BFD | REW for main speakers w/0 sub?

[jdialc]

I have a new pair of Paradigm 100 floorstanding speakers. They're in a large room 15 x 45 with 10 foot ceilings. I'd like to clean up the base and maybe add a sub later. But in the meantime would it make sense to equalize the bass with BFD?

[brucek]

would it make sense to equalize the bass with BFD?

Nope, the BFD is not suitable for mains duty. Too noisy........

The BFD is perfect for a sub though........

brucek

[Wayne A. Pflughaupt]

Take a sweep with REW and see what your response look like. Most receivers these days have flexible tone controls and equalizers built-in. You might be able to make some improvements with them, depending on what REW shows you. Post a graph and some details on what kind of equalizing your receiver is capable of, and I’ll see if I can make a recommendation. If you want to EQ full range (i.e, with an outboard equalizer), you’ll want a good-quality model – read “not cheap.”

Regards,
Wayne

[Doug Plumb]

I think the BFD can be used to EQ mains, my experience is that it isn't too noisy. It all depends on how loud you play it and what your tolerance for noise is.

Tape hiss isn't really harmful noise - I don't mind it but some types of digital noise can be bothersome.

I really like the BFD, I think it has the kind of control resolution that is needed. I like it better than the FBQ 2496 for this reason.

[jdialc]

I have a Denon 3802. Would I be better off by upgrading to the Audyssey equalization in the 2807 instead of BFD? And I discovered that I definately need a sub. I added my small Paradigm PDR-10 last night just to compare and discovered the Studio 100s just aren't enough by themselves. No surprise I guess...

So assuming that I augment the mains with a sub, does Audyssey MultEQxp do the job better/worse than BFD?

Thanks for the help!

Jeff

[brucek]

I really like the BFD, I think it has the kind of control resolution that is needed. I like it better than the FBQ 2496 for this reason

The FBQ 2496 is the replacement for the discontinued BFD DSP1124P. The FBQ has superior specs and more filters, and is generally considered superior to the BFD, except they only allow one program of filters.

brucek

[brucek]

No surprise I guess

Correct.

So assuming that I augment the mains with a sub, does Audyssey MultEQxp do the job better/worse than BFD?

Some members here report the auto EQ in their receivers does a passable job, but not down low at the subs modal frequencies. An inexpensive BFD will do that job in the sub chain...

brucek