Do I need a subwoofer with bookshelf speakers?

A well-integrated subwoofer is often the single best upgrade for a bookshelf speaker system. Rather than simply adding bass, a subwoofer relieves the main speakers from reproducing low frequencies - which improves midrange clarity and dynamic headroom across the entire system. Most bookshelf speakers roll off below 60–80Hz; a subwoofer fills this gap without replacing what the main speakers do best.

What crossover frequency should I use for music listening?

For music listening with bookshelf speakers, set the subwoofer crossover between 60–80Hz. This is lower than the typical home theatre default of 100–120Hz and results in a more natural, seamless integration where the subwoofer is felt rather than heard as a separate source. Start at 80Hz and reduce until the bass sounds tight and cohesive rather than bloated.

What is the best subwoofer for stereo music in Australia?

Velodyne subwoofers - distributed exclusively in Australia by AVR - are well regarded for music listening due to their tight, controlled bass output and flexible crossover controls. The Velodyne SPL-X series offers a strong balance of performance and value for two-channel stereo systems. Velodyne was founded in the United States and has a long heritage in high-accuracy bass reproduction.

Where should I place a subwoofer in my listening room?

As a starting point, place the subwoofer near the front of the room between or alongside your main speakers. Avoid corners - corner placement dramatically amplifies bass output and makes integration with main speakers more difficult. The "subwoofer crawl" technique - placing the sub at your listening position and crawling around the room to find the tightest bass response - is a proven method for finding the optimal position before moving it permanently.

Can I add a subwoofer to a stereo amplifier without a subwoofer output?

Yes. If your amplifier lacks a dedicated subwoofer or LFE output, connect the subwoofer using speaker-level inputs - running speaker cable from the amplifier's speaker terminals to the subwoofer's high-level input. Most Velodyne subwoofers support speaker-level input. This method also picks up the character of your amplifier, which can help the sub integrate more naturally with your main speakers.

Does a subwoofer improve music or just home theatre?

A properly integrated subwoofer improves both. For music, it extends bass response, reduces distortion in main speakers at higher volumes, and adds weight and impact to bass guitar, kick drum, and orchestral low end. The key difference between a music-optimised and home theatre sub setup is the crossover point - lower crossovers (60–80Hz) for music, higher (100–120Hz) for home theatre.

Are Velodyne subwoofers available with free shipping in Australia?

Yes. All Velodyne subwoofers at avrevolution.com.au ship free on orders over $300 Australia-wide. Velodyne is exclusively distributed in Australia by Audio Visual Revolution. If you prefer to audition before buying, contact AVR to locate your nearest authorised dealer.