I’ve read a bit about how adding a subwoofer to a 2 channel music system isn’t just about adding bass but taking the lower frequency work to the sub so the mains can shine.
I have a Cambridge CXA81 that has a mono sub out, but the crossover setting would be on the sub not filtered at the amp.
So is this actually taking the load off the mains, or just adding TO the mains? Or (newb ass question here) is the lower frequency going to the sub because that… how do i say… window is open now?
Taking the load off the mains is very important with budget speakers…less important with higher quality speakers…and then you have preferences…I like to crossover at 50hz if I can.
i imagine that if your speakers go down to say 28hz, they roll off about ~35-38 just for example.
your sub crossover would be around ~40hz. this is about where the whatever bass was there, begin tailoring off in volume and energy.
even without dsp, you can hear the place if you make a few adjustments.
this is letting your mains shine and giving them some energy in the frequencies not being handled by the mains because they either rolled off or dont go as low.
as far as time alignment, i cant speak.
my subs are outboard of my mains with the baffles aligned as best i could by ear. sounds fine tome.
I just added a sub to 2-channel and on my Marantz PM7000N you can toggle the subwoofer crossover. (I landed on 60hZ) Oddly adding the sub made my main speakers sound worse, more shrill. Then I tapped the Source Direct button (supposed to remove any tone filters and leave the pure signal) and they sounded normal (great) again and the sub was still doing its thing regardless. I was so relieved.
My takeaway: my speakers (Wharfedale Lintons) needed the full signal to sound their best. It felt like the lowest signals the speaker received colored the mids too on these speakers and overall sounds richer