The lowdown on Subwoofers

Subwoofers are critical components in high-end audio systems. Here's why. If you have a question for paul go to: www.psaudio.com/ask-paul/

[@vanoramarv4193]

What shocked me was, not only do subs add low bass but they expand your soundstage dramatically. You said it, subs are GREAT.

[@MrAlvarochahin]

I used to refuse to accept the possibility of a subwoofer improving a HiFi set up, well, based on Paul's recommendations, I got one today and let me tell you, it makes my speakers disappear, the soundstage is amazing, it's like rediscovering all my music. Get one, fine tune it and enjoy. Thanks Paul for sharing your knowledge.

[@TheTsunamijuan]

Paul, I had a large degree of low frequency hearing loss for a large number of years. It wasn't until getting attention for another medical problem that it was discovered and taken care of by medication. Up until this point I had a rough relation with 250hz below, often i wouldn't hear them at times it would be painful and make me feel like i was undergoing a pressure change. In the process it helped me appreciate those that have an adversion to low frequencies often don't realize it. After all you will still feel infra-sound, but you definitely wont have the auditory response. Additional note deaf people often enjoy very bass and percussion heavy music, due to the infra-sound and the ability to feel the music.

[@therustyspoke]

Why would ANYONE want to miss some of the music! Great vid - Thanks

[@ped-away-g1396]

if you just add a sub into your system, you're certainly going to have that 'too much bass' problem. because it will overlap with the mains causing a huge peak in that overlapping region. you need to cross them over let the sub handle the bass let the mains handle the rest, no overlap no peaks. it's a basic people tend to forget.

[@wotan20]

I fully share the gest of Mr. McGowan's representation, because it spectacularly relates to my experience. I had two old fashion, large 3-way floor speakers, which I was very proud of, since they were supposed to be quality 'full range speakers'. And on the surface of things they should had been, having a pair of heavy 12" woofers, good 6" midrange speakers as well as tweeters. Yet the results were markedly less than satisfactory. Namely, there was a pervasive low end distortion, which were exacerbated by the resonance from the glass doors in my wall unit. This drove me to desperation, because no amount of readjusting the location of my mainspeakers, or isolating them on spikes helped to correct the serious flaw I had, until I purchased and installed a nice 15" Marantz active subwoofer. The results were breathtakingly spectacular. My mainspeakers came alive, surprisingly not only the woofers, but the midrange too, plus all my resonance and distortion problems have disappeared in one swift step. And Mr. Mc Gowan is right, most of the time the subwoofer is not heard directly, for example very rarely, almost never during the reproduction of classical orchestral pieces. Cinema soundtracks however are different, they are more theatrical and 'bombastic', so the subwoofer really shines in those. So in summary, one doesn't necessarily buys subwoofer/s to 'boom the neighborhood out' of existence, although admittedly that can be done also, but foremost in order to 'unshackle' the mainspeakers, thus liberate them from distortion.

[@stephencosta6814]

Paul you are such a sweet man very interesting guy to talk to and your demeanor is understanding intelligence I would love to have a conversation with you

[@Paulmcgowanpsaudio]

Thanks. It would be my pleasure. Come visit us in Boulder!

[@randykinsley5721]

My first sub was an M&K. At the time, I loved it! Before dedicated sub out on preamp, so needed lots of ump outta the amp. Nice crossover adjustment. Weighed a ton!

[@chasevineland1508]

Off topic of subs... I really love your videos and how you reference many times “live” music / concerts. Most audiophile snobs I have met don’t go to many live performances and/or concerts. I think it’s important to go listen to the real thing which allows more appreciation for electronic amplified reproduction. There’s no system that can replicate the real thing... even a single clarinet, violin, or voice. Last two years I have been on a blast from the past concerts: Paul McCartney, Doobie Brothers, Journey, Rolling Stones which compelled me to rebuild a new audio system in my bedroom (you would laugh at the overkill). Tangent... My daughter is working towards her black belt in Tae Kwon Do. She spends a lot of time practicing forms (moves). It’s discipline, brains, and strength. This “form” is like listening to re-produced audio and you can see / hear the quality of the movement. It is the reproduction of a fight. But when she’s in a tournament sparring, that’s when it’s “live”. The forms are in action and there’s moves that don’t exist in the learned forms. You don’t just see it, hear it... you feel it. I personally race PCA (Porsche Club America) and it’s the same thing... practice laps vs real racing. Audio equipment is sacred to me because it allows me to appreciate live performances that much more.

[@valleyguy633]

Paul, I love your opinion regarding subwoofers. Back in the seventies I I used to turn the bass all the way down because it just sounded to me like throwing two blankets and a quilt over the speakers. Fast forward to today, I find that with four good bookshelf speakers (stereo front and rear), and a good sb SVS subwoofer, I don't spoil the crystalline highs, and also have that big bottom without really even hearing the sub. (Just the results of it, like you said). Thank you so much for your enlightening videos.

[@brydon10]

I bought a new system, not "hi-fi", but good enough for me. I liked it but felt it was always lacking something. A few months later, here I am looking at new speakers, when I come across your videos about subwoofers. I thought why not try a sub with my system and see where that gets me instead. I hooked up an old B&W subwoofer I had from 2004 and wow, an instant and amazing difference. It seems to fill in all the gaps and what I felt was lacking. It has made my speakers sound so much better. I've ordered the Pioneer SW-8MK2 and am going to use that here because I don't have space for something bigger. If any of you are at all curious - go for it, you'll probably be amazed a what it does for you.

[@ikonix360]

Exactly. Just because a speaker is flat to 20Hz doesn't mean it can adequately couple 20Hz to the room. A properly set up quality sub makes all the difference. I used to not like powered subs until I redid my home stereo with a proper active crossover and set up the subs right.

[@melissabell8320]

I have been running a Cerwin vega htd 12 passive subwoofer in my system since 93 and love it to death ElO's greatest hits come more to life its not over powering but pleasent . On the sansui 771 i run with my system flat no loudness needed with my main speakers being the Vs 150's and the companion speakers polk rti 70's i love this set up and the sound is beautiful Albert king comes to life and so does cream .

[@RonRivet]

I just ordered a REL 1030 for my all Rega 2 channel system. I`m finding it`s lacking bass when playing my cds but fine when playing my vinyl. I think the extra bass the REL will provide will be just what I need. Thanks for posting!

[@BadMonkeyFinger_Audio]

What you said about the performance of the M&K sub was sooooo funny to me just now. Back in the day, I also purchased a couple of M&K subs (at different times). When you first mentioned them, I immediately thought 'they sounded best to me when the volume was all the way down'. Then, as you continued speaking about them, you said exactly the same thing. Too funny.

[@lqdKaos]

When I moved, the buyers of my house asked me to leave my system as part of the sale. In my new place, I have a 2 channel system without a subwoofer. I thought it went low enough. But I noticed that I was missing something when listening to YoYo Ma. Other recordings just seemed flat. I have finally ordered a pair of REL T5x subs. I cant wait to hear those nuances again.

[@vonclod123]

100% Agree, when I turn my JL sub off, it's like..what the hell happened.

[@mugennsx]

Thank you! That clears it up for me!

[@archiemacdonald553]

Yes Paul I have always thought that having subwoofer was an essential part of a system ,set up properly there amazing ,😊😊

[@1wired4sound]

I had speakers with built in powered subs for my main l/r speakers, they now do rear channel duty. They did not go anywhere near the claimed 17 hz in my room. I now have Martin Logan subs, they are fantastic

[@distastefulvideos]

People who are anti subs don’t understand high end audio electronics. Thank you for understanding.

[@kylerbrown3457]

People who are anti subs don't understand audio period.

[@donaldnelson976]

It's a matter of taste

[@kylerbrown3457]

@wally crail haha not true

[@kylerbrown3457]

@wally crail I'm sure there are some people who only want the boom boom, but anyone seriously into audio will appreciate what subs can do and see them as a necessary component to a full range system. The whole point of a high end system is faithful audio reproduction, and you can't get the lowest lows without subs (there's a video of a guy listening to Paul's system and an 8 Hz organ note is played. You need big, powerful subs to recreate that)

[@kylerbrown3457]

@wally crail I never said you need subs to have musical taste, YOU said that "overemphasizing the importance of them means you have no taste". I simply said that people who are anti-subs don't understand audio. Sure, you can appreciate good music without them, but I prefer to hear the entire spectrum of the recording and not be missing out on anything because my speakers aren't capable of reproducing the frequencies. You're creating a straw man argument that I'd rather not argue. You obviously have your mind made up, so that'll be the end of it.

[@QoraxAudio]

The audibility of the low frequencies also highly depend on the size of the room where your speakers are, since low frequencies are longer wavelengths. Like the wavelength of the 100Hz your subs are rolled off at: 343m/s divided by 100Hz makes 3.43 meters of wavelength (about 11feet). Since this is the highest frequency your subs do, this 3.43m is the shortest wavelength coming from your sub.

[@NewUser-nm7zd]

finally someone who thinks the same.. im 17 and all my friends like insane bass. in my room i have my subwoofer just where i barely hear it and then have it EQ'd just to slightly boost the less than 40hz and rolls nicely so it doesnt peak at any frequency

[@BayAreaEventDesigns]

new subscriber here, Thank you Paul I enjoy your knowledge, wisdom and experience of sound. I am hooked on your channel. Wishing you peace, God bless you. Rocky.

[@davidlane1169]

'Ole Audiophile to Paul: Thankyou personally. We shared a great chuckle, well roasted my dear friend. 1978 was my first ownership & use of a sub. I believe you'll get a great chuckle at who manufactured it in the USA, the damn thing lasted near forever while running on average power supplies. Cerwin Vega. I can't count the times I replaced the sub with a better build. JBL had a run until the seams themselves gave out. Now that's your moneies worth...

[@DavidKowalski]

I fully agree with your comments. I have heard your story about your unpleasant experience with an M&K subwoofer before. Back in the 90s (which seems to be later than your anecdote -- I don't know which model you tried) I sold M&K products. I suspect that by the time I sold M&K, they had improved a bit on their first designs of subwoofers (Miller and Kreisel were among the earliest pioneers in the sale of home subwoofers). Also, there was a significant difference between their entry-level and more advanced (and more expensive) subwoofers. It seemed to me that by the 90s, M&K had some decent offerings in their higher-priced subs.

[@AALavdas]

Agree absolutely! I have built my own (monstrous), multi-amplified speakers with active crossovers, and have included the subs from the start. I cross them very low, around 40Hz or less, 24db/oct - so they do not do much most of the time, but whenever an Organ or a Gran Cassa should be reproduced, then they really show what they can do.

[@dieselphiend]

Isn't that kind of risky? Like, what if the mid range isn't producing 40 to 60Hz? Won't that leave a blank spot in the spectrum making it harder to blend to two?

[@justanobody4983]

@@dieselphiend it really depends on the speakers. I have mine set to 45hz coz thats where my speakers dont produce bass. Any higher, and i get peaks. If your using something like a kef ls50, that setting would be way higher. Maybe in the 60-80hz because they dont produce bass that much.

[@dieselphiend]

@@justanobody4983 My sub sounds like a separate speaker until I turn the fr up enough to get some overlap, and then it blends quite nicely.

[@justanobody4983]

@@dieselphiend each to their own. Thats what this hobby is all about.

[@eliseoborrerobass]

Correct me if you want, but I think the sub works better with a crossover as opposed to “complimenting” a system. When you take the very low frequency out of your mains, you are actually cleaning up the sound then the sub does the dirty job. I have a pair of small Klipsch fed by a Hafler 75wpc, a JBL series 3 powered sub with an old DOD crossover and I love it.

[@shaynakash4222]

thanks to you by boz scags is a very good song to check your bass and sub .i hear it with my 16 inch vintage altec lansing drivers about 3 meters and its an amazing driver never heard a sub or bass unit that makes these frequencies so fast and accurate.....

[@CRONZ_2501]

Well said Paul!

[@hoytmccloskey5967]

Indeed true P, the fact is without a proper sub online.. you're missing out on hearing the entire recording ..in many cases

[@DallasGunther]

The first time this concept was illustrated for me, starkly I might add, was when I heard "exploiting dysfunction" an album by Colorado death/grind band Cephalic Carnage on a system with a potent, floor firing sub. I had become well aquatinted with the album up until this point, having many listens on a decent Pioneer with 3 way speakers housing 12" woofers. There were lows in the music that must have been added that didn't come from this guitar, bass, drums type metal music. Hip hop is where you would typically find sub frequency bass drops and we all knew some idiot with his pants hanging off his ass who drove a car that would literally be in the process of rattling itself apart due to the stereo being worth more than the car and yeah, your brain registers this unpleasant experience as sounding "bass-y". So I'm partying at my best friends older brothers house and they are all a bunch of gangster G types and we are metalheads unabashedly and therefore rather hick-ish in the eyes of the majority present. So, of course "thong song" is the bane of our existence and we are talking mad shit and this older sibling tells me to put some of my music on and when I do my eyes and ears are suddenly opened. Just as you described the Boz Skaggs defending notes played by the keyboard player this subwoofer would pick up where the other speakers would stop registering anything. I realized how much sound I had been unaware of that existed on that album. Anyways, long story containing unfamiliar titles to most of you but if you like music at the extreme ends of the spectrum check that one out.......and start with the volume low else your rectum may prolapse.

[@jason4547]

My wife used to sit on our washing machine. Now she sits on our sub... It's win win.

[@johnb6723]

A good amplifier has a knob or button on it to allow the system to compensate for the losses in the speakers when trying to reproduce the bottom octave (20Hz to 40Hz). The button works by boosting those lowest frequencies in the amplifier so that they can be heard without loss. Aiwa is famous for it, and has even been known to include it on personal stereo players to boost bass in the headphones.

[@theagg]

Absolutely correct. Once a sub (or subs) is properly integrated with the mains, two channel music is a far more revealing and sensual (literally) experience. AS you rightly point out for example, there is a lot of bass energy at live orchestral performances you physically feel that a properly set up sub can help replicate in a way two speakers on their own won't.

[@alext2933]

I am British and have a high end 2.1 system with Norma IPA 140 with ProAc D30R with REL S3 SHO, with Norma CD Player. I love bass, so long as it is controlled. That bottom octave needs a sub. The difference is night and day. Just don't crossover too high and run high level from the speaker posts. Job done.

[@pedroluisguillemain5683]

Hello Alex. I have a high end 2.0 system, a british pair of Q Acoustics Concept 500 and a british Power amp Nord Acoustics :-) both sound beautiful ... and I've decided to buy a couple (not less) of subs as every expert on the field says that will take the system to another level. As I have the main speakers biwired and I want to keep them that way and I DONT want to connect the subs from the preamp via RCA for many reasons, my only choice is to run a cable from each speaker binding post to each subwoofer high input, as they will be located close to each other due to decor. I would like to know if your subs are connected that way and if there's a risk to harm the power amp or the speakers doing it. The people from Kef and SVS have told me not to worry, but I want to be sure. What is your experience connecting the subs?

[@blech71]

I’m all about that bass! Give me a good measuring sub in a matching purpose built transmission line and I’m in heaven

[@Enemji]

Some people started the no-sub movement because they could not put one in their apartment/condo/townhome as it disturbs the neighbors.

[@Magnulus76]

That could be true in some cases, but other cases it's simply due to people using too big of a sub or not setting it up correctly.

[@xanderveldmuisje]

I just be like: "is it in the middle of the night? No? Alright frick off then"

[@SpeakerBuilder]

My strategy has always been to build a three way system, and the pair of bass drivers were installed in separate boxes, allowing them to be placed in the room separate from the location of the satellites, to best manage the room interaction problems. I never called them sub woofers, I just called them what they are: bass drivers.

[@xMoac]

I have a Kef LSX and now plan on buying a subwoofer. I am considering either: Kef Kube 10b , SVS 2000 or Rel? Or some other subwoofer. What should I buy for a medium size room.

[@Tymothic]

Paul on several of your KZbin videos you had great praise for Rel Subwoofers. What is so significant or distinguishing about Rel compared to other high end subs like Harmon Kardon and Bose?

[@tims244]

I am 17 I am starting to get into audio more I love my M and K subwoofer it is a v125 but I am pretty sure that George Lucus has the full Miller and Kriesel setup and many recording studios use M and K for monitors

[@Neeleshh]

Hi Paul. You said you set of sub around 100 Hz. I always thought you were not supposed to overlap. I have been setting mine around the bottom of the frequency response of the speakers. I know listening is key, but would you care to comment on this?

[@Bernard-John]

hello paul,good video well explained,but i have 2 rel quake 2 subwoofs which as you know face downwards,my monitor audio main speakers face foward,what about the phase .,as one speaker fires down and the other move fowards is the fase not so important,thanks

[@Ronnymikkonen2686]

I love my 3 "Jamaicas". They are integrated in my sound system.

[@berj79]

Hey Paul, planning to upgrade by Sub to a REL S2 or T9i, which you recommend out of these 2? Thanks.

[@jonlsl]

@Paul... Another great LF test track Boz Scaggs Thanks to You.👍👍👍 Thanks. Any idea how low is the lowest note in the song?

[@Thomasc1004]

Love my sealed B&W sub, it just fits in without being noticed...my opinion!!

[@calmanbodnaru7106]

Habethdhelfepeskers

[@ericksonjustinAK]

So then what should you look for in a subwoofer to achieve that goal besides the 100hz crossover?

[@RWong-wn3pv]

It’s not just “bass” with so called separate sub woofer/s. SEPARATES in upper bass, lower midrange, upper midrange, tweeters, ALL benefit from separate room placements.

[@epi2045]

20 years ago, I made my first subwoofer on a tight budget. I bought a Pioneer 12” car sub driver and live concert bandpass sub box for $140. I parted out a used Yamaha sub amplifier which was rated at 100 watts for $70. Total cost $210. At the time, I thought it was the best. Now I would call it the POS. 😂

[@Magnulus76]

Subs are good because then you can use smaller bookshelf speakers with smaller drivers. Also, subwoofers typically are powered/active, usually with class D amplification, so it's more efficient than stressing out a 6 or 8 inch driver on the main speakers.

[@randall96]

Me and my friends are addicted to bass. We have been spoiled. All 3 of my listening areas have a subwoofer. From the uk

[@wynstone7283]

Hi love your vids...what make is the reel player behind you? Thankyou

[@alvin19391]

I'm English and I couldn't agree more. I'm a happy Rel S5 SHO owner 😁

[@paulp.4970]

I know what you mean; I own a REL Strata 3 ( sealed box). An oldie, but what a bass!

[@donfreeman686]

I am assembling a music studio to jam and maybe record with my friends. Guitar, bass, piano, keyboard, etc. I have a pair of EV ZLX 12s as the main output from the mixer. What sub would you recommend to go with these?

[@tarquesh]

Subs are great to not blow up when you playing the music loud. On the other hand, i prefer to not use a subwoofer at my head audio system. I own two, and for the purposes were subs good at. TV/film sound, and in car hifi.

[@xanderveldmuisje]

I subscribed when you said the dutch were really nice people!

[@adrielrowley]

Is the 100Hz crossover independent of the room's Schroeder frequency, which is higher in smaller rooms? Just curious.

[@mikedinno8413]

So the question for people who can't afford the price of a good subwoofer. Is it better to get a cheaper $100-150 subwoofer or let my mains (NHT Supertwo) handle the bass?? I say my mains produce better bass than a cheap subwoofer. Thoughts?

[@zorankalina6100]

Afther I put REL T9 together with ATC SCM 40....ATCs get quite a lot..when listening them not loud.So, even such a speaker as ATCs...can benefite from good subwoofer...And REL do such a good subs.Now have 2 RELs T9....and loking for two RELs Tzeros...to impruve the sound and presence of lover rated bookshelfs...for Tv/coputer...Subs are great...and you should finde level of hertz and hove loud you will drive them.It is such a fun.....real game a yoj. You become reworded with ...not yust great sound....but sounds

[@boredjedi2332]

@6:17 You mean you should only feel the results of a subwoofer. The vibration throughout the room. That's what I use mine for. During movies with explosions and such. :)

[@JL-qo7cs]

I suppose you are talking about music recordings. I think in the home theater mode the subwoofer can and should be heard. What do you think?

[@Magnulus76]

A sub you can hear and localize is just bad bass and needs to be set up properly. The bass should sound like it's part of the movie's soundfield in no particular place, and not some kind of special effect that is located within your room in a box.

[@johncharlton8258]

Hi Paul Good morning from Tasmania Australia. Thanks so much for your helpful clear explanations. My question is that I am going slightly deaf in my right ear. Too much industrial work and not enough protection in my youth. Now. I was wondering if you had an opinion bout Nuraphone headphones. They claim to be able to calibrate the phones with an acoustic test as part of the setup. Would this help to compensate or not,and if not what would be your suggestion to help equalise the sound difference. Thanks. John.

[@Paulmcgowanpsaudio]

Hi John. Sorry for your hearing loss. I wish I knew something on the subject but, alas, it is outside my field. Several of my very close friends use hearing aids and remain great listeners to this day. To a person, theirs are very tiny little tubes inserted into the ear and the electronics hide discretely behind their ears. I do know they tell me there's quite a difference in sound quality to be had, everything from "awful to great" so you'll have to do am little investigating.

[@matthewberry3155]

Hi there, I always enjoy your perspective on Hi Fi stuff. My situation is rather unique, so I was curious if you or any of your listeners had any good advice on what to do with my circa 1995 Plexus Sub woofer. The unit has (2) SEAS speakers. About 10 inches in diameter. It was originally designed to use a dedicated EQ which went in to the system between the pre amp then the amp, or in my case the tape loop. Remember those? Any way, I currently have the sub woofer hooked up to the "B" speaker terminals and the bookshelf speakers hooked up to the "A" speaker terminals. The EQ box has died and I can not find a technician I trust to fix it. I was wondering if I should simply use the "A" speaker terminals directly to the subwoofer then use the subwoofer out jacks to go to my bookshelf speakers.

[@octaverecordsanddsdstudios1285]

Not to be flippant but maybe it's time to replace that old beast. The problem you have is that without the EQ box you won't get proper frequency response. In any case, your plan might be best to use the A outs to feed first your bookshelf, then through another set of speaker cables hooked at the bookshelf terminals, feed the subwoofer.

[@SpeakerBuilder]

Not only are subs often poorly set up, IMHO most of them are poorly built. From my experience building many sub woofers, I would suggest a good sounding sub woofer system must possess several key characteristics: first, the driver must be of sufficient quality, i.e., 10 in diameter minimum, very low fs, large magnet, large voice coil, rubber surround, and built for a large vented alignment. Second, the box must be constructed with all or most all non-parallel surfaces, with sufficient damping on the internal surfaces (I use carpet padding). Third, an external amp of sufficient power with it's own adequate (read very large) power supply. Fourth, large, high quality speaker cable must be used (12 awg OFC minimum). Finally, utilize a pair of these to adequately fill the room evenly. Then utilize any measurement system to adjust the bass amp output to assure flat response down to @25 hz.

[@veroman007]

I dont consider myself a high end audiophile but I find it hard to believe that most of the costly high end floor standers i see on audiogon etc dont have the capacity to handle symphonic music with regards to bass. I used to have a pair of meadowlarks kestral 2's and a $500 M and K sub which i found amazing. The point is they were only 6.5 inch woofers. are you saying, for example, a massive b and w with the 12 inch driver is in need of a sub? If it is just a matter of 30 hz and below i can see the point but there is not much music down there other than rumble and harmonics.

[@darylloth3237]

A properly set up sub will not make any difference to the overall sound if there is no bass information in the music within its range of operation. They can actually make your main speakers sound BETTER because they will no longer be trying (and failing) to reproduce the lowest frequencies that are very taxing on the low frequency drivers. The amplifier driving your main speakers will then be able to use more available power for the hi pass frequencies. Everything is better.

[@fraguzz]

whats the track he talks about?

[@jonlsl]

Once u go sub you'll never go back. 😂😂😂

[@jaimiest]

Shout out for Thanks to You - Boz Scaggs

[@ericnortan9012]

how do you know whether you've heard the last note or not? hmmm

[@jaimiest]

@@ericnortan9012 just got to believe in the notes and, most importantly, believe in yourself.

[@ericnortan9012]

@@jaimiest 🤘😎🤘

[@jogmas12]

I dont know. I did buy a sub for my bookshelf speakers but now i dont use it. Reason being is i think my book shelfs sound better without it and It is What you would call a Budget subwoofer. I did not pay a lot of money for it. As a result i am some what disapointed with using them. But i am looking to upgrade my speakers and may reconsider using a sub after hearing this video. Is there a price point one should use when buying a subwoofer? Thanks

[@mikakilpia732]

I have used subwoofers only with full range speakers. Now I have two of them. I never notice their existence before I turn them off.

[@scottlowell493]

I would stick with SVS ultra, which totally destroy REL in every aspect of performance, for less money to boot.

[@dougg1075]

Love the subs

[@Magnulus76]

Cheaper subwoofers can sound OK, it's all about room placement. They don't necessarily have to be in the front of the room. Choosing the correct crossover is also important. If you are actually hearing the sub, then the sub's volume is too high or the crossover is set too high. If you are getting a hole in your bass response, then there could be a phase issue or the sub is in the wrong part of the room. I have an 8 inch Yamaha subwoofer and it works fine for music. It's a servo with a bass port. I got it at a thrift store for $20. Front firing is probably best for music, downfiring can be more problematic to control the bass and is better for movies.

[@randomtube8226]

Why do I like 1-10hz bass even though I can't hear it, just feel it? 10-20hz is nice to. Unfortunately all the recordings are electric and not great. But I still enjoy it.

[@Greatdome99]

Classical music doesn't have much sub-bass--rock does--but I've found that subwoofers are essential when playing a movie. When you hear those helicopters thwop by and them hand grenades go off, you'll know you're hearing everything the sound man wanted you to hear.

[@genkifd]

most people who have subs that i know just sit them the most convenient corner of the room. sub crawl trick does wonders imo. people who visit my place rear notice i even have a sub.

[@rakano999]

KR audio is came from koroatia it s tube audio and great class A amp thanks

[@autonomousindividual7780]

What was that at 3:31.

[@rjlopez9358]

💯 2022

[@etter4432]

I stay in Cape town South Africa with the exchange rate as it is it makes it hard to afford PS audio

[@greebuh]

Damn Paul, That Boz song does go seriously low. Puts that rumble under the floor. And I don't hear it near the same on my dual ten setup as on my dual 15. Need more songs from your coffers.

[@Tanner_o]

Which song?

[@greebuh]

The only Boz song he mentions.

[@Tanner_o]

Is Boz Scaggs - Lowdown?

[@greebuh]

Did you even watch the video?

[@Tanner_o]

greebuh hahaha yes but I don't understand.

[@jctedsap]

Good recommendation unless you are at a concert sitting in front of 2 dual 18 JBL subs. You feel the music.

[@dieselphiend]

His mic sounds fantastic. I wonder what it is.

[@davidcroteau510]

Hi I have a 12 inch subwoofer 300 rms popular brand running 80 hz or less sometimes down to 50 hz with my jbl L100,s denon pra and poa 2400 , I dont mind being home

[@Nedunchchezhiyan]

For me Sub is a must..... without sub you simply can’t enjoy the full range of the audio spectrum....

[@robkas9881]

Hi I'm Rob from UK, I've got a big problem I really not sure how to connect my wharfdale sw150 subwoofer to my onkyo av TX SR 393 system I'm trying to do 5.1 but not gettin any .1 at all...I think !! PLEASE HELP guys ☹☹

[@dereksewkumar07]

"Boss-man ..If you set the sub to 80Hz ..You could run a pair of subs on your hi fi systems no problems! And sound well add go what's been missing in the sound field !! ..great-vid's d 🤕

[@bevrek]

You hi-fi heads must live in a different world to us sound system folk if you don't like sub. Nice clean sub can make the music sound bigger and more dynamic without sounding apparently louder(it is louder really). You've got to tune them right tho.

[@tommygun5vsrocky]

Paul I am not much of a subwoofer fan for music two channel I think they just are missing something that you can do with a full range large loudspeaker that you can't with a separate subwoofer. We had a M&K sub playing with Thiel 7.2 flags ships not a good match with music at all but M&K was more of a movie sub and did okay. Then there are company's that made a very much a music sub like, Thiel Audio,REL,Monitor Audio and so on but to me they are better but still not perfect and do poor with movies like REL and Thiel just to clean for movies I would pick a SVS over them for movies., I think alot has to do with different brand amps and then your main speakers, alot of electronic stuff playing tricks with the sound where in normal just main speakers you have most of the time have just crossover and wires to speakers, subs you have amps,switches, volume control and so on. I can deal with a subwoofer added to live concert recording, DTS audio,DVD-A and movies stuff like that but two channel critical listening I not a fan. Since you are doing a full line your subwoofer maybe good with music becuase the sub may have the same/close to design as your PS audio amps I think that would be key like Thiel with there speakers it was a better match. I saying Thiel one we had there products which are very good but Jim Thiel hated subwoofer and did not think they were good but he change over time and I think he was on the same page thinking a full line of product would help make a better system. Unfortunately he's not with us anymore so we can never see what happened and the company was sold unfortunately. I can't wait to listen to your sub if you ever make one at PS audio that does music and movies. I don't believe it's possible I would always own two subs one for music and one for home theater and no subwoofer in two channel. Love your videos and learn alot. 😁

[@herrtrigger7220]

People in the UK with subs are called Lords. The subjects live in a tiny apartments that say no to subs and yes to bad teeth.

[@j.t.cooper2963]

More bass!! 🔊🔊

[@Hal9000Comp]

Well subwoofers can be good "if" attention to detail in buying a good subwoofer and special attention is taken in the setup and calibration. There a number of really cheap and poor sounding subwoofers so you have to choose carefully. Then you need to take the time to place the subwoofer in the room and calibrate it properly so it blends seamlessly with the main speakers. Also I believe you MUST have two subwoofers. Single subwoofers systems compromise soundstaging and draw the image toward the subwoofer. With two you get true stereo bass and proper soundstaging.

[@Magnulus76]

You only need two subs if the crossover is relatively high (over 80-100 Hz) or you can't situate the subwoofer between the front speakers. When Lucas' THX set the recommended frequency for a crossover at 75 Hz, they did so realizing that is the frequency at which almost no one can localize bass. It's also one of the reasons that vinyl records can get away with mono bass below 100 Hz.

[@nbrown5907]

Detest subs?? So they don't want the full frequency range?? I will not settle for any sub smaller than 18" to truly get that sweet low ;-) I am into live sound so I use JBL. 16HZ?? how big is that sub? No you FEEL the sub and that low bass is non directional.

[@onatw]

when I play a 50hz signal on my tannoy reveal 502 I can hear this frequensy good, why do i need a sub then ?

[@SuperstarPecanbar]

Because the fifth string on a five string bass is 29 hz for example

[@demonreturns4336]

You make a great point, besides aren’t he speakers he mentioned only have like 5 inch woofers?

[@onatw]

@@SuperstarPecanbar can you hear 29hz ? More feel it I guess.

[@onatw]

@G Guest why? Haha

[@juanbaclavab]

I set my sub to 40 Hz MAX! I only like to hear enhanced sub 40 hz bass, this way the sub won't overpower the music

[@demonreturns4336]

But what is you’re not using main speakers that do well down to 40hz? For example let’s say you don’t want your sub playing any higher than 40hz but you also don’t want to have your main speakers playing down to that low before the sub takes over because the mains can’t handle down that low properly

[@jazzyboy7784]

@@demonreturns4336 ...I agree...let the sub do what it's supposed to do...I keep mine set between 80 to 100 hz... depending on what I'm listening to...takes care of all my base needs...

[@brucedressel4523]

Bass is the Boss.

[@Audfile]

I have some Miller & Kreisel S1B speakers too, and they are stunningly good, this guy is full of it.

[@bradknight724]

Audfile Paul has done more for audio then you will ever know but would never insult you. Show him the same rspect.

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

He was talking more of your using bookshelf speaker a or small fronts , he did say he'd like to see 16db in a full range speaker well it's possible but need big separate amps and huge speakers to do so I don't use a sub I have A Yamaha integrated class A and mid size klispch kg 2.5 they sound great but sometimes I miss that low end I get what his saying but theirs no audiophile premap integrated or receiver that sounds good with sub pre puts on them to many electronics best way is to find a sub with high inputs and run speaker wire just to them and adjust the gain very low on powersub that way all speakers have the exact same sound !

[@hemicuda9510]

@@bradknight724 are you referring to the same respect Paul showed Ken Kreisel? To trash another fellow business owner on a forum like KZbin is ridiculous. M&k subs of the Ken Kreisel years are not trash

[@mikeeckhardt4945]

No life without a subwoofer...

[@RoaroftheTiger]

" … Ain't No Sunshine, when She's Gone …"

[@KGRICK1]

IF A SUB REVEALS MORE BASS, IT IS REPRODUCING WHAT WAS RECORDED AND INTENDED TO BE HEARD, I THINK THE CRITICS NEED TO GO TO MORE LIVE CONCERTS.

[@ericnortan9012]

2 subs, 2 15" 3-ways...... YOU CAN"T HANDLE THE BASS!!!

[@thedayones4918]

They don’t like bass because urban America we love it. ‘Merica as usual 😆✌🏽