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Sub + small speakers vs big speakers?

Last post Nov 03, 2009, 10:05 PM by igglebert. (9 replies)
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Posted on Nov 02, 2009, 9:17 PM

Sub + small speakers vs big speakers?

Fight on.

For a more open and bassy sound with a denon micro, would you get the wharfedale w150 to add to 9.1's or send the 9.1's back and spend £300 on some big floorstanders? (Could upgrade the denon to the marantz cr502 which would give 50w instead of 30w per channel).

 Anyway, which sound like a better idea?

 

Go on, if you know, please tell me. :)

Posted on Nov 03, 2009, 11:03 AM

327774

Re: Sub + small speakers vs big speakers?

You might be better off with some decent floorstanders they are usualy better than bookshelves and a subwoofer depending on space issues, not sure if the denon will have enough power though for floorstanders I would see what sounds best, audition the denon with floorstanders or a subwoofer.

Posted on Nov 03, 2009, 11:13 AM

327774

Re: Sub + small speakers vs big speakers?

On a mini system, which is going to be limited on power, you're better off adding a subwoofer as long as your Denon has a pre-out specifically for this purpose (the DM37 does). This way, the subwoofer puts no strain on the amplification.
David
Frank Harvey Hi-Fi Ltd - now on Facebook (search Frank Harvey Hi-Fi)

Posted on Nov 03, 2009, 4:45 PM

327774

Re: Sub + small speakers vs big speakers?

I have found that a decent sub almost always enhances things, one way or another, regardless of speaker size and quality, provided it is used correctly.

Posted on Nov 03, 2009, 4:52 PM

328109

Re: Sub + small speakers vs big speakers?

My experience also.

It can take some setting up and requires a lot of experimentation (not to mention a half decent sub in the first place) but you can get some excellent results. Floorstanders can be an option too although it leaves less flexibility for tuning the sound to the room, a rather important aspect of audio reproduction.
Musical Fidelity X-Ray v8 → AVI S2000MP → Quad 405 Netaudio MK3 Dual Mono (Burr-Brown OPA627) → Spendor SA1 →

Posted on Nov 03, 2009, 4:56 PM

328109

Re: Sub + small speakers vs big speakers?

Agreed. As long as the sub is used subtlely, it can sound surprisingly good. I heard a REL demonstration where one of their subs was used to bolster the bottom end of a pair of little ProAc standmounts.
David
Frank Harvey Hi-Fi Ltd - now on Facebook (search Frank Harvey Hi-Fi)

Posted on Nov 03, 2009, 4:57 PM

328112

Re: Sub + small speakers vs big speakers?

... and you're still 3 postings behind me igglebert ...

Posted on Nov 03, 2009, 5:06 PM

327925

Re: Sub + small speakers vs big speakers?

FrankHarveyHiFi:
On a mini system, which is going to be limited on power, you're better off adding a subwoofer as long as your Denon has a pre-out specifically for this purpose (the DM37 does). This way, the subwoofer puts no strain on the amplification.

 In fact an active (amplified) sub used on the speaker outputs will be fine. There is no additional loading from an active sub.

Posted on Nov 03, 2009, 7:26 PM

328120

Re: Sub + small speakers vs big speakers?

Add the SW150 Job done! I just added an MS309w and it transformed the system

Posted on Nov 03, 2009, 10:05 PM

328116

Re: Sub + small speakers vs big speakers?

drummerman:
... and you're still 3 postings behind me igglebert ...


...I don't want to seem like the one with most time on his hands...Wink
Musical Fidelity X-Ray v8 → AVI S2000MP → Quad 405 Netaudio MK3 Dual Mono (Burr-Brown OPA627) → Spendor SA1 →
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