like that just good low frequency sound.

Do yourself a favor and when you purchase a sub, make sure and do 2 things (Other than getting a great sub). 1. Get a good brand sub cable and 2. Get a Y cable and hook it up to both the L & R inputs on the input part of the sub. It does make a difference.

Hope this helps you out. Good luck and enjoy. :D
 
HookedOnSound

HookedOnSound

Full Audioholic
So many choices...not enough time!

DSMCasey said:
Hi everyone,

Here's what I got:
Yamaha 2500
Paradigm 11s
Paradigm CC-370
Paradigm ADP-370
You don't have to match but if you were to look at the Paradigm Recommended Systems Guide, they recommend the PS/PW series subwoofers. Both series come in 3 different finishes ( good for WAF issues).

I've also heard good reviews from Velodyne (are they the #1 sub seller?) and the likes of SVS, etc. It's almost like coffee! There are more flavors than you can shake a stick at! happy shopping.

Personnally I chose a Paradigm PDR-10 (10") for my listening pleasure to extend the low frequency range of my bookshelf speakers. It does a nice job and I almost forget it's there in the room.

Since you have the Paradigm 11's, they have a pretty low frequency range already so I am guessing you want to go lower so I think you should go with probably a 12" unit with the frequency cutoff set very low so that it doesn't overlap you Paradigm 11s (again, subjective issue).

Your room dimensions and various issues like carpeting might play a role in deciding on subwoofer size but overall I think most ppl like their music loud, so if you do the bigger the better! :)

Sidenote: Oddly enough my next two purchases would likely be a Yamaha RXV-2500 and Paradigm CC-370 center channel. lol
 
Last edited:
D

dloweman

Audioholic
I have pardigm speakers and added an Hsu sub, which is great. I have the vtf2-mk2 and would suggest you get that or one of the subs above it. For the price it is very hard to beat. They are an internet based company and you can find them at www.hsuresearch.com. Check them out, you won't be disappointed.
 
J

jaretsky

Enthusiast
check out hsu subs they're getting great reviews.
 
newsletter

  • RBHsound.com
  • BlueJeansCable.com
  • SVS Sound Subwoofers
  • Experience the Martin Logan Montis
Top