I have the 40th anniversary model and I use them with a a/d/s sub which is currently down. However without the sub the bass is surprisingly good in a 12x15 ft room. I run a Rogue amp and preamp using nos Mullard signal tubes in both, and these speakers are not bright compared to my old Thiel SCS4. Running a sub with these speakers allow there woofers to do what they do best which is midrange. Also keep the grills on that's how they were voiced. And give them time to break in... I love mine.