Is adding a subwoofer beneficial with floorstanders which go down to 35 Hz?

Just put my REL Strata 5 back into service connected via HL. Have not spent enough time integrating it yet but amazed how good it sounds with the ATC 40’s.

I didn’t think the ATC’s wrre lacking in bottom end but the sub certainly adds to the enjoyment.

Foxman50 posted:

I didn’t think the ATC’s wrre lacking in bottom end but the sub certainly adds to the enjoyment.

Not surprising since the SCM 40 are rated to 48 Hz (-6 dB). In fact, a sub ought to integrate quite well with the 40; less overlap on the bottom end than typical floor standers that go deeper.

SCM 40s don't do lower bass very well (to my ears) at higher SPLs,  probably as noted due to the 48 Hz rating.  A REL sub with HL connection filled in the bottom end and was a nice addition in my system, but going active with a digital crossover and (second) DAC into the sub has completely transformed the speakers - getting the lower bass off the main speakers and onto the sub is key and makes a big difference.  Getting a much cleaner midrange as well with this setup, even at normal SPLs. I listen mostly to classical, and it is quite a revelation how much bass now comes through, even at low volume levels.

Well ATC have a specific subwoofer, the C1, for their consumer hifi range (somewhat more affordable than their professional subwoofer crates) and has settings for their hifi speakers from SCM7 to SCM40. They recommend the initial setting for the sub filter with the SCM40  at 48Hz and SCM19 at 54Hz.

The C1 is specified  to 20Hz at -6dB

Although I have yet to hear it, the Wilson Benesch Torus has had excellent reviews, and can be matched to speakers that already go quite low, extending really deep but also being musical. Certainly if I was looking for a sub I’d want to audition it.

johnG posted:

SCM 40s don't do lower bass very well (to my ears) at higher SPLs,  probably as noted due to the 48 Hz rating.  A REL sub with HL connection filled in the bottom end and was a nice addition in my system, but going active with a digital crossover and (second) DAC into the sub has completely transformed the speakers - getting the lower bass off the main speakers and onto the sub is key and makes a big difference.  Getting a much cleaner midrange as well with this setup, even at normal SPLs. I listen mostly to classical, and it is quite a revelation how much bass now comes through, even at low volume levels.

John, can you elaborate on your active digital crossover on the 40’s. how is this done?

I am using a Motu 8D as the digital XO front-end, so the setup is: - HQPlayer on Win10 laptop --> USB in Motu 8D --> AES digital stereo (high-pass) out to (main) DAC & SPDIF digital mono (low-pass) out --> Naim DAC --> single channel analogue out to the low-level input on a REL T9i sub.

Using the built-in EQ in the Motu 8D to crossover the mains with the sub at around 120 Hz.  The EQ XOs are not very steep and only down 20 dB or so but quite sufficient for ‘proof of concept ’ .  The next step will be to create digital XOs with Acourate to use with HQP and multichannel USB input to the 8D. This is a brief overview, if you would like more details of the full implementation please feel free to pm me (see profile).

JohnG, many thanks for the responce. I understand how this works now, will research the Motu a while. 

Id had a look at a velodyne sub which i think offers something similar but again need to research it a little.

thanks again

Consciousmess posted:

This question must be asked before I rearrange the room and roll back the big rug. I have the nSUB centre and front, so could install a cable - but the speakers already go down to 35Hz so would I hear it??!

Yes. You need a REL G1.