Is a subwoofer necessary?

Bladerider1

Bladerider1

Bladerider1

Associate
Joined
25 Feb 2023
Posts
29
Location
London
Hi All,
Got q acoustics M20. I am wondering if a sub is necessary and will add enjoyment to gaming (i.e. shooters). I hear the argument is you would hear all the explosions and gunfire more so it is more immersive. Interested in thoughts. If I do get a sub, I am looking at a REL TZero MK3 if I go this route.

Thanks
 
Last edited:
For music, no, if your mains are capable enough .
For movies, definietly, even if you have full range speakers.

A good subwoofer produces audible frequencies but also reproduces inaudible frequencies.

IMO that Rel is barely classed as a subwoofer 6.5" sealed box with frequency response of around 40-45hz. That isn't a subwoofer.

What is your room size? Usualy volume level? Is this in a living room setup or bedroom PC desk system?
 
Last edited:
Yeah the sub will be under my desk on the left, and pc tower on the right. Width of desk is 140cm.

I wasn't keen on too big a sub as it would impede on room for my legs (which is the problem with my old desk setup!) and of course loudness, though you can turn the sub down of course. I did see BK, which was the OEM for REL, but wanted a small sub. I was thinking the TZero Mk3 should be sufficient for games?

And to answer the question, see this page; https://armourhomeelectronics.zohod...-output-have-any-form-of-filter-applied-to-it
 
Bladerider1 said:
Yeah the sub will be under my desk on the left, and pc tower on the right. Width of desk is 140cm.

I wasn't keen on too big a sub as it would impede on room for my legs (which is the problem with my old desk setup!) and of course loudness, though you can turn the sub down of course. I did see BK, which was the OEM for REL, but wanted a small sub. I was thinking the TZero Mk3 should be sufficient for games?

And to answer the question, see this page; https://armourhomeelectronics.zohod...-output-have-any-form-of-filter-applied-to-it
Click to expand...

Something like BK XLS300 FF will be plenty.


Or the Gem


I was thinking more of the speaker themselves, if you use a subwoofer then they should have a bass management feature- where <60-80hz is sent from the speakers to the sub.

With that 300hz LPF on the output, you'd want to use the subs own low pass filter, aroud 60-80hz or so.
 
I have the REL TZero MK3 and it does a great job supplementing my speakers on my Hifi in my modest sized room. But to do so it needs careful positioning in the corner of the room and setting up so it is balanced with the main speakers so you wouldn't know it was there, it just feels like the main speakers have a much wider range and somehow sounstage width and depth and height are increased. However I really don't feel it's designed for multimedia use if you are looking to be able to feel the vibrations from the action especially if you're restricted to where you can place it. You could always reach out to REL for their advice they answered my questions really quickly.
 
SVS SB1000 Pro. Has three band EQ. Rel's don't have any EQ.

www.avforums.com

For Sale - SVS sb1000 pro black ash PRICE DROP

Just under two years old. Excellent condition amazing subwoofer, forced to sell as I'm moving house. Bluetooth controlled via app on your phone. 12" driver, blash ash. With front mesh guard. Please see my other ads, for denon receiver and Q acoustics surround speakers. Pickup from OL9, or...
www.avforums.com www.avforums.com

Keep eye for another one. That'll outperform the Rel.
 
Last edited:
The T-Zero's and the rest of the T range are more designed for music which doesn't have as much bass as say movies/game effects.
The M20's reach down to about 60hz, and the T-Zero only gets to about 40hz, so not that much more extension.

If you want to stick with Rel, I can recommend the 10" HT1003. https://rel.net/uk/shop/powered-subwoofers/serie-ht/ht-1003-mkii/
I have the Mk1 version and it's good enough for movies at moderate voloume. Should be more than enough for gaming needs. Being 10" it's pretty compact too.

The SVS ones are more configurable with their app and DSP's though.

I don't think it's worth paring a 12" sub with your speakers, it's going to be wasted in terms of power output if you want it balanced.
 
Nutty667 said:
The T-Zero's and the rest of the T range are more designed for music which doesn't have as much bass as say movies/game effects.
The M20's reach down to about 60hz, and the T-Zero only gets to about 40hz, so not that much more extension.

If you want to stick with Rel, I can recommend the 10" HT1003. https://rel.net/uk/shop/powered-subwoofers/serie-ht/ht-1003-mkii/
I have the Mk1 version and it's good enough for movies at moderate voloume. Should be more than enough for gaming needs. Being 10" it's pretty compact too.

The SVS ones are more configurable with their app and DSP's though.

I don't think it's worth paring a 12" sub with your speakers, it's going to be wasted in terms of power output if you want it balanced.
Click to expand...

Not cheap , could look into two of these and get more even response

or even though of these, as you said you don't need monster subs for music- and maybe with left over room EQ device

 
Yeah I had 2 BK subs previously. The Gemini II, which was quite weak for movies, and then the XXLS400DF, which was overkill for my room.
I do see people moaning about buzzing with BK subs on AVForums though.

the P10-150-GEM is the successor to the Gemini II. Not sure if it's more capable or pretty much the same.
 
Last edited:
Nutty667 said:
Yeah I had 2 BK subs previously. The Gemini II, which was quite weak for movies, and then the XXLS400DF, which was overkill for my room.
I do see people moaning about buzzing with BK subs on AVForums though.

the P10-150-GEM is the successor to the Gemini II. Not sure if it's more capable or pretty much the same.
Click to expand...

Yeah pity bk buzzing issues persist, are they using cheap capacitors?
 
Don't ever recall seeing the cause. Being hand-built in UK though, they do offer a good repair service.
Tbh, the P10-150-GEM is probably a good choice, it will have way more output than the T-Zero, and pretty compact. Price is great too.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom