Adding subwoofer to Hifi?

[Electricblue]

Hi guys, I have a question about my Hifi.

I have a 300w (2 x 150w at 4 ohm or 2x 100w at 8 ohm) power amp running a pair of 120w 8ohm Pioneer Z92 Floorstanding speakers at 100w each.

They have a nice full sound, but I wouldn't mind just filling in the bottom end of the sound a little as the bass drivers are 8" and I don't want to overpower them.

Should I go with adding a subwoofer to each side of the amp in parallel with the existing speakers, or an additional powered sub?

What should I be looking for? Active car subwoofer? Hifi subwoofer? Homemade Subwoofer?

You guys know more about it than I do, and I kind of have a small budget of under 100gbp maximum. I'm willing to go used, it's my best option.

Thanks in advance!

 

[oniman7]

I don't know a whole lot about things like this.

However, just for the sake of simplicity, I'd go with an additional powered sub.

 

[T-Bird]

Should I go with adding a subwoofer to each side of the amp in parallel with the existing speakers

DEFINITELY NO. For both counts.

Only one sub and from a separate amp, regardless whether the amp is in the cab, next to the existing amp, or built into the existing amp.

What should I be looking for? Active car subwoofer? Hifi subwoofer? Homemade Subwoofer?

#1 HELL NO
#2 Yes
#3 Yes

I kind of have a small budget of under 100gbp maximum.

That'll limit Your options considerably IMHO, forcing you to go used. Even DIY isn't an option unless You can cut a deal on a plate amp.

I had a very nice JBL back in the day, but I can't remember the model. Around $500 new IIRC, so should fit well into Your budget used.

Regards
Sam

 

[Downunderwonder]

You need a crossover with powered sub or amp + sub.

BFM does some nice DIY home subs with cheap speakers, with amp and crossover it's going to go over 100GBP any way you do it.

 

[Musiclogic]

I added a Dahlquist powered sub(12") to my workout room system and was the best add ever. Not real expensive, about $150 US so 75gbp, found on bid site, exactly the boost the system needed.

 

[kaputsport]

Only one sub and from a separate amp,

I don't agree with this statement. There are a million reasons to have 2 subwoofers in stereo... And only one reason not to... Cost.

Other than that, get a power home subwoofer, in 10" or larger and you will love it.

 

[iamlowsound]

I am ALWAYS of the opinion that you should take the money that you will spend on the amp/subwoofer and buy better speakers. Great speakers will reproduce great bass and an even response across the spectrum. Good speakers and a good subwoofer (which your speakers aren't and your sub wont be) will only produce good bass and decent response across the spectrum.

lowsound

 

[Dean N]

...you should take the money that you will spend on the amp/subwoofer and buy better speakers.

+1. Not to start a brand-snobbery argument, but Pioneer speakers + very inexpensive subwoofer is probably not wise use of your money if you want quality sound. If you have a very limited budget, be very patient, audition different brands, learn about speakers, and make a smart purchase. It shouldn't be too difficult to find good used speakers with some research and patience.

Also, high quality (budget) speakers with limited bass response can also create a very satisfying listening experience. I'd consider this option too.

Of course, if it's for background music or noncritical listening, or you just want a BOOMBOOMBOOM system to make a bunch of noise, then disregard this..