Subwoofer Advice


I am running a pair of Martin Logan ESL 13A speakers (24-23,000 Hz). I would have thought with two 10" woofers there would be more bas (the base level dial on the rear of the speakers doesn’t seem to cut it either).

In the past I had a pair of ML Spires (29-23,000 Hz) with only one 10" woofer that had so much base, I sold my pair of ForceField 30s. Not the case with the 13A’s.

I don’t have a lot of room, maybe 16" or so square and I was wondering about a pair of SVS Micros. Do you think they would complement the 13As or do I need something bigger?

Martin Logan has come out with a few new subs lately; do you think I should keep in the ML family?

Hoping to come in under $2K, so used is fine. Thanks all!

I should also mention I’m limited on space so placement would likely have to be on the inside or the outside of the main speakers (same back wall).

 

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I have 2 x SVS 3000 micro's used with Trinnov correction alongside my Wilson Benesch front speakers in my Lounge.  The micro's were chosen over the SB1000's only because I could not get a position (as I do in my other room where I have SVS 16's to get front firing alignment (partly done with Sneakers Track 4, partly with Trinnov).  I would agree with @soix  and @rajugsw that the 1000 / 1000 pro would be better for that use and would have gone that way if space allowed (micro's are behind slightly outboard).  But they do (with the correction applied) do a very good job.  But, I haven't tried to time align them through position without the correction and I suspect, having tried that once before with a Kef dual firing unit that it would be more difficult to get a satisfactory result and both this and discussions with Trinnov on emerging technologies such as their wave forming would, wherever possible lead me towards a front firing sealed box wherever possible.

I use dual Rythmick F12. I offer no recommendations as to your specific subs questions, but I will offer one about placement. Placing both subs either right inside or outside of the speakers is far from ideal. In my house of stereo it resulted in very overly bloated bass along the back wall of the room. I then took the advice of one of the members here who said subs need to be on different walls and at different locations. After experimenting, one ended up on the right side of the front wall, the other a third down along the left sidewall. The result was astounding, it solved all my bloated bass issues.

I don't think I would go any smaller than 12" drivers for subs, but I have heard REL and KEF subs with smaller drivers that were surprisingly good for their size, but expensive.

I would look at the SVS SB-1000 or get a pair of Rythmik sealed subs for the best sound.  The Rythmiks would be a little over budget, but a worthwhile investment.  If you can find a different place to hide a small sub and get it somewhere else in the room, the SVS subs might be better.  There are wireless options and they come with an app that lets you adjust the sound remotely.

@soix Thanks for the suggestion, you have always been an advocate for the SB1000s. They seem to be a great deal.

@russ69 are you saying move on from the MLs and hook up with some Infinity RS1B towers or Tektons?

@dmaddox77 Yes, I heard something about ML’s new subwoofer line, but I don’t see them for sale on their website yet, but I will check it out.

@mijostyn My room is 15’ wide x 22’ long with the kitchen off to the right of the right speaker, you can see pictures in my virtual system. Yes, I have the ARC kit. I tried this when I first got the speakers and wasn’t all that impressed with the results. I will definitely give it a shot again. Thank you for reminding me about this Mike, any help would GREATLY be appreciated!

@audio_rd_uk and others who have chimed in, thank you!