Why is it okay to mis-match subs but not speakers?

Laura Palmer

I'm looking at a few subwoofers to complete my Polk RTi setup. So far, I'm looking at:

HSU STF-2
Polk PSW505
Infinity CSW10

SVS is too costly to import, so I'm hoping one of the above will suffice. Anyone have any thoughts on the CSW10 keeping in mind I don't own any other speakers from the Infinity Beta series?

I've heard it's a decent sub though, and maybe better than the 10-inch HSU?

phuz

To answer your question:

Because bass frequencies are non directional and generaly less detailed. The reason to match speakers (most commonly advised in home theater these days) - is because higher frequencies are very directional and the sounds that they are responsible for producing are very important and detailed, as well as percieved differently. Two different tweeters of simmilar quality can sound very different, however two different subs of simmilar design and power wont, unless their enclosure or power ratings are very different (like ported vs. sealed).

You can listen to music with speakers that only do 200hz+ or even higher and really enjoy it. But if you tried listening to something that was 200hz or lower, you'd hate it and turn it off becuase you aren't hearing most of the music, and wouldn't "get it."

If I had to choose one of those subs, I'd go with the HSU.

VR3

I dont think it is ok to mismatch subs...

Unless - you are buying two different subs from the same series that WILL NOT*** hold back the other...

IE: SVS PCi 25-31, SVS PCi 20-39, SVS PCi 16-..

And, its ok to have subs in your towers, then buy a better sub...

However, it is not ok to have a PSW 202 in the rear stage, then a SVS B4 in the front stage and expect the Polk PSW 202 to keep up...

jdhdiggs

All of your speakers are playing the same ranges so if they produce different "tones" (speaker charactoristics) then it can be distracting. The sub doesn't need to match the speakers as it plays a different range than the other speakers.

If you are trying to mix and match subs, it causes the same issues that mismatched speakers can. They might have different tones and different strengths. Altogether, I would avoid this as much as mis-matching the speakers.

phuz

Good points guys, I was thinking this was more about matching brands/lines of subs to speakers rather than having multiple subs that match.

Polk speakers with other brand subs: Ok

Sub 1, sub 2, sub 3 all mis-matching: Eh, naaaaah.

:P

Man I was out of it last night. I hardly remember posting that.

w00t.

Pinktulip7

Very funny!!!

dorokusai

HSU.