Choosing a subwoofer

[DaveN]

Hi. I am trying to choose a subwoofer to enfance the depth of a current hifi system. I have a Cambridge Audio 640 amp and a pair of Quad L bookshelf speakers. The sound is good but lacks a good deal of bass for my taste. Firstly I am debating about an active or passive subwoofer. The speakers are at the other end of the room from the amp - so was thinking (if this is correct) that a subwoofer connection could be connected with the speaker outputs and wiring. The amp has 2 sets of speaker outputs for 2 pairs of speakers. Could I use one set for the subwoofer? does this theory stand up? and mean I am looking at a passive speaker.

If anyone can help this would be great. Cheers and Thanks.

 

[Al ears]

Hi. I am trying to choose a subwoofer to enfance the depth of a current hifi system. I have a Cambridge Audio 640 amp and a pair of Quad L bookshelf speakers. The sound is good but lacks a good deal of bass for my taste. Firstly I am debating about an active or passive subwoofer. The speakers are at the other end of the room from the amp - so was thinking (if this is correct) that a subwoofer connection could be connected with the speaker outputs and wiring. The amp has 2 sets of speaker outputs for 2 pairs of speakers. Could I use one set for the subwoofer? does this theory stand up? and mean I am looking at a passive speaker.

If anyone can help this would be great. Cheers and Thanks.

The subwoofer can not be connected to speaker pair 2 terminal but can be wired in with your current speakers.

My thoughts here would be if the Quads are not up to it then buy a pair of speakers that is rather than going the subwoofer route because integrating a subwoofer ito a stereo set-up can be fraught with difficulties.

What is your budget?

Welcome to the forum by the way.

 

[Al ears]

Sound words as usual fron David. Both the REL's and MJ Acoustic subs come well recommended. I do stick with my original post though that sorting your speakers should be looked at rather than adding a subwoofer.

 

[fr0g]

Look at BK and SVS subs, both great options, and I would lean toward BK unless you are US based.

They are easily the best value. And I would personally ignore advice to try and solve bass shortages with speakers unless you're loaded and have a huge space.

Whilst I prefer the look of a nice pair of floorstanders, a good sub and a good pair of standmounts give you far more flexibility imo. Not to mention that even a £300 BK XLS200 sub will give you far more real bass than most £1000 floorstanders...and be adjustable.

Oh and don't even consider a passive sub. Not worth it.

 

[jonathanRD]

Just in case it is not clear DaveN - a subwoofer like the BK XXLS200 has both high and low level connections. The low level is used for home cinema, and the high level for connection to a 2 channel amp - the wires simply connect to the same speaker output posts on your amplifier as your hifi speakers. You will have to find the right spot in your room for a sub (plenty of videos online), and it make take some time and adjustment before you find the right balance but I think it is worth trying in your situation. My BK XXLS400 certainly added alot to my bookshelf speakers (Mission 780's) before I eventually changed to floorstanders.

 

[Al ears]

Look at BK and SVS subs, both great options, and I would lean toward BK unless you are US based.

They are easily the best value. And I would personally ignore advice to try and solve bass shortages with speakers unless you're loaded and have a huge space.

Whilst I prefer the look of a nice pair of floorstanders, a good sub and a good pair of standmounts give you far more flexibility imo. Not to mention that even a £300 BK XLS200 sub will give you far more real bass than most £1000 floorstanders...and be adjustable.

Oh and don't even consider a passive sub. Not worth it.

Quite agree.

If you do intend going down the sub route (I'm not sure what your budget is) but I have heard an amazing set-up using two small subs situated close to each speaker.

These subs were the REL T-Zero's which retail at about £220 each.

 

[DaveN]

Thanks very much everyone. Good food for thought - not really that experienced in these things but will perhaps look into all the options you explained. My thanks and regards

 

[Andrewjvt]

Dave at frank harvey said: or look for active subs like the RELs and MJ Acoustics that have both high level and low level inputs, allowing them to be connected via a cable from your speaker outputs, but not be reliant on the amplifier itself.

I say: hi David does the r series 400b sub also connect in this way?

 

[Frank Harvey]

Just bear in mind that connecting a passive subwoofer to an amp will place additional load onto the amp. If your amp has a pair of pre outputs you can connect an active sub, or look for active subs like the RELs and MJ Acoustics that have both high level and low level inputs, allowing them to be connected via a cable from your speaker outputs, but not be reliant on the amplifier itself.

 

[Frank Harvey]

I say: hi David does the r series 400b sub also connect in this way?

Unfortunately not.