If you listen to mainly vocals and Jazz do you need a sub

[LL21]

Iloydelee, when a piece of gear, specially a transducer, is inserted into the system, there's a tendency to play louder than usual. I've noticed that late night sessions, at relatively lower volumes have become more satisfying as well with the addition of subs for the reasons you've stated. Never having owned a speaker that can do a true 20hz, listening at lower levels and at the same time clearly hearing the subtle low frequency detail is a revelation.

100% Agree...enjoy!!!

 

[Gregadd]

U need 2!

 

[NorthStar]

Playing equally well at Low & High volume levels ...

---A quick and easy question here for the pros, the experts, and the general populace.

=> The ability of a system to play with verve (distinction, clarity, dynamic) at LOW & HIGH
volume levels, is it the attribute (a function) of the loudspeakers, the preamp, the amp, or the source?
- I don't think the source has much importance in that particular circumstance.

The function of a subwooofer, or two, or more; I don't think it comes to that specific equation here though right? ...At Low volume levels ('cause at High volume levels, yes it does).

Comprende? ...Micro & Macro Dynamics at both Low and High volume levels.
--> Musical satisfaction over a wide range of the Master volume level control. Ha!
...With still keeping a realistic soundstage and with great imaging, dynamics, clarity, control, precision, definition, resolution, and frequency response over the entire audio spectrum (the full musical ten octaves).

 

[LL21]

---A quick and easy question here for the pros, the experts, and the general populace.

=> The ability of a system to play with verve (distinction, clarity, dynamic) at LOW & HIGH
volume levels, is it the attribute (a function) of the loudspeakers, the preamp, the amp, or the source?
- I don't think the source has much importance in that particular circumstance.

The function of a subwooofer, or two, or more; I don't think it comes to that specific equation here though right? ...At Low volume levels ('cause at High volume levels, yes it does).

Comprende? ...Micro & Macro Dynamics at both Low and High volume levels.
--> Musical satisfaction over a wide range of the Master volume level control. Ha!
...With still keeping a realistic soundstage and with great imaging, dynamics, clarity, control, precision, definition, resolution, and frequency response over the entire audio spectrum (the full musical ten octaves).

in my own experience...i got to playing at lower levels thru the following combination: pre, amp, and extremely intensive but eventually successful sub setup. With these, i got a signal that is clean and full range with very, low distortion. It helps to have good full range speakers, because part of what allows me to play softly is the ability to feel the bass slam even at low volumes. The cables were nice, but not the solution, nor is the source...since i have tried it with both my zanden and my oppo. i have not tried different speakers...but again, in my system the pre, amp and sub properly dialed in were it for me...ever since, i have listened at much lower levels...down from 25-35 to 12-21...and i can actually listen at 2am very happily at volume 1.

 

[NorthStar]

---Makes good sense Lloyd.

The quality of the preamp, its volume control, I believe is very important.
And the quality of a matching power amp with it too.
And as if not more important, the matching pair of loudspeakers.

But, also the source is important to some extent. And of course the music recording material.
...And the speaker wires plus the interconnects, and the room's acoustics, and the AC power.

* From what I believe; loudspeakers and preamp (priority). :b

Any comments from the members here?

 

[LL21]

---Makes good sense Lloyd.

The quality of the preamp, its volume control, I believe is very important.
And the quality of a matching power amp with it too.
And as if not more important, the matching pair of loudspeakers.

But, also the source is important to some extent. And of course the music recording material.
...And the speaker wires plus the interconnects, and the room's acoustics, and the AC power.

* From what I believe; loudspeakers and preamp (priority). :b

Any comments from the members here?

Hey Northstar,

I think it all helps...but i will say, if i play my oppo on the system...i can still play at volume 1 and be happy. it doesnot have to be the Zanden. i do think my speakers are very low distortion and full range which helps...but i strongly suspect if i had my old speakers (full range but less powerful), it probably would be similar. Not the same given the size and full-range nature of the Wilson X1s...but similar since i have a sub...for me, the lower the volume thing started with the new preamp, amp and the sub getting dialed in 'perfectly'...once i did that, i found that i had full range low distortion signal. The combination of true full range (so no need to crank it to feel the bass)...annd low distortion...so as to get a clean signal...were the keys for me.

 

[NorthStar]

---Voltage Gain from the electronics,
Loudspeaker's Sensitivity and Efficiency must have all to do with it, no?

Loudspeaker's crossovers?

Source's output gain?

Right crossover point between sub(s) and mains?