I have a buddy looking hard at the M22's and he was wondering if a sub was necessary? I dont wanna get into what he listens to and what they are used for, i am looking for a general consensus of how you all feel regardless of use.
Thanks in advance,
I guess it all depends how fond of bass your friend is. I do think that the prevailing opinion is that a sub, while not necessary, is preferable.
If he doesn't have the budget for the sub, I would recommend the M3s instead of the M22s for a bookshelf only system.
I have spent countless hours listening with and without a sub to many different types of music with my M80s. A sub is a "must have". Without it, much of the musical experience is lost.
AO, although you didn't want to get into details about your friend's use, that's a key element in the decision. Do the M22s require a sub?. The answer is no, but your friend might. I've done a lot of music listening on the M22s in the past five years, both with and without a sub(since I got my EP500, I have it set up permanently with the M22s and always use it). With room reinforcement they had good bass(without a sub)down to about 50Hz. There was still usable bass at 40Hz, although it was much lower in level. This is adequate for nearly all music(pipe organ excluded), which has very little below about 40Hz. It depends on how much bass extension your friend really wants, but he might be well-satisfied with M22s alone.
Mojo, when I turn off my STF-3 and listen to music without I definately notice a difference. Its like my Tivo...I never needed it before, but now that I have it, I wouldn't give it up.
I am just somebody that personally does not need a lot of bass. Those that love their bass often characterize Axiom as sounding "thin, lean, anemic or even bright".
Again, the 22's dont need a sub, but will sound better with one. IMO.