Still getting used to my new (to me) 1988 LaScalas. I have a nice B&W ASW10CM powered sub. I have it in the setup to get an idea of what a sub can do with the LaScalas. If I notice a significant difference (I already do), I may eventually switch it out for two subs in stereo. Before I get there I want to make sure I have this sub set up as best I can.
The B&W is a well-reviewed/regarded 500W 10" sealed sub. I have the low pass filter set at 50hz and the volume at ~50%. I know that for HT, placement of a sub is not very important. I currently have a 2.1 setup. I use it exclusively for music listening. I am thinking I want 2 subs in stereo to fill out the lower end where the LaScalas just don't go. I do know that bass is not as directional as higher frequencies, but I have also heard/read over the years that lower frequencies in stereo recordings are not different on each channel (or not significantly so). Has this been the experience of those of you who have tried 2 subs in stereo? If the stereo signal is not different beyond a certain level, I may not bother with 2 subs. If this is the case, around what level does the stereo signal become mono (or maybe not mono, but the same or almost the same)? If using 1 or 2 subs for this kind of setup, it would seem that placement of the sub(s) is more crucial than when using for HT, especially in stereo. Is this correct? Is placement at all significant in 2.1?
Other relevant facts:
- I am not a bass-heavy listener, I like to stay close to the way recordings were recorded.
- I have tested my hearing recently and I can hear down to 20hz.
- I also live in a townhouse and I don't want to be a bad neighbor. Luckily, the building is very well built and we never hear our neighbors and they say the same.
- I am considering the recommended horn-loaded subs, but size is a concern.
Because of these considerations, I don't want "killer bass" --- I just want to be able to hear what the artists and producers wanted me to hear. As the LaScala doesn't get low enough to render low bass info, I want to fill in the gap, I just don't want to over-emphasize it.