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Take A Load Off

Posted by Inmate51 on July 4, 2017 at 14:48:43:
"Since adding subwoofers to the system, it might require to roll off the low end of the main speaker (example high pass filter at 95hz), this means the main speaker is no longer needed to responsible under 95hz."

...

"Is that really true?"

You didn't say what your main speakers are, but, in general, what you say/ask is on the right track.

There are multiple issues to consider in your post.

Firstly, to be clear, where you cross over from the main to the sub doesn't happen "suddenly" at a particular frequency. The chosen frequency is the transition point. Both the main and the sub will still be reproducing sound below and above that frequency.

So, whether it's 95 Hz, 50 Hz or 150 Hz, there is overlap between the drivers' output. This overlap is an important concern which affects (not 'effects') the overall sound quality.

Secondly, rolling off the low end of the main speakers improves their performance and their amplifier's performance, because of the reduced excursion requirements and power/current demands.

Thirdly, many speaker manufacturers offer products which are intentionally inadequate in the bass end, for economic and marketing purposes. Some people don't care about great low end, but also want a "nice" sound capable of more-or-less high output levels. Other people want a nice speaker which they can afford without the low end, and add it later. Etc.

The concept of the typical "subwoofer" for home hi-fi is mostly marketing. There's a cross between hi-fi and "almost" hi-fi. Hi-fi includes frequencies down to the range of 40 Hz or lower. Woofers should include that range adequately. "Subwoofers" need only come into play below there. But, selling "hi-fi" speakers for $2K to $15K+, and still needing subwoofers as an add-on is misleading.

:)