suggestions about subwoofer purchase process




I recently purchased a Harman Kardon DTS capable AVR 500

receiver.


For my front speakers, I have three large Cerwin

Vega speakers. I believe the woofers in the Cerwins

are 12"


I'm considering purchase of a sub-woofer - but I'm

confused about the criteria I should use.


For example, should I only look at subs that are

spec-ed with a lower freq than my left, right, and

center ?


Similarly, I'm assuming that it would not be prudent

to purchase a sub with a cone diameter less than

12". I'm thinking perhaps a subwoofer with a

12" diameter MIGHT work - if for no other reason

than my Cerwin Vegas are supposed to handle more

than low frequencies - and a subwoofer is specializing

in one thing.


Usually with speakers, I will let my ear decide

what I think is best - but its difficult with subs

because I'm trying to guage how much a specific

product will AUGMENT my existing left, center,

and right speakers - and I'm trying to use

specs to guage where I should start my search.


Having listened to some subs in stores, I do

find that I generally prefer them to be at a low

volume with the crossover set at or near the minimum.

I don't need a wall of bass - just an occasional bit

of low frequency energy when its helpful.



Any suggestions ???