B&W N802 Need Sub?

[junior77blue]

Will the N802 be happy without a sub for 2 channel stereo?

How about the need for a sub for HT?

Ayone out there that has experimented with this? Please let me know.

[jahlion]

You don't need a sub for stereo music, but would definitely be nice to have for 5.1 movies or 5.1 music. Just make sure you get a really good one, otherwise it would do more harm than good. Personally, I would go for the B&W ASW 865 with DSP room-correction...

[Jeff]

Most of your 2 channel does not need a sub. The only time I'll use a
sub is when the recording is extra thin, There are a number of older rock
bands or cd's which I purchased 10+ years ago which need some help on
the lower end.

For HT I would definately get a sub. Low frequency effects will be more explosive and provide a better balance for action movies, etc. Given what we all paid for the 802's I personally don't what to drive the woofers
to their limit during demanding low frequency scenes.

My sub is a Paradigm Reference Servo-15. I'm VERY happy with it.

[caleb]

I found that when listening to stereo, a bit of sub is an advantage.

BTW Jeff, I had the servo 15 and changed to the B&W ASW850 - I find the sound only slightly better, but the wife acceptance factor (can't you hide that big black box) if significantly improved.

[junior77blue]

For stereo music, do you play them 802s full range? Or have them crossed over in some fashion?

850 is that much smaller than the servo-15? Servo 15 is HUGE, not sure what the dim are on the 850. The size of my room is fairly small, so not sure if I will be able to get a meter spacing nor do I 'think' I will need a sub. Hard to say until the speakers are physically in the room. Too many variables...

[Jeff]

Both subs are about the same size.

The B&W is 22.1 x 20.8 x 20.6 inches. The Paradigm Reference
Servo-15 is 18 x 20 x 23 inches.

My room can be considered large. And yes, that Servo-15 is like a piece
of furniture. IT'S BIG. However, I bought the natural cherry finish , very nice.

The Velodyne HGS-10x has a small foot print. Only 11x11.5x11
inches. Goes down to 20 hz. That size would be nice. But the price
isn't nice...$2,000 USD