Adding a subwoofer to 2 channel equipment
Discussion
Hey all! My front room isnt very big (probably 6m x 5m) so i just have a fairly modest Hi-fi system
(Arcam Alpha 9 integrated amp, 2 x Alpha P9's Tri-amp'd / biwired into a pair of Kef Q15 bookshelf speakers, fed by a Cambridge Audio DacMagic).
Now i'd like to add a little bit more Bass to the system, but i don't want a "movie" style massive thump that knocks you off your chair, as i only listen to 2 channel music on the system. So to the question, has anyone got a recommendation for a decent active subwoofer that would suit, probably more subtlety, less power being optimum??
(looking to spend max of £500 btw)
(my best guess so far is the Wharfdale SW250??)
Thanks muchly! ;-)
(Arcam Alpha 9 integrated amp, 2 x Alpha P9's Tri-amp'd / biwired into a pair of Kef Q15 bookshelf speakers, fed by a Cambridge Audio DacMagic).
Now i'd like to add a little bit more Bass to the system, but i don't want a "movie" style massive thump that knocks you off your chair, as i only listen to 2 channel music on the system. So to the question, has anyone got a recommendation for a decent active subwoofer that would suit, probably more subtlety, less power being optimum??
(looking to spend max of £500 btw)
(my best guess so far is the Wharfdale SW250??)
Thanks muchly! ;-)
A simple question but, as always with audio stuff, that question gives rise to many others.
You're using a pretty decent amount of power for Q15s, I assume the integrated powering the treble and the power amps the bass?
Questions relate to your room, it's furnishings, amount of glass and other reflective surfaces, the floor type and how your speakers are mounted and positioned.
It's not as simple as adding a subwoofer, I, although others may disagree, am of the opinion that 2 channel listening is best through 2 speakers that provide the sound the listener requires in the room they use.
It might be that changing your current speakers could be a better solution.
£500, especially ex dem or used, will buy some good speakers but will involve a bit of research and demoing from you.
You're using a pretty decent amount of power for Q15s, I assume the integrated powering the treble and the power amps the bass?
Questions relate to your room, it's furnishings, amount of glass and other reflective surfaces, the floor type and how your speakers are mounted and positioned.
It's not as simple as adding a subwoofer, I, although others may disagree, am of the opinion that 2 channel listening is best through 2 speakers that provide the sound the listener requires in the room they use.
It might be that changing your current speakers could be a better solution.
£500, especially ex dem or used, will buy some good speakers but will involve a bit of research and demoing from you.
I had a feeling that a speaker upgrade might be the best step really, but i kinda like the Q15's, and with all that power to drive them (correct, bridged power Amp per base driver, int Amp into high drivers) they sound VERY controlled and tight!
Thing is, to keep my neighbours happy i don't honestly play the system terribly loud, and my concern in moving up to some floor standers is that they might not "come alive" at low volumes like the little Q15's ??
TBH, if i were going to change speakers i would probably up the budget towards the 1k mark, as i originally bought the Q15's when i only had the integrated Arcam amp, and they are now deffinately the "weak link" so to speak.
I guess i might try to get a home demo on a sub, and see if it works or not, If it does work, then i can then worry about "which" sub to actually buy ??
Thing is, to keep my neighbours happy i don't honestly play the system terribly loud, and my concern in moving up to some floor standers is that they might not "come alive" at low volumes like the little Q15's ??
TBH, if i were going to change speakers i would probably up the budget towards the 1k mark, as i originally bought the Q15's when i only had the integrated Arcam amp, and they are now deffinately the "weak link" so to speak.
I guess i might try to get a home demo on a sub, and see if it works or not, If it does work, then i can then worry about "which" sub to actually buy ??
Max_Torque said:
I had a feeling that a speaker upgrade might be the best step really, but i kinda like the Q15's, and with all that power to drive them (correct, bridged power Amp per base driver, int Amp into high drivers) they sound VERY controlled and tight!
Thing is, to keep my neighbours happy i don't honestly play the system terribly loud, and my concern in moving up to some floor standers is that they might not "come alive" at low volumes like the little Q15's ??
TBH, if i were going to change speakers i would probably up the budget towards the 1k mark, as i originally bought the Q15's when i only had the integrated Arcam amp, and they are now deffinately the "weak link" so to speak.
I guess i might try to get a home demo on a sub, and see if it works or not, If it does work, then i can then worry about "which" sub to actually buy ??
Yes, I think a visit to some HiFi dealers is the best bet, explain your requirements and see what they suggest and are prepared to let you home demo. Bit of a "Holy Grail" you're after, controlled, tight and "meaty" in the bass at low volumes.Thing is, to keep my neighbours happy i don't honestly play the system terribly loud, and my concern in moving up to some floor standers is that they might not "come alive" at low volumes like the little Q15's ??
TBH, if i were going to change speakers i would probably up the budget towards the 1k mark, as i originally bought the Q15's when i only had the integrated Arcam amp, and they are now deffinately the "weak link" so to speak.
I guess i might try to get a home demo on a sub, and see if it works or not, If it does work, then i can then worry about "which" sub to actually buy ??
Problem with cheaper subs is that they are really designed to provide a bit of "slam" in home cinema applications and the danger is that the bass they provide for music will be a bit "lazy".
As Digger suggests above, going the sub route for music will mean having to spend a bit.
There are so many options available in speakers that visiting dealers is probably the best bet.
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