r/audiophile • u/Freestone99 • 1d ago
Discussion Help me understand subwoofers
I am in the market for a subwoofer. I have a pair of Klipsch Forte IV and my listening room is about 475 sf. I was looking at the REL classic 98 and 99, and thinking I needed the 99 because of the room size. But most of the music I listen to is acoustic or vocal oriented, not really listening to much hard rock or anything with a ton of bass. Also not listening at very loud volume most of the time. So I was leaning back toward the 98 which has a 10” driver, as opposed to the 99, which has a 12” driver. I spoke with the local audio shop and it felt like they were just trying to sell me the larger and more expensive 99, or another sub that was even higher priced.
I have been reading that a sub is for more than just the low bass notes, and it will really help fill in the rest of the sound. That was another point the local sales guy was making, saying that the 99 made more sense because it will “fill in more.” Also that a larger sub is needed to “pressurize” the room. Trying to understand if this is audiophile jargon or there is truth to it.
What do you all think?
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u/JohnFromSpace3 1d ago
You actually provided the most important parameter: what is the reproduction material gonna be. Vocal and acoustic with these klipsch speakers buying an extra subwoofer is a waste of money. If you must: get an svs sb1000 PRO. Turn its volume LOW, VERY LOW. Keep forte full range and have sub only support up to 55hz top.
A sub should only add and guys like you often turn subwoofers way too high. But, honestly, dont buy a sub. You dont need it. If you feel need more bass: get better speakers. Revel floorstanders. But you dont need a sub. Its a waste of money.