I'm not really a boom boom type of guy, don't like the feel of cars that just vibrate with those big subs so i'm not sure if a sub is a good fit for someone like me.

My Room is 20x21. I have VP180, 2 - MP80 all set to full range and 4 M2's for surround sound set at 80hz.

The base seems really nice and i'm wondering given my tastes would a sub make the sound any better?

Thanks,
Allan..

I once felt the same way as you. Don't worry, it doesn't last

That said, you have some pretty serious bass capability there even without a sub so I imagine you're only really missing the LFE effects and those are a bit of an acquired taste.

That said, I went the other way -- started with M2ti's and added a sub before getting surrounds or a center -- so I don't have real-world experience to support that statement.

In my opinion subs are like icing on the cake, they add the last layer of realism.
That said I'm also quite happy with running full range for most content.
I am replacing all of my subs, one day. Still holding out for EP400's, lots and lots of them.

Another thought for consideration is that a good sub, properly calibrated, does not give you the boom, boom effect you described. Except for maybe in cases where it is to be expected, like explosions in movies or music where it has been mixed in that way on purpose, to be over exaggerated.

While it can't be universally said, folks who consistently have the 'boom' effect are often running thier subs way hot. I'd say way 'too' hot but if that is what they enjoy, then great for them. Happiness is the key.

I agree with the others here, and while M80s are great, you still are missing the ultra low effects for movies. There are a number of sound mixers (as in the guys that do the mixing) that have been adding effects below 20Hz (some are below 10Hz - eek) that the M80s won't give you the impact that they are trying to get you to experience.

Heck, my wife, who doesn't like movies played too loud, like our properly calibrated subwoofer effects. I say that because way too many people crank up the sub way too loud. With that said, I have been using a big sub in a 14' x 24' room for a while, and then I added a second large sub. Not to make it louder, but to get even better (smoother and less boomy) bass response in the room. Both are only set to about 25% of their gain (sort of like volume, although you probably already knew that). Yes, I can crank it up until the fillings shake out of your teeth, but that is dumb.

I love the EP500 set on 1/4 to 1/3 volume. Not very noticeable until it's needed for effects. Very nice and not boomy at all.

I don't know what kind of material you are consuming (movies, type of music, etc.). Generally, I agree with the other folks that a sub will meaningfully enhance your movie watching (unless you're only watching RomComs and period pieces). Sound engineers like to throw some 20-30Hz content in there, and you're probably not getting too much of that.

That's helpful, I don't want the boom boom to drown out most of the other sound for my movies. If it enhances the experience that's what i'm looking for.

I guess the difficult decision is that worth 1300 bucks for an EP500, hmmm.

Thanks everyone..

Sure, Allan; as others have pointed out, you're in control of the volume at which a sub is playing. The idea really should be that you don't notice the sub as a separate sound source, rather it's as if the speakers were putting out more bass on their own.

For most music(pipe organ being one of the exceptions)more bass than the M80s are capable of isn't needed. Some LFE effects in movies do extend deeper however, and capable subs are a substantial improvement.

Yeh and remember, these are mostly young adults or kids showing off the Boom Boom. So , if there like my daughter the trebles down and the bass is at 10, drives me flickin nuts.

But, they probably don't set the subs and are power on all the way, and with the fact that half thier music is all bass.

I not quite sure I like subs with music, need to try it out with a real good sub though. But for movies, it's one of those gotta haves, specially with Action, Suspense, science fiction moveis. Can't imagine watching Star Wars with out a sub.
May as well unhook the HT and listen through the TV Speaks. Can you all imagine we did that at one time.;)

well I always would take the speaker wires and run them to my reciever AUX and hook up four speakers, and think I was in surround heaven 40 years ago. well maybe 37 yrs ago, I think. Luckily I didn't fry the inputs

Howdy All

I thought I'd weigh in as I have M80's with the VP180. I was wondering about getting a sub with my setup as my concerns were the same - no boom! After long research I decided to get a sealed sub - think EP400. When it arrived I found the best location by following the always excellent advice from Axiom. After that I redid my audio setup and tweaked my speakers to small (set to 60 also per Axiom's advice).

Was it worth the effort? Yes it was and very noticeably satisfying. The VP180 and M80's opened up, no longer pushing all that bass. The sound was now more dynamic and balanced. Properly calibrated, subs aren't boomy - except when called for during movies Not that my system wasn't capable before, it just opened up the bottom end below what the speakers could effectively deliver.

My space is smaller than yours so I was able to get a smaller sealed sub that works very nicely. If you decide to go sealed then I'd highly recommend the outstanding SVS SB13 Ultra or you could always get a couple smaller subs (EP400) as this will provide smooth bass while offering great dynamic range too.