SAM plus SUB(s)

[baconbrain]

I know that using a subwoofer with SAM activated is not ideal since the sub will be getting a signal that has been processed to suit the main speakers.

However, I am very happy with the results that I'm getting using Magico S1 speakers, SAM and a Paradigm Reference 12 subwoofer.
I feed the sub a second order low pass filtered signal set at 45Hz. Yet to experiment with the order of filtering and low pass cut-off point mainly because it is too fiddly and time consuming.
If only these adjustments could be made on the fly.

The Paradigm "Perfect Bass Kit" tells me that, in my room, below 50Hz the frequency response is boosted by 2-3 dB in a nearly flat fashion.
I don't use the PBK correction. I prefer the uncorrected response with the subs volume level set slightly lower.

I'm listening to Charlie Haden and Pat Metheny's "Beyond the Missouri Sky" (16/44 FLAC) and with the sub on there is, of course, greater heft and depth to the lower frequencies but also greater depth and width to the sound stage. The Magico S1's have VERY tight and tuneful bass response, the sub less so but still highly musical. There is no glaring problem with integration between the two.

Most of the time you don't even notice that the sub is on but you sure do notice when you turn it off

I was also playing around with SAM activated in my 2.1 setup over the weekend and was really surprised as to the positive impact to the overall sound stage. Cutting the SW's e.l.f. Trim by approx. 3 db's tightened everything up quite nicely. I have the impression that my mains continue to profit from SAM even with a HP filter at 80Hz.