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Maybe I need a sub?

telemike

telemike

AK Subscriber
Subscriber
Sony STR-GX10ES receiver
Wharfedale Diamond 10.2 bookshelves

Maybe I should add a sub for more low end?

Been pondering whether to get some Polk RTA12B, Monitor 10, Klipsch KG 3.2, Snell type E 2, or some other floor stander for my system.

Why? I really love my Wharfedales. Smooth treble and lush midrange. Bass is decent but not super deep or tight.

Really not sure about replacing them..

Rambling....
 
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If your only issue with your current speaker is deep bass and/or bass extension then a well dialed in sub can work wonders. It really won't do much with the mid/upper bass or anything above that though.
 
2 or more subs would be my suggestion. They will give you smooth and even bass throughout your room. My room is 13x9x8. I run 3 subs,and I find a nice full low end,that is even no matter where in the room I am. I started with one sub,and added the other two as I could afford them. YMMV.
 
Wish I could find a passive sub with a built-in crossover. I have plenty of power with my two Sony's. I hear good things about the Monoprice and Dayton subs
 
telemike said:
Sony STR-GX10ES receiver
Wharfedale Diamond 10.2 bookshelves

Maybe I should add a sub for more low end?

Been pondering whether to get some Polk RTA12B, Monitor 10, Klipsch KG 3.2, Snell type E 2, or some other floor stander for my system.

Why? I really love my Wharfedales. Smooth treble and lush midrange. Bass is decent but not super deep or tight.

Really not sure about replacing them..

Rambling....
Click to expand...
Those Wharfdales should be the epitome of "tight" - the "tight" part usually comes from the upper bass area that modern speakers are generally very good at. You may want to either re-evaluate your observance, or pull the speakers away from the corners of the room a bit.
Because your receiver doesn't have subwoofer controls like modern HT receivers, it would behoove you to get a subwoofer that has adjustable crossover point, volume level and a variable phase control, so that you can compensate for room location should you position it in another part of the room from the satellites. Otherwise, it will be more annoying than beneficial.
I had a similar dilemma with a pair of Monitor Audios of similar size. I wound up getting the tower version of the speakers and demoted the bookshelf speakers to surround duty. The towers reached considerably lower - you may want to consider a pair of 10.7's, which cost pretty much the same as a good subwoofer.

Wharfdate10.7.jpg
 
telemike said:
Wish I could find a passive sub with a built-in crossover. I have plenty of power with my two Sony's. I hear good things about the Monoprice and Dayton subs
Click to expand...

The build quality on the Dayton subs is awesome. Gain is questionable, but the x-over allows you to seamlessly dial in the required bass range. Most people have no idea there's a sub in my setup. BTW I use the Dayton SB-1000.
 
I'd like to revive this thread to ask a question. I have an STR-GX10ES and was wondering how to connect a powered sub. Can I use the pre-outs? And, if I can, do I use both or just one with a Y adapter to go from the pre-out to the left and right inputs on the sub. I'm all kinds of confused. I'm hoping Page 10 of the manuel will load OK to show you what I'm looking at. The sub is a powered JBL Northridge E Series E150P, which doesn't seem too loved here, but it was in nice shape and I got it for $35 at Goodwill. I've got a pair of JBL 4311 WX-As that I refurbished and did the improved crossover upgrade (first time I've ever replaced caps on anything). I like the speakers, I have the plumbers plugs in the ports. Now I'm looking for some lows I can control. It's set up in the living room, which by my standards I'd say was cozy, but not tiny. Any help those that know can give me would be most appreciated.
 

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Use a stereo pair from the pre outs on the Sony to the inputs of your sub.

Easy peasy......

Now for setting it up, that's a whole different ball of wax.

Take your time, don't be afraid to experiment with placement, level and crossover frequency but be patient and methodical.

The goal is to have deep bass extension without overpowering or "muddying up" your upper bass and mid-range.

YOU are the one who has to like how YOUR system sounds, everything else is just distortion.
 
As a starting point I suggest setting the crossover frequency at the -3dB point of your main speakers. Set the level where you can barely hear it. Then turn it down a "tad". Tweak as necessary to get the best sound. Once properly adjusted a sub shouldn't need any further adjustment.

You should not be able to hear a subwoofer. However, you should hear the difference when you turn it off.
 
It is up to you where or not a sub is needed for your taste. I always like a sub regardless how big or small a setup is. Setting the crossover point right and gain in key here and also placement definitely.
 
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