Subwoofers, Active and non-active

[gar]

Hello!

At home I´ve got a non-active sub to go with my Magnat-fronts and Heco-center and surround. I was wondering, since I´ve got the non-active sub I´m running the front speakers through the sub but not the center, Would I get a nicer sound on the center
if I where to buy a active-sub? would my sound/bass be better with an active subwoofer?
Subwoofer i´ve got now is from Pro-Audio. and reciever is Harman/Kardon 300rds.
Please tell me if I would benefit with an Active sub compared to my non-active one.
Oh, and what active sub would you suggest?
Sheers/Gar

[RobDickinson]

Originally posted by gar
Hello!

At home I´ve got a non-active sub to go with my Magnat-fronts and Heco-center and surround. I was wondering, since I´ve got the non-active sub I´m running the front speakers through the sub but not the center, Would I get a nicer sound on the center
if I where to buy a active-sub? would my sound/bass be better with an active subwoofer?
Subwoofer i´ve got now is from Pro-Audio. and reciever is Harman/Kardon 300rds.
Please tell me if I would benefit with an Active sub compared to my non-active one.
Oh, and what active sub would you suggest?
Sheers/Gar

1st point - it depends on the frequency response of your centre speaker.

If it has poor base response (like most) then you'll need to set your main spk to large and the center to small (+ set no sub) - this will redirect the base to the mains and the unpowered sub.

2nd - most powered subs are better than most inactive ones (there are exeptions though).Most people go for active because of the huge power requirements of heavy base.

A sugestion? - we'd need a budget - theres active subs from £80-100 up to £1000's - not all may be better than what you have - its best to go demo them (at home if possible).
Have a look at Rel's range.

[gar]

Ok, thanx for the reply..and yes, i´ve got it now as you mention in
the first point. I´m kinda courious if an active sub will do a better job with providing me with a richer bass then my non-active.

Money-wise i´m looking to spend about 350USD
/Gar

[silverpenguin7]

I have a Rel Storm and have to say the sound is bloody amazing, especialy as its only a 10" speaker!
In my opinion/experience non-active (passive?) subs dont sound as good. But to be fair I haven't heard a massive amount, its just the ones I have heard have been outdone by active.