Home

SuperStereo: Some Commonly Asked Questions on Sub-Speakers

Q Do the sub-speakers need to be the same make or type as the front, main speakers?

A No, not necessarily. Most small sub-speakers will give good results provided they are of
adequate sensitivity (please see below). If, however, you particularly like the timbre of the
front speakers you are using, you may prefer to use sub-speakers of the same make which
have similar timbre.

Q Do the sub-speakers need to be of the same quality as the main speakers?

A You will find that many modestly priced sub-speakers will give good results. However, if
you have very high quality main speakers, then it is worthwhile spending more
on the sub-speakers.

Q What size and type of sub-speaker is best?

A The sub-speakers need to be small, e.g. those with 8-10cm main cone. The sealed box
type have the advantage that they are acoustically easier to place near to walls. However,
small, bass reflex types will also generally work well. Sealed boxes usually have lower
sensitivity so it is important to ensure that the speakers chosen have a sensitivity of around
88dB or more to obtain adequate volume from the 15 watts per channel amplifier in the
DV Adp-2 adapter, (NB the Adp-3 has 24 wpc available). The Anthony Gallo Nucleus
Micro and Diva A speakers give good results.

At more modest cost, the JAMO E500 model are also well worth consideration. For those
wishing to spend more, small speakers from such makers as AVI, Spendor, Linn and
Pro-Ac can be considered.

We can supply the Anthony Gallo sub-speakers as a package deal with the SuperStereo
adapters.

If you use very sensitive front speakers (eg 92/94 dB or more) which need very little
amplifier power to produce an adequate sound level from the front speakers, you need to
pay particular attention to having sub-speakers of sufficient sensitivity otherwise you will
find that the sound level through the sub-speakers is insufficient to produce good
SuperStereo.

Q Can I use large sub-speakers?

A They are not recommended since they will tend to make the sound over-full or bloated.

Q Can I use a sub woofer?

A Sub woofers are not normally needed since SuperStereo re-creates the ambience of the
natural bass. If you already have a sub woofer however, by all means adjust its controls to
give the most pleasing sound. .

Q Do the sub-speakers need to be positioned very precisely?

A No. The main requirement is for the sub speakers to face the front main speakers so the
sounds can mix. But they do not need to be 180 degrees face on, they can be placed
nearer the walls and angled inwards to face the front speakers. The height of the sub
speakers should preferably be about that of the mid range unit of the front speakers.
If the sub-speakers can be angled up or down (e.g. if they are mounted on adjustable
stands), then this will provide greater flexibility in the positioning height. You should
experiment with positions to get the most pleasing result from your particular listening
environment and equipment.

The sub-speakers can be put on stands, but they do not have to be. They can also be located
on bookshelves or other furniture or attached to the wall(s) to suit your convenience and
listening preferences.

  Home