home stereo (of reasonable quality, definitely not high-end) and subwoofers

[xtsili]

Hi there

I've got a budget system, a Yamaha AS700, Wharfadales Diamond 10.7 and an ASUS essence XTS + VDAC (Musical Fidelity) for source.

Question: adding a subwoofer of decent quality, would it be equally resulting to bass improvement, or will it eventually damage the sound?

I hope I get some answers before spending my precious Euros

Thanks for your attention

 

[Anonymous]

Given your amp and source I'd go for better speakers before thinking about a sub.

 

[AL13N]

Subs, like all other components, can vary in quality. If you do get one then the most important thing is to integrate it properly within your setup/room.

Ideally you should not 'hear' the sub but 'feel' it. If the sub is adding bass to the sound then, frankly, something is wrong.

Then again, it's also a matter of taste. Some may find it strange to buy a large, expensive and very powerful sub, and then barely tap into its power capability.

 

[xtsili]

Thanks Tarquinh for your swift reply.

Going for better speakers means a pair in the 1500-200 Euros range, which is considerably more expensive a solution than spending 300 Euros for a decent subwoofer. That was my initial moto.

Anyway thanks again

 

[xtsili]

I see your point AL13N and I do really think that integrating a sub into a stereo system is risky business. The more I think of it the more I tend to believe that given that fact that are so many subs out there, one cannot resist of buying one expecting to achieve the dream sound.

 

[the record spot]

Surprised your having bass issues with speakers which are blessed with two bass drivers!

Two things to consider; some questions around the abilities of the current Diamond range, not least the bigger floorstanders. Secondly, I have heard the Yamaha amplifier is on the neutral side, which is a good thing really, but might influence what's falling short (if that is the case) with the speakers.

I'd normally suggest Q Acoustics 2050 floorstanders which would dispel any issues with bass as they go deep, are pretty impressive for the money, but may be out your price range. Can you not simply modify the EQ when playing through your laptop? A cheaper solution and kind of lets you remaster a recording to some degree!

 

[xtsili]

thanks "the record spot".

Yes you are right, 2 bass drivers with very good characteristics, they go down to 30Hz, but I feel the bass lacks deepness and warmness. Maybe the room the speakers sit play a major role in the sonic reult. I believe though the diamond range is value for money - astonishing built qualilty, lots of options, etc..very attractive pricing in Greece where I live with regards to other UK brands that are ridiculously expensive here.

The Yamaha is indeed on the neutral side but I am not quite sure it is influencing the sonic result.

Besides being excited myself by all the outstanding subwoofers one can find in the market, I was wondering if buying one would do the job instead of replacing my newly bought speakers.

The EQ adjustment is a tedious thing to do every once in a while depending on the tune that is playing.

Anyway, I enjoy this discussion as various opinioas are expressed.