subwoofers for music

mark_s

I have recently posted about upgrading my TSI-300 speakers in order to achieve a 'fuller' sound (I am not very knowledgeable about home audio). I use an NAD C352 integrated amplifier. I learned that my amplifier is not terribly powerful, and that it might not be able to take advantage of a more substantial speaker.

To be honest, I like the sound of the TSI-300 very much, and chose it over the TSI-400 after listening to both because it seemed more precise sounding. However with time I have wished for more 'depth' to the sound.

Because I don't want spend the money required to replace both amp and speakers, I was wondering about adding the PSW111 powered subwoofer (the C352 has a pre-amp out that I understand can be used for a subwoofer?). The PSW111 is on offer for $170 from the Polk Ebay site.

We do enjoy watching movies and have the speakers next to the TV for a 'home theater' type experience when we do, but my main concern is the quality of the setup for music. Effectively the question is whether the addition of the subwoofer will be relevant to music, or only movies. My hope is that it is a way to create 'fullness' without putting additional demand on the amplifier, as tower speakers with bigger woofers would do.

Thanks in advance for the guidance to a novice.

HK_VIP

You can't go wrong with adding a powered subwoofer to your system. Even if you don't use it for movies that often. A powered subwoofer will deliver lower frequencies that your main speakers might not be able to provide. Unless you have very large speakers that can be used in full-band, I recommend a powered subwoofer.

hochpt21

Adding a subwoofer would be a great idea and would benefit both the movie and music experience. I have not heard the PSW111, so hopefully others who have will chime in.

BTW...What size is the room this sub will go in?

mark_s

The sub will be in a room of about 400 sqft.

mark_s

I've just purchased the 8" PSW111 sub (currently $170 from Ebay site). I chose this over the PSW110 (10") as I assume it's going to be a bit better for music. Thanks for the positive feedback on subs; I've never been fond of the idea of a subwoofer for music, and each time I've listened to bookshelf + subwoofer combinations alongside good tower speakers I've always preferred the tower speakers. But until I'm informed enough to invest substantially more money into amplification and better speakers, I think this will be a good solution.

hochpt21 I notice you use the LSI15s for music; I also wondered about purchasing the LSI25s, currently $1300 on the Ebay site. The thought was that the amplified subwoofer in the LSI25s would avoid overburdening my 80 watt amplifier, which I assume would be sufficient for the mids and tweeter. I would appreciate your thoughts on this, and your experience listening to the LSI25s if you've ever done so. Not sure if I'd get a chance to hear them, as they are perhaps not stocked in stores anymore.

hochpt21

I like the 15's a lot.

I haven't heard the 25's, but there are some that report the sub being the weakest part of that speaker. If you're interested in LSi's would say your better off buying some LSi7's and a kick-**** sub as opposed to the 25's.

Again...just my opinion.

mark_s

Thanks. Good example of why I want to hold off a bit on expensive speakers, while I learn a bit more and listen to a few demos first. Appreciate it.

cnh

Your NAD will not be able to handle LSI towers very well. They are 4 ohm loads and love power.

The PSW111 is a good budget sub for a 2.1 system in a small to medium room. I'd say it would be more "musical" than the larger 110. An 8" sub (smaller driver) is often a good choice for a smaller system.

cnh

mark_s

Perfect. Thank you - just exactly what I'd hoped. Sounds like I've done well, and can upgrade both amplifier and speakers later, once I'm informed enough to make a wise choice on more expensive equipment.