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Dynaudio Sub 6 vs Sub 18s vs Sub 3 with Special 40s

Hi all,

I have a pair of Special 40s hooked up to a NAIM Supernait 2 and I'm looking to find the best bang for my buck upgrade to the sound.  Through some research (and feel free to correct me if I'm mistaken) it seems adding a subwoofer to the mix might be just the thing.  Naturally I thought of Dynaudio's lines first to mate with the Special 40s.  I have some questions though.

First, the Sub 6s are a bit pricey and somewhat hard to find - but the 18s really is widely available still and more affordable.  I understand they are the same minus the specific DSP settings and finish quality which I do not care about.  My question - is it worth it to splurge on the Sub 6 just for the DSP match to the Special 40s?  My understanding is given the Supernait 2 setup I might not even really be able to get the full benifits of the DSP considering I am planning on using the Sub-out from the NAIM and essentially run full signal to both the speakers and the Sub.

There's also the Sub 3 (or 9s) to consider but I'm not sure it will have the right amount of power/weight to make a difference in my medium size living room (10' x 18' approx).

Any other ideas for Subwoofers or upgrades considering I think I want to keep with the speakers and amplification setup for now?

All ideas/input are warmly appreciated - Cheers!

terracebk21
mofojo
2,300 posts
 

Never heard a Dyn sub but they never comes up in subwoofer discussions. Maybe it’s overlooked for some reason, overpriced?? Never seen one being displayed in a store either. At least the ones I’ve been to it seems to always be REL or JL. Dunno. 

JL makes a damn nice sub even their cheaper ones. I’ve been running a Rythmic for a few months and it’s really nice. Does not have the punch you in the gut impact of the JL though but I think blends in a little better. Need to get my JL Fathom fixed then I’ll run both at some point. 
 

then there’s the littler guys subs like JTR that people just seem to rave about. 

terracebk21 OP
7 posts
 

Thanks mofojo - I should be specific in saying also that I am interested solely in music and making my 2 channel system a 2.1 system.  Integration and musicality is absolutely the most important thing to me instead of earth rumbling base.  That said I'll certainly taking a look at JL but I've heard REL is typically better for home theater applications.  Anyone out there go down the Dyn Sub road?  I've also heard that the Golden Ear SuperSub X might be comparable - any thoughts with my system in mind?  Once again thanks all!

grislybutter
3,086 posts
 

I auditioned the special 40 and the Evokes and picked the Evokes (so that you know the differrence). My amp is comparable.

So far my sub experience has been a mixed bag. I tried the SVS and Klipsch entry(ish) level models, placed them everywhere and found that with some music it makes a net positive difference. Otherwise it’s a sonic mess. So I am not sure your solution is a sub, The Special 40s are even more musical and complex than the Evokes and it is not easy to integrate them without an amp with built-in crossover control. If the NAIM does that, that’s a big plus.

I found that the greatest improvement for me is the source, my turntable, the vinyl, and I am considering the DAC. I will try higher-end subs (KEF, REL) but unless I listen to perfect and "lucky" arrangements where the drum finds its own space in the soundstage, I am very pessimistic about adding a sub.

grislybutter
3,086 posts
 

on why you never hear about Dyna subs

2 opposing statements cannot be true, in the same time, such as:

  • Dynaudio speakers have a great bass, pretty much as low of a frequency as you need, 98% of time
  • You need a sub or 2 to go with those speakers, it will absolutely transform the sound, and do XYZ
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