Hello hello, seeking subwoofer advice

[Harry Dewulf]

Just a brand new member from belgium on this forum saying hello and seeking some subwoofer advice:

I have a b&w 700 series set: 702s2 fronts - htm 71 center - 707 rears

I’m running it with a jamo sub for the moment, the last piece that needs replacement. Note that the jamos volume is turned down rather intense, just adding a touch of low end, with audessey the sub became acceptible , before i hated it.

Now finally:

My thoughts are on :

B&W db4s. ( matching sub for 700 series?) with app/dsp
B&W db3d. ( matching sub 800 series? Is that rather small sub worth it?) with app/dsp
Arendal sub 2. ( dual woofer, no app/ preset dsp)
Svs 3000 - 4000 - sb16 ultra ( svs suggests the ultra for the 702’s - app/preset dsp) , i’m not shure i like the steel grille....

Auditioning them all is impossible so

are b&w subs good? Very very few reviews on the net
do we really need dsp with audyssey?
are subs with app going to be obselete when updates end?
is the svs sub mania online a real reflection of the quality? Or mass hysteria?


What are your thoughts on this

 

[ryanosaur]

Hello, welcome.
I would avoid the B&W subs.
Look at the SVS, Monoprice Monolith (if available to you), and XTZ Subs.
Here in the US, at least with SVS customer service and their free shipping, and the fact they started off building subwoofers only, They are the real deal.
I have no experience with their phone app, but do not think that you would need to worry about it being obsolete. IIRC, all of those controls are also built into the Sub as well.
Regarding Subs with DSP, and use with Audyssey, it is worthwhile. Whether the DSP allows you to just tune a few settings or fully customize several aspects of performance, they both still work together to help you achieve the performance you want in your room.
That said, good subwoofers are amazing beasts. Good clean bass without distortions is a different thing from a sub that isn’t meeting those performance requirements. In fact, when set up properly, you shouldn’t even know that box is doing anything.

Hope that helps!

Cheers!

 

[shadyJ]

I wouldn't bother with B&W subs. SVS is a good brand. Another good international sub brand is Paradigm; look to see if you can get the Paradigm Defiance subs in your area.

 

[Pogre]

SVS is the real deal. I can't say I've heard any of B&W's subwoofers but it's been my experience that most speaker manufacturers tend to fall down on subwoofers. XTZ look like they have some nice priced options that folks seem to like as well. How big is your space?

 

[lovinthehd]

I'd never consider B&W for subs. Not familiar with with Arendal but I do like the idea of the dual opposed fairly large drivers but would like to see a third party test too. "Auditioning" subs in a store is of limited or no use....in home would be great if you can arrange such is a great option (particularly here in the US with SVS paying full round trip with no risk). BK Elec is another sub company for you to consider perhaps. Audyssey does a pretty good job on its own, or you can add more comprehensive dsp with outboard devices (like minidsp), along with investing in some measurement gear.

 

[shadyJ]

Not familiar with with Arendal but I do like the idea of the dual opposed fairly large drivers but would like to see a third party test too.

Arendal uses Claridy for a lot of OEM/ODM work, so I wouldn't be surprised if those were Claridy design, in which case they are probably very good subs.