May 9, 2005

I am having a problem with bass. I know I can add a subwoofer, but I'm wondering if this is the best way to approach the issue. Q: Which is better -- adding a subwoofer or simply buying speakers with better bass output?

David J.

A: Your question is one that A/V enthusiasts ponder all the time. Subwoofers have become standard equipment for home-theater systems, but audiophiles often eschew their use. A well-integrated subwoofer can benefit both music and movies.

In your case, I would experiment with a very good subwoofer first -- the best model you can afford from the company that makes your speakers. Set it up according to the directions, and keep in mind that most of the time a subwoofer will add very little or nothing to the sound. If you can hear its effect all the time or high up into the bass region your speakers reproduce on their own, you haven't configured the subwoofer properly.

If adding a subwoofer doesn't work to your ears, you'll want to begin the process of upgrading your speakers. Here take into account what specifically you wanted to improve about your current speakers. Was it bass depth, bass amount, or both? Ask your dealer for an in-home audition to be sure that you're getting the right speakers for you. More than any other frequency region, bass can excite problems with your listening space, and an in-store demo won't point this out.

If done right, a subwoofer is a cost-effective solution to your problem, but we audiophiles are often just itching for a reason to buy new speakers.

...Marc Mickelson