Since Chris is finding the forum slow today, I thought I would start a new thread :-)
So while I'm killing time waiting for my new McIntosh to arrive I'd like to get your guys opinion on whether I should run a sub on it.
As you probably know the speakers on my 2 channel system are (usually) Sttafs. On paper the go down to about 39 hz, give or take. Is this gonna be low enough for the kind of music I listen to (mostly metal)?
I understand it's an subjective thing, but I'd like to hear your thoughts.
Rock and Metal rarely go that low, frequency wise. A sub may make the bass fuller, but it probably won't need to make it go lower in frequency. If you're looking for a sub to player some Slayer and Metallica on, sacrifice depth for speed (first IMO) and fullness (2nd IMO). I'm not sure if you can get a satisfactory amount of both in a sub. The tradeoff is a matter of taste.
I'd recommend getting your dealer who sold you that Mc to give you a loaner of a decent sub that he recommends would match your system. If you're happy with the sound maybe he can offer you a good discount being how loyal you've been to him. If the sub works out and you're still craving for more bass then I'd say trade up the Totem line to the Hawks or Forests, since you love Totem so much but I'd be careful to give them a good listen because in the Totem line it's not just more of just the same but more of something a little different. I heard a Mc run the NHT Classic 3's and those are just bookshelves and what it did for those speakers made you ignore the fact that you were not getting down to the sub 30 Hz region. By the way, your Staffs probably go a little lower that the rated if you spec. is aneochoic. In room, with two speakers should get you closer to the 35Hz range.
While we're on the subject, I just ordered and Anthony Gallo TR-2, a sealed 250wt sub.
As the old Krakatoa seems to have had a couple of eruptions too many, I purchased a TR-1 yesterday on the condition I could get a refund if not completely satisfied. Got a little discount for cash. Anyway, although I thought highly of the little guy, he just did not quite have the oomph. Well, sort of at times - okay for music, but a little lean on dinosaur feet stomping.
The distributor has a website and has occassional special deals on demos and old stock, got one for a little over half price, new with warranty, damaged packaging. Should be here in the next couple of days. I think this is really going to be special, judging by the TR-1.
And they are sooooooo compact and outasight.
For music I find the sub is unnecessary for my 2 channel listening (which I do mostly) as the Quads are rated down to 30hz, but with multichannel DVD-A and SACD it can make a big difference to the soundstage imo.
