Full-range floorstander vs. Monitor + Subwoofer (2.1)

ackoop -- Sat, 01/23/2010 - 11:24

Hi All,
I'm new to this forum, this is my first post. I'm looking for opinions and insight into the following question:
For two channel stereo, which is "better": full range floorstanding speakers or a combination of stand mounted monitors plus a subwoofer.
Let's say we are in the ~$5K price range. Floorstanders generally have low frequency extension down to ~35 Hz (e.g. PSB Synchrony One, Paradigm Signature S8, etc.). Optimal placement might be difficult in some rooms (especially smaller ones).
A pair of $1-2K monitors plus a really good $2K subwoofer (e.g. JL Audio Fathom) gives more placement flexibility, potentially more optimized placement (montors for imaging, subwoofer for smooth room response), plus the huge advantage of subwoofer equalization (yes, I know you could get this with bi-amping and an external crossover + equalizer, but then the cost goes up), and of course extension down to 20Hz. Even if you decided you really need two subwoofers, you get a nice pair of under $1K monitors (e.g. B&W 685, NHT Classic 3) and two subwoofers and still come in at around $5K. Assuming you sucessfully blend the monitors and the subwoofers (which many people seem to be able to do quite well based on subwoofer reviews I've read), this seems like a"better" solution.
Thanks.

EDMOND (not verified) -- Tue, 03/09/2010 - 18:47

Hello,
I would not go anywhere near so low on the cost of your small stand mounts due to them being the primary sources of sound that you will be listening to. Spend noticeably more on them than on the sub(s). If you can find a JL Audio Fathom model for $2K, then go for it if it is factory sealed brand new with a full factory warranty. What comes to mind is a nice pair of "mostly" full range floor standers (albeit of a lower end model or series within a given brand) such as something from Focal, Usher, Sonus Faber, Vandersteen, Dynaudio's new Excite line, Dali, Revel, B&W, Emerald Physics, Klipsch, etc. If you can get a brand and model that you like the sound of with a front firing port, that will make it easier to deal with the boominess of the bass for placement. Subs are great and have many attributes like you said and more, but it can be a real ordeal and then some getting it set up properly and settling on how it sounds for every single song at various recording levels, etc. not to mention that you need another AC outlet and power cord, interconnect(s), etc. The -3dB and even the -10dB frequency response ratings of a speaker give a pretty good idea of how they can or might perform in your room with regard to the perceived by your ears bass extension and fullness regardless whether it is a tight or sloppy quality of bass or one note boom box kind. That concern can be easily helped with a good set of spikes if they do not come with the speakers you invest in. As per JL Audio's own words (basically at least) if you go with two subs, you can adequately drive the room modes instead of exciting them into resonance that makes boomy bass at certain frequencies. The same can be done using two floor standers with low enough extension if they are each properly placed when they are driven loudly enough just as the subs would need as well since it is not just the frequency, but the volume level that excites that frequency into action that we don't like. One sub (without digital equalization and a mic, etc.) cannot do that and will actually have a tendency to excite the room mode(s) and cause the boom or one note bass or worsen the sound of the system overall. For at or less than your suggested $5K range, i would definitely try for a pair of "mostly" full range floor standers. It keeps it all so much simpler too. I hope that helps.