If you run 2 ch w/ out sub .... do you miss it?

 

Gold Member
Username: Joe_c

Atlanta, GA

Post Number: 1147
Registered: Mar-05
Just wondering if any of you run a 2 ch setup without a subwoofer and if so do you miss it? I run a pair of Rainmakers without a sub and love the way I pay more attention to the one area audiophiles love, that beautiful midrange. Any thoughts?
 

Gold Member
Username: Petergalbraith

Rimouski, Quebec Canada

Post Number: 1998
Registered: Feb-04
The Rainmakers are rated to 42 Hz but one could argue that they are already 3 dB below the upperbass hump at 50 Hz. So that's your reference. For me, there's nice texture below this frequency in the bass guitar sounds in the jazz that I enjoy so much. The piano has a bit more weight to it with the lower bass as well. I don't usually use a sub for stereo, but my speakers are rated to 33 Hz or so. Most of the content that I enjoy is there. Previously, I was using speakers rated to 53 Hz and preferred them with a sub, and I don't feel I need one very often anymore.

But there's no correct answer here. Whatever you prefer.
 

Gold Member
Username: Joe_c

Atlanta, GA

Post Number: 1149
Registered: Mar-05
Yep, there is only preference with this question.
 

Gold Member
Username: Frank_abela

Berkshire UK

Post Number: 1763
Registered: Sep-04
Joseph,

Are you single or biwiring? If you are single wiring, please tell me that you have replaced the (frankly awful) standard brass interconnecting plates with some decent wire. It makes a big difference on Totems.

As to bass, Rainmakers are bassier than many other Totems. I never really 'miss' the bass since the ear compensates easily enough. That said, a sympathetic sub (e.g. Totem Storm) will provide significant improvements in the midrange and treble as well as supply extra bass depth. I don't understand this phenomenon but it's something I've observed on many occasions when a sub is introduced to a full range speaker system.

Regards,
Frank.
 

Gold Member
Username: Timn8ter

Seattle, WA USA

Post Number: 1166
Registered: Dec-03
My preference has always been a pair of speakers that can deliver the full range. When I built a pair for myself I made two bass units and topped them with sealed 2 way speakers in separate cabinets. I'm not saying there isn't room for improvement (I've started another personal project) but it's not bad.
 

Gold Member
Username: Joe_c

Atlanta, GA

Post Number: 1153
Registered: Mar-05
Yes Frank, that was one of the first things that was told to me to do. I have DH labs silver single wires and created jumpers and then hooked neg in to top neg post and pos into bottom pos post and I love the way they sound. They are much more bassy than many other speakers I have heard at this size and spec. Another thing that helped were the solid 30lb pedestals I made for them. Noticed a difference on the whole spectrum (soundstage, depth, fullness). I had them on cheap Sanus stands before. I would love to hear (and have) the Mani 2's. I think if I could have any bookshelf pair under 5k I would have these. Love Totem's products.
 

Gold Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 4977
Registered: Dec-04
I ran for 2 weeks without a sub. It forced me(yet again) to position the speakers. If I could fix the room, it would be better.
Speakers rated to 38Hz, I measured 50 once.
Much better with placement, wires(cheap) and some pillows.
I am down to about 42, that is usually fine, iif the source has (or needs) some grunt.

My sub sucks, but I have it for a while, but really full range mains would be best.
Big Honkin 15".

I call them 'that 70's speaker'.
 

Silver Member
Username: Daniel_canada

Canada

Post Number: 247
Registered: May-06
Yeah, 15" 70's speakers. Not books nor floor standers. In a nice wood pattern vinyl to match the station wagon.
 

Gold Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 4981
Registered: Dec-04
The Vista Cruiser
 

Silver Member
Username: Daniel_canada

Canada

Post Number: 250
Registered: May-06
YES!!!!

http://www.americanautoclubuk.com/photo/fcars/mem12%5B1%5D.jpg
 

Silver Member
Username: Daniel_canada

Canada

Post Number: 251
Registered: May-06
Back to the orignal post. When I was running a books and a sub, I was concerned about my sub when I was looking at floorstanders. Turns out I prefer the floors over the book/sub combo. The bass from the floors is more "realistic" to me. This is where a authorized dealer with a storefront is handy.
 

Gold Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 4984
Registered: Dec-04
Babe Magnet.
My buddy had one in 74 with a blown engine.
We dropped in the 454 from his 69 cutlass, welded the frame, 400 lbs over the axle, 2 seats and we had a blast in it!
 

Gold Member
Username: Artk

Albany, Oregon USA

Post Number: 3737
Registered: Feb-05
Sorry I didn't get to this yesterday Joseph...work and all that inconvenience you know.

I have to admit that I did indeed miss my sub. I have learned how much I value bass and will likely have a REL sub one day. For now the little ML Dynamo has given me back some of the impact that I like, especially with popular music like funk and soul. BTW I love the Rainmakers they are a steal at their price.
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