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Subwoofer suggestions for budget system?

My current setup is a pair of Magnepan 1.6 speakers, a pair of Schiit Vidars, Schiit Sol turntable w/Goldring E3 cartridge (I have a VAS-rebuilt Denon DL-103 with Ebony shell and microridge stylus when I can get someone to come set it up for me), Mani 2 phono stage, Asgard 3 headphone amp acting as preamp, Schiit SYS as source selector, Modi 3+ connected to Volumio for streaming digital and an Orchard Audio RCA-to-XLR converter to drive the Vidars in monoblock mode.

I'd like to add a subwoofer to the mix that can keep bass out of the Maggies.  I'd, of course, prefer a dipole sub to go with the dipole speakers, but not terribly picky ATM.  My budget is around $200 to $300 for now.  I have been very tempted to build a pair of my own subs, but that's not in my budget right now.

Suggestions?

technotoad
grislybutter
3,122 posts
 

@jl45 I just shipped a giant Yamaha subwoofer for $45 to the opposite corner of the country, 3-5 business day.

ParcelMonkey.

 

jl35
4,017 posts
 

Thanks grisly never heard of them. Good to know. Small amp cross country UPS is $75

lanx0003
861 posts
 

It is very difficult to integrate sub with main speakers seamlessly especially the texture and speed of the bass notes.  Maybe the servo controlled sub will (has not tried) but it is usually pricey for a good one.  There are budgetary floorstander or standmount speakers could get down low to 20-30 hz range but keep good tonal balance.

grislybutter
3,122 posts
 

@m-db 

"Any subwoofer is better than no subwoofer. "

I am on the fence about starting a post with this. Is this true, always? Do I need a sub? If I mostly listen to music with little low frequencies (I think?) in a small room,

What are the rules for having to have a sub (or 2)? Why 2?

m-db's avatar
m-db
985 posts
 

[grislybutter,   'Is this true, always? Do I need a sub? If I mostly listen to music with little low frequencies (I think?) in a small room,']

Of course you don't need a sub...or two or eight. Many simply enjoy what the addition of subwoofer/s bring to their systems overall presentation regardless of the main speakers response. 

There are manufacturers that offer trial periods and the support to get the system dialed in.    

Capable subwoofer systems are a worthy investment. They're an audio component unto themselves that should complement any future speaker or system changes. The phrase, 'matching your subwoofer to your speakers,' can be a red flag. 

Hop off that fence. The sound down here is terrific.

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