Anything wrong or lacking in B&W subs?

[mtlr]

Many on this forum seem to like other sub brands. Is there anything wrong or lacking with B&W subs? I have 4 805S's and looking for a sub. I was considering the ASW 825 to match but having second thoughts. Any suggestions?

[BlazeMaster]

there's nothing wrong with them, just that there's other options out there. Almost all speaker manufacturers make subs to go along with the rest of their speaker line. Pick what sounds the best to you, whether it's B&W or not. I love the wood finishes on the 800s series, so I'd probably pick a ASW8XX sub to go along with the 805s.

[junior77blue]

If anything they might be a bit overpriced for the performance your getting...I personally don't see anything wrong with them, good solid subs.

[Mark_C.]

My impression is that B&W has been improving the quality of its subs over the past couple of years. Still, they lag other manufacturers in the price-to-performance area. B&W pricing still seems a bit extreme compared to what you can buy elsewhere.

[tboooe]

its just a matter of preference. Also, there are some manufacturers which only make subs (REL) so they spend much more time resources on developing their products. It tempting to buy all components from one manuf but the reality is no one does everything well. For example, I like Rotel pre pros and cd player but I find other peoples dvd and amps to be better. Anyway, as is the mantra around here, it really depends on you. If you like B&W subs, go get them. No one can tell you there are better subs out there if the B&W sounds good to you.

[xk8boy]

The ASW are great speakers. I find them to be musically bias, they have the grunt and go low, but they're not room shaking. they maybe slightly over priced compared to other brand, but i find they match other b&w speakers well.

mtlr, b&w are soon releasing a couple of new subs with DSP, Start/Mid of Oct so I've been told. If you can, I'll wait for them, at least for a demo, before deciding.

[Aussie Geoff]

Hi,

I find that the quality / value of B&W subs varies - like any manufacturer some models are just not at the sweet spot... However, there good subs (like the ASW 750, ASW 850 and 855) are very good indeed if your measure is sweet, tight musical bass integrated into the music.

There are also some specialist sub makers that offer more bang for the buck - especially in home theatre. For example starting at US $500 SVS has some kiler value subs and as you get up to the PB12/2 Ulta you are talkig serious volumes and quality of bass - enough to make any HT rock.

The 825 is good, and for serious HT the 855 will "move the earth" for you. Both will alsi integrate perfectly with you 805s... So buy with confidence if that is what you like

Geoff

[jlee]

Many on this forum seem to like other sub brands. Is there anything wrong or lacking with B&W subs? I have 4 805S's and looking for a sub. I was considering the ASW 825 to match but having second thoughts. Any suggestions?

Nothing wrong, but here are some points (some already mentioned):

1. A bit overpriced for what you get. CON
2. They match finish wise with the rest of the B&W line... nice curvy cabinets in the 800 series whereas most others are "boxes." PRO
3. Lack of a hi-level input the REL's have (big advantage as the sub will see the exact same signal as the speakers). CON

The REL's finishes are close enough to the B&W's that it still "matches" finish wise.

[Ian D]

No ones mentioned it so I will:
You ask for things lacking, with the exception of the top of the range they lack remote control otherwise they are fine subs

[bigburner]

My only criticism of the ASW750 is the lack of a remote control.

[RobP]

I use the ASW850 and love it. They are a little overpriced, but when you are sitting 18 feet away from it and it shakes your couch down to the seat of your pants then it is worth every penny.

[jlee]

My only criticism of the ASW750 is the lack of a remote control.

Why not just leave it on 24/7? Isn't that what many hifi guys do?

[bigburner]

jlee, I do leave it on 24x7. I was referring to the ability to adjust the volume of the sub relative to the main speakers. The level of bass varies so dramatically from one CD to another, and sometimes from one track to another on the same CD. I therefore find that I am adjusting the volume knob on the back of the sub quite frequently. I suppose it's good exercise though...

[jlee]

jlee, I do leave it on 24x7. I was referring to the ability to adjust the volume of the sub relative to the main speakers. The level of bass varies so dramatically from one CD to another, and sometimes from one track to another on the same CD. I therefore find that I am adjusting the volume knob on the back of the sub quite frequently. I suppose it's good exercise though...

Yeah, you can justify to the wife that your hifi system is exercise equipment in disguise .

[Stockinv]

My ASW750 has an "auto" setting which automatically turns it on when music is played and then off when the music stops. Unless I keep the volume near the lowest setting, the sub give me too much base. I also have the crossover at the lowest setting.

[RebelMan]

As far as "traditional" subwoofers go, the B&W's do what they were designed to do very well, and that is taut reproduction of deep bass, albeit a little pricey, in home theater settings. While they can be made (setup) to work well in primarily musical environments (stereo or multi-channel), less conventional subs like REL are better suited.