Speakers + amp recommendation for extreme music

[RHO]

The jbls have less than ideal distortion

Correct, but from user reviews this doesn't seem to be a huge issue (Also Amir didn't complain about it).

 

[ZolaIII]

Those are good subwoofers, but is there a reason to think those are markedly better then cheaper studio subwoofers (KRK, Adam, JBL), for music listening? Low end extension is maybe better on the SVS, but that would mostly be advantageous when using them in a home-cinema setup.

Nope and I ain't SVS lover by any means. My requirement is closed enclosure for the time domain and still ready to compromise a bit as he will be limited to use one chenel for sub/sub's so 12" is ideal. You create advantages, no one else will (room, placement, treatment, DSP...). For music mid 30 to 40 Hz and 70 to 160 are where most of the info will be and that's about 30~35% totally. Many people hire don't understand how 4x Viatson mid bass woofers paird with 100W amp easy peek at 130 dB. And you won't get there (nor should you) at home. Higher you cut on actual response you stress out more mains to do mid bass and up. As the knee for equal loudness is at 105 Hz and you do want to keep it up on sub's only that's where things get complicated. As above 60 Hz to 80~85 it's somewhat directional and above it is. Reason I am hard staying on desktop.

 

[RHO]

Nope and I ain't SVS lover by any means. My requirement is closed enclosure for the time domain and still ready to compromise a bit as he will be limited to use one chenel for sub/sub's so 12" is ideal. You create advantages, no one else will (room, placement, treatment, DSP...). For music mid 30 to 40 Hz and 70 to 160 are where most of the info will be and that's about 30~35% totally. Many people hire don't understand how 4x Viatson mid bass woofers paird with 100W amp easy peek at 130 dB. And you won't get there (nor should you) at home. Higher you cut on actual response you stress out more mains to do mid bass and up. As the knee for equal loudness is at 105 Hz and you do want to keep it up on sub's only that's where things get complicated. As above 60 Hz to 80~85 it's somewhat directional and above it is. Reason I am hard staying on desktop.

He doesn't have a large room and doesn't listen loud. So I don't think the dynamics asked from the mid-woofers is as big of a concern in his situation. I think a X-over around 80Hz would be fine.
I have tried sealed enclosure subs and ported ones. I still prefer the ported ones for beter low end extension from a smaller subwoofer (most of the times resulting in a smaller enclosure => better practicality). Also the power requirements (and DSP interventions) to reach the lower frequencies are lower for a ported sub of the same size. Resulting in a cheaper sub. Maybe the sealed subs would perform better in the time domain, but I'm not really convinced on the audibility of that. It will surely depend on the design as well.

edit: fixed "don't"

 

[Mart68]

Whatever the music the speakers matter a lot. You want a speaker with good bass response but that doesn't go too deep and start bothering the neighbours.

Considering your taste in music, as an alternative to the quite sensible approach of just adding subwoofer to what you already have, I'd advise getting some old JBLs like the LX33 or similar from the secondary market, plus any amp or cd player that takes your fancy.