Do floor standing speakers need a subwoofer? A question I ask myself every time I change from audio to home theatre.
Audiophiles are generally anti-bass and suggest that it muddies up the mids and highs. They argue that a good stereo system can produce all the low frequencies you need without a subwoofer.
On the other hand, home theater enthusiasts say that a subwoofer is essential for getting the full range of sound in movies and TV shows.
They argue that while a stereo system might be able to produce some low frequencies, a subwoofer is necessary for the really deep bass that creates powerful sound effects, especially in action movies.
Personally, I believe that having a subwoofer for your hi-fi multimedia speaker system can be a great addition – as long as it is set up correctly.
A subwoofer can add a lot of depth to your sound system, but if it isn’t calibrated properly, it can end up muddying the sound. I would suggest working with an experienced audio engineer to get the most out of your subwoofer if you are just starting out.
Let me share my own experience with you in this regard.
Initially, I chose to ride the audiophile popularity train and decided that I don’t really need a subwoofer as it may take away from my experience. After all, it was my first set of speakers.
After some fiddling around, some wins, and some disappointments, I finally managed to set it up properly – and the results were simply amazing. But that didn’t last long.
Fast forward to day three, and I found myself yearning for that deep, rich, and powerful bass – yearning for a subwoofer. I wanted to add some more depth to the sound and really feel the music. I was mostly playing instrumentals at the time for some ambient music, but I knew that something was missing.
So, I went out, bought a subwoofer, and once again spent a considerable amount of time calibrating it. The results? An even more astonishing listening experience – something that I didn’t really think was possible!
I would argue that whether or not you need a subwoofer for your hi-fi multimedia speaker system is entirely up to you and your personal preferences. If you want the absolute best sound experience possible, I would suggest getting a subwoofer and taking the time to set it up correctly.
However, if you’re just starting out or are on a budget, you can definitely get by without one.
Hi-fi speakers, especially larger ones, usually have a trick or two up their sleeves to give you a basic bass to enjoy until you are able to afford a dedicated sub. However, there are a few considerations to make with the decision as well. Let’s take a closer look at the subject and see which category you fall in.
Subwoofer for Your Hi-Fi Multimedia Speaker System – Do You Need It?
As mentioned above, there are several considerations you need to make when determining whether you need a subwoofer with your hi-fi multimedia speaker system or not. Here are some instances where you won’t need a subwoofer.
When You DON’T Need a Subwoofer
There are several instances where you may not really need a subwoofer.
If You Already Have Massive Hi-Fi Speakers
In some cases, the speakers you have may already be able to produce enough low-end frequencies. If your stereo system is powerful and includes floor-standing or bookshelf speakers, you might not need an additional subwoofer.
The trick is to experiment with the positioning of your speakers. Try moving them around until you find the sweet spot – the place where they sound the best. You may be surprised at how much difference this can make.
If You’re Not Bothered by a Lack of Bass
Another instance where you might not need a subwoofer is if you simply don’t care about having deep bass in your music. If you’re happy with the sound of your stereo system, there’s no need to make any changes.
However, if you do start to feel like you’re missing something, a subwoofer may be the answer. Trust me; once you experience the power of deep bass, you’ll never go back!
If You Prefer Headphones for Movies or Don’t Watch Action Movies
If you’re not really into movies or you prefer to watch them with headphones, a subwoofer might not be necessary. In these cases, the extra bass might just get in the way.
Furthermore, movies that focus on dialogue (almost anything that isn’t an action) don’t require that much bass, either. In this case, you can get away with not buying a subwoofer for your speaker system.
When You SHOULD Get a Subwoofer
Now that you’ve looked at a few instances where you might not need a subwoofer, let’s take a look at the cases where one would be a good idea.
If You Love Action Movies
If you’re an action movie fan, a subwoofer is practically a must-have. Shots being fired, explosions going off – these are all things that benefit greatly from having a subwoofer in your speaker system.
If You’re A Bass Head
Are you the type of person who just can’t get enough bass? If so, then a subwoofer is definitely for you. Even if your speakers are already powerful, a subwoofer will take things to the next level and really give you that deep, thumping sound that you crave.
If You Like to Feel the Music as Well as Hear It
Another reason to get a subwoofer is if you like to feel the music as well as hear it. If you’re a fan of hip-hop, EDM, or any other genre that relies heavily on bass, a subwoofer will help you get the most out of your music.
Trust me; once you experience the power of deep bass, you’ll never go back! The vibrations, the movement of air, and the raw power – it’s an experience that you have to feel to believe.
If Your Room Conditions Aren’t Ideal
If you live in an apartment or your room has a lot of furniture, you might not be able to get the most out of your speakers. In these cases, a subwoofer can help to fill in the low-end frequencies that are being lost.
This is where room acoustics come into play. Bass has a way of bouncing around and getting lost in a room, so a subwoofer can help to ensure that you’re still getting the full range of sound.
The More Versatile Your Use, The More You Need a Subwoofer
As you can see, there are a few different instances where a subwoofer might be a good idea.
If you’re looking for the most versatile speaker system possible, I would recommend getting a subwoofer. Even if you don’t think you need one now, it’s always good to have the option of adding one in later. There is also a good chance that you will end up getting a good deal on your subwoofer when you purchase it, along with the hi-fi speaker system!
The Bottom Line
So, do you need a subwoofer for your hi-fi multimedia speaker system?
Normally, it is a good idea to invest in the same as you will eventually start missing it – I know I did. However, it is a matter of personal preference and the type of hi-fi multimedia speaker system you have.
If your speakers are already capable of producing sufficient bass, you may not need to invest in another unit!
Kate is one of the hardest working writers we have on the team. She contributes a lot towards making the Make Life Click community as awesome as it is.