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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Just my 2 cents, but placing the subs next to the Martin Logan mains may not solve your bass issues. If the lack of bass is caused by where the mains are positioned within the room, then adding subs may do little or nothing to help.

@tony1954 twocents | 2 Cents Worth! | Chris'n ...

Thanks Tony. I am going to try my ML PBK room correction first and maybe (hopefully) it might cure the problem. It will certainly save me a bunch of money if it does!

 

@mijostyn OK, I found my Martin Logan PBK (Perfect Base Kit)!

You mentioned this:

Run the program then turn the midbass down just a little and the bass up as far as it will go. Then start decreasing the bass a little at a time until things sound right to you.

As I recall there is an Automatic and Pro option for the PBK program. I don’t think the Auto program allows for any manual adjustments. Not sure about the Pro. I guess I’ll just try running and see.

You also mentioned this:

If you do a lot of listening from one listening position just keep the microphone at the listening position for all measurements. If you tend to listen more as background music then use the 5 locations as per instructions.

ML say this, but I think I’ll stick with your advice.

IMPORTANT! Even if your room has less than five listening positions, to ensure optimal sound, measurements must be taken from five different positions. Each position should be at least 2 feet (61 cm) apart. Focus on positions around listening locations.

 

 

@mijostyn I spoke with Martin Logan, 2 things:

1. The room correction software cannot be adjusted manually.

2. This is their recommendation for a sub for the 11A's: http://MartinLogan Abyss 10 Subwoofer | Audio Advice It is not a balance forced sub-woofer though (also not available in white!)