What’s your Hi-Fi set up? spec and pictures please
Discussion
TameRacingDriver said:
Yeah probably the only way to be sure is to try it really, all rooms are different.
My main issue with subs is I quite like my bass fast and punchy and while a sub theoretically shouldn’t affect this, I have heard plenty where it sounds deep, but tubby and slow.
The Rel T5i is very fast and seriously impressive for the price. My main issue with subs is I quite like my bass fast and punchy and while a sub theoretically shouldn’t affect this, I have heard plenty where it sounds deep, but tubby and slow.
I listen to dance, acoustic, classical, chorale and soundtracks mainly, oh and lots of lounge type jazz, Diana Krall etc.
I love a sub, but mainly on stuff like the acoustic stuff which doesn't even have that much bass, especially live stuff.
The thing is, when it is a live recording you often need the sub frequencies to be able to hear/see the whole picture, with some of the recordings you can tell the size of the room with a sub in place, take the sub out and it still sounds good, but the soundstage collapses.
selym said:
Not if the 'main speakers' can't deliver the rest.
‘The rest’?the rest of what?
Even tiny speakers should be able to meaningfully output to around 80Hz. Most decent subs easily get up to that frequency.
In my experience, most room/speaker issues come from bass modes and nodes - simply using larger floorstanders doesn’t always work. Adding a decent sub (with all the adjustments available) can work far better. Get something from BK, invest a little time on reading up on EQ and a little time with placement and it’s easier and cheaper adding a good sub than living with suckouts or one- note droning from floorstanders that really need to be out in the room and away from walls - the exact spot normally correlates to where the wife/partner says ‘no way’...
It sounds like I might be well served by a sub then! I just googled that REL T5i quoted above expecting it to be cheap given the comment, £550 though, ouch! Maybe a pair of upgraded speakers will still be cheaper anyway!
legzr1 said:
the exact spot normally correlates to where the wife/partner says ‘no way’...
This needs to be considered legzr1 said:
selym said:
Not if the 'main speakers' can't deliver the rest.
‘The rest’?the rest of what?
Even tiny speakers should be able to meaningfully output to around 80Hz. Most decent subs easily get up to that frequency.
In my experience, most room/speaker issues come from bass modes and nodes - simply using larger floorstanders doesn’t always work. Adding a decent sub (with all the adjustments available) can work far better. Get something from BK, invest a little time on reading up on EQ and a little time with placement and it’s easier and cheaper adding a good sub than living with suckouts or one- note droning from floorstanders that really need to be out in the room and away from walls - the exact spot normally correlates to where the wife/partner says ‘no way’...
TameRacingDriver said:
It sounds like I might be well served by a sub then! I just googled that REL T5i quoted above expecting it to be cheap given the comment, £550 though, ouch! Maybe a pair of upgraded speakers will still be cheaper anyway!
There’s a used one in good condition for £300 on wigwam if the T5 is what you’re after. £200 should get you a used BL XLS200 on a forums - they pop up for sale regularly.legzr1 said:
TameRacingDriver said:
It sounds like I might be well served by a sub then! I just googled that REL T5i quoted above expecting it to be cheap given the comment, £550 though, ouch! Maybe a pair of upgraded speakers will still be cheaper anyway!
There’s a used one in good condition for £300 on wigwam if the T5 is what you’re after. £200 should get you a used BL XLS200 on a forums - they pop up for sale regularly.selym said:
If your speakers can't output a meaningful and faithful reproduction of the music because of the size of the room (or if they are not very good) then no sub in the world is going to help. The sub is only providing the first few percent of the audible spectrum - it's not magic.
Not really sure what you’re getting at but I mentioned the use of subs as the OP was thinking of simply getting the floorstander version of his current speakers - I think adding an active sub to his existing speakers might be the better way to go. A popular model bought reasonably could easily be sold on if it doesn’t work/suit so almost a no-cost exercise too.Subs aren’t ‘magic’, no. But you’d swear they were if you’d ever heard a good one doing it’s thing.
I’ve heard plenty of floorstanders sounding terrible because they were forced into corners or somewhere equally nasty. Place stand mounters where they look goo/ operate reasonably then place a sub where it works best.
Oilchange said:
gizlaroc said:
You need a pre out, a variable output, the tape out is a fixed full gain level.
Just take the sub back and swap it for the little Rel.
Ok, how will the Rel connect?Just take the sub back and swap it for the little Rel.
legzr1 said:
selym said:
If your speakers can't output a meaningful and faithful reproduction of the music because of the size of the room (or if they are not very good) then no sub in the world is going to help. The sub is only providing the first few percent of the audible spectrum - it's not magic.
Not really sure what you’re getting at but I mentioned the use of subs as the OP was thinking of simply getting the floorstander version of his current speakers - I think adding an active sub to his existing speakers might be the better way to go. A popular model bought reasonably could easily be sold on if it doesn’t work/suit so almost a no-cost exercise too.Subs aren’t ‘magic’, no. But you’d swear they were if you’d ever heard a good one doing it’s thing.
I’ve heard plenty of floorstanders sounding terrible because they were forced into corners or somewhere equally nasty. Place stand mounters where they look goo/ operate reasonably then place a sub where it works best.
I'm not going to bother because my point is being missed. The OP should see if he can borrow or trial a sub because he will never know if he doesn't.
£200-£300 is very reasonable for a nice upgrade. I think as long as I have room for it, I will give one a try with the Zensors and see how I get on. I’d probably rather not replace the Zensors as they’ve been an awesome speaker for me for the last 3 years and still look as good as new.
soggybiscuit said:
stevoknevo said:
And a very kindly fellow was giving away a Denon DVD 2930 for free on AVF, collection only, but he generously allowed me to arrange a courier uplift - haven't been able to use my old 2800mkII for years as the TV is wall mounted and I can't get the Scart lead in; this has HDMI so I can watch my music DVD's again.
My old 2930 is looking good there! Still enjoying Rattle and Hum I hope??!!!Edited by stevoknevo on Saturday 18th January 12:53
! Mòran taing a' chàraid! (still practising my Gaidhlig too!)
TameRacingDriver said:
It sounds like I might be well served by a sub then! I just googled that REL T5i quoted above expecting it to be cheap given the comment, £550 though, ouch! Maybe a pair of upgraded speakers will still be cheaper anyway!
Pick up an older Rel off eBay, the strata is still a great sub, integrates easily and can be picked up for £100 or less. I prefer the Strata to the Rel 5, the Rel 5i however is a revelation, it is so good and so much better than the version 1.
But a Strata would be a good sub to try out.
gizlaroc said:
Pick up an older Rel off eBay, the strata is still a great sub, integrates easily and can be picked up for £100 or less.
I prefer the Strata to the Rel 5, the Rel 5i however is a revelation, it is so good and so much better than the version 1.
But a Strata would be a good sub to try out.
£100 sounds like my sort of upgrade!I prefer the Strata to the Rel 5, the Rel 5i however is a revelation, it is so good and so much better than the version 1.
But a Strata would be a good sub to try out.
Although I might end up getting new speakers anyway if Mrs. decides that the light wood finished Dali's don't go with our black furniture
selym said:
gizlaroc said:
I have never had an issue integrating a sub, far easier to get a good flatter response with a sub and bookshelf speakers than with larger speakers.
Most floorstanders still only go down to around 35hz before dropping off as well, you miss so much without a sub.
Unless they do a true 30hz before rolling off I would always put a sub in.
Rel T5i is very musical and integrates so easily.
I'm torn as to whether it's easy or not - I've set my sub up and had it sounding fine, until someone else comes in and I ask them to listen and tweak. Different settings which still sound good to me.Most floorstanders still only go down to around 35hz before dropping off as well, you miss so much without a sub.
Unless they do a true 30hz before rolling off I would always put a sub in.
Rel T5i is very musical and integrates so easily.
Everything does depend on what kind of music you typically listen to of course, and how much thump you like (which might not actually be right!)
gizlaroc said:
selym said:
I'm torn as to whether it's easy or not - I've set my sub up and had it sounding fine, until someone else comes in and I ask them to listen and tweak. Different settings which still sound good to me.
Everything does depend on what kind of music you typically listen to of course, and how much thump you like (which might not actually be right!)
HIFI is all about finding a sound you enjoy listening to though, what is right for you, is right. Everything does depend on what kind of music you typically listen to of course, and how much thump you like (which might not actually be right!)
I have run room EQ and got my system flat from 22hz through to 18hz and........it sounded crap.
Don't get me wrong, I don't like any large peaks or dips in the frequency range, but completely flat is not for me either.
https://www.hometheatershack.com/threads/house-cur...
https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/house-curve...
https://www.excelia-hifi.cz/meridian/room-correcti...
Edit
I'm interested to know which method & tools you used to EQ the room to flat Gizlaroc?
It's a fairly simple process, and it costs very little to measure, and optimise, a system's in room response and to integrate a subwoofer properly. ARTA and Holmimpulse are extremely powerful pieces of freeware which can easily be used to optimise sub integration, phase matching, speaker and sub positions relative to rear and side walls etc etc.
http://www.artalabs.hr/
http://www.holmacoustics.com/holmimpulse.php
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Behringer-ECM8000-Omnidir...
Edited by Crackie on Thursday 23 January 23:21
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