Matching Subwoofer with Other Speakers

[mgsylvestre]

I am in the process of upgrading my speakers (from Klipsch RF3 to PSB Synchrony).

Is there any advantage or reason to buy a subwoofer of the same brand than the other speakers?

I have just changed my front speakers and the mismatch with the center (which I have not yet upgraded) is quite apparent! I can't say that I notice the same thing with the existing subwoofer (except for the distorsion).

Any advice?

 

[oppman99]

I don't think it's necessary to use the same brand of sub as the speakers other than for aesthetics or if you're matching a poor sub with quality speakers. What are you using for a sub now? Are you unhappy with anything about it? I know you mentioned distortion. Since you mentioned the issue with the unmatched center, I think I would replace that first and then worry about the sub. You could also try running a phantom center to see if you prefer that to the mismatched sound.

 

[KEW]

I am in the process of upgrading my speakers (from Klipsch RF3 to PSB Synchrony).

Is there any advantage or reason to buy a subwoofer of the same brand than the other speakers?

I have just changed my front speakers and the mismatch with the center (which I have not yet upgraded) is quite apparent! I can't say that I notice the same thing with the existing subwoofer (except for the distorsion).

Any advice?

Generally, you'll do much better to buy a sub from a company that specializes in subs. PSB probably makes a decent sub, but for the same money, you'd do better with one of the brands routinely recommended here.
Assuming the low-end of your speakers and the high end of your sub have sufficient overlap (and almost any would), there should be no problems blending them.