To Sub, Or Not To Sub, That Is The Question

Should you run a subwoofer? Should you run two subwoofers? In the vast majority of the cases the answers are yes, and yes. Why?

 

It starts with the reality that you will be hard pressed to find a tower that delivers bass comparable to a great subwoofer. Notice the sneaky catch line there, great subwoofer. That means JL Audio.

When you study what’s in a JL Audio subwoofer it will become immediately evident why I’m right. We have photos on the tab near the bottom of our home page called JL Audio Double Barrels. The brawn of JL subs simply WILL NOT FIT in a traditional tower. Further, those subs are powered by dedicated high testosterone power amps. Bryston towers are the closest exception.

Given that you probably already have a pair of “nice” speakers, it very well could make more sense to buy a JL sub or two, than buy towers and NOT have a JL sub or two.

What if you’re starting from scratch? You could buy some fine speakers like Wharfedale Lintons for $1500 per pair. What a GREAT speaker at a great price. Toss on a JL E-110 sub for $1650. Here you sit for $3150. What else can you buy for $3150 in a set of towers that can run with Lintons and an E-110? The answer is flat out NOTHIN’!

While Lintons are very much my cup of tea, there is room in the world for opinion. Perhaps you’d prefer something else. But there is NADA in a tower for $3k that will perform even close to a JL E-110 subwoofer in bass response. It’s not even up for debate.

 

 

 

 

Another great option is the Wharfedale Denton 85, $900 per pair. Now you sit at $2550 for Denton 85s and a JL E-110. I’ll make the same pronouncement. I love the Denton 85s. They have very respectable bass and power handling on their own. But ain’t nothin’ in a tower for $2500 is gonna rival what E-110 can do for you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OK, what if we up the ante? Let’s say you’re going to spend $5k ish in a pair of towers. Can you find a tower to compete with TWO JL E-110s and a pair of Lintons? No. Impossible. Look at how ginormous the E series drivers are. They’re so deep with double spiders that they bolt in the BACK and the front of the cabinet- and have their dedicated fire breathing amp on board.

The only way you can derail me on this topic is to say your wife simply won’t allow a subwoofer or two in the room. OK, ya got me. Don’t get divorced over a subwoofer or two. If you find yourself in this quandary, buy a pair of DOUBLE LINTONS. Your wife is sure to love those in her living room!

Or, buy some Bryston A2s for $3810 per pair. As long as you have plenty of muscle, A2 will perform next best to JL subs with delectable wing speakers.