Would i really need a sub? (Bookshelf speakers)

SideWinder

SideWinder

SideWinder

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How "bassy" are bookshelf speakers? Noticeable difference from floor standers or does it depend what bookshelf speakers i purchase? Or does it depend on the Amp?

Enlighten me. :)
 
All of the above really, it depends on what you call base one mans wow listen to that base might be one mans wow listen to that fart:rolleyes:. Good bookshelf speakers should give nice fast tight base, it just wont rattle your windows. What speakers/amp were you thinking off?
 
They often roll off below 100Hz or so, but this vary quite a bit.

I'd be tempted to get a sub and use a good crossover if you like bass. :)
 
For a stereo system I wouldn't use a sub, unless you have standmounts in a larger room. Although I would then use floorstanders.

You really only need a sub for movies, there isn't that much low bass in music, a decent sized pair of standmounts ie around 50hz are more than capable enough.

Got three systems, Hi-Fi has standmounts, no sub. HT floorstanders with sub, PC standmounts, no sub.
 
I'm quite tempted to look into a sub for my bookshelf setup, whether you need one or not is a different matter. Music does sound great as it is but I really enjoy the extra punch it gives with kick drums and the lower end of bass guitars, not big wobbly bass but just a bit more fullness.
 
Also remeber that you average home cinema amp is pretty rubish with music, being deigned for explosions and the like so you'll need to shop around to find a good musical amp. It will also take some carefull matching as you risk washing out the sound from your speakers and conecting it up is a pain as a lot of amps don't have the necessary pre-amp out so you land up with pass through cables. In short I wouldn't bother save the money and get either some beefier bookshelf speakers or some nice standmounts.
 
One More Solo said:
I'm quite tempted to look into a sub for my bookshelf setup, whether you need one or not is a different matter. Music does sound great as it is but I really enjoy the extra punch it gives with kick drums and the lower end of bass guitars, not big wobbly bass but just a bit more fullness.
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I would just buy speakers that have lower bass reproduction then. Getting the sub integrated is a pig. Had a Rel Storm and even with that just didn't sound right.
 
make sure you are comparing the frequency response's fairly.

i.e. + or - 3db is normally what is rated by decent manufacturers. however many quote 6db, and some just quote 'frequency response' with nothing else, so that could mean anything!

standmounts arent likely to drop to 40hz on + or - 3db, in fact 50hz would be pretty good if the measurements were accurate.
 
badbob said:
For a stereo system I wouldn't use a sub, unless you have standmounts in a larger room. Although I would then use floorstanders.

You really only need a sub for movies, there isn't that much low bass in music, a decent sized pair of standmounts ie around 50hz are more than capable enough.

Got three systems, Hi-Fi has standmounts, no sub. HT floorstanders with sub, PC standmounts, no sub.
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Depending on the music you listen to, adding a sub will add quiet a lot to your stereo setup. it add's quite a lot of 'body' to the sound as well as hitting the lower notes that bookshelf and many floorstanders just can't reach.

Even when demo'ing several setups around the £2000 mark, a cheap (£350ish) sub adds loads!

If you move into home cinema, then it will definately be needed to complete the setup.
 
Most instruments are well within standmount speaker range though, and once you factor in room gain, you might find in a smaller room standmounts sound better. I have both standmounts and floorstanders. Only synth sounds are 10-25hz.

In a Hi-Fi setup you cannot adjust crossover unlike a av system so if you find floorstanders are too bassy you're stuck. I agree with HT though, sub is a must. But not in a Hi-Fi, in fact most Audiophiles don't use a subwoofer.
 
If you have a decent pair of stand mounts, Dynaudio 42's go low for there tiny size, and not getting enough bass, then you need a better CD player and amp !!! Wouldn't bother with a sub for stereo use. I normally only switch mine on for AV use........ Quantity does not equal quality.
 
i use mine in music, but only to really fill the bottom. i found i need it far less now everything is in the lounge. but even so, it does make a big difference. untill i decide to purchace some decent floor standers, it's as good as it's going to get i think:)
 
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from my days in car audio (which may well be different requirements to home audio) a sub was a necessity, and added a lot to the system.
 
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