Thiel 2.7 VS 3.7???

I have a JL Labs sub and feel it works very well with my Nola speakers. I'm sure that you can get one to work with your speakers, too, it has a lot of adjustments you can make. I still think the Thiel sub might be a better choice, though, as it has a passive crossover that was designed to integrate with Thiel loudspeakers.

If extreme low bass is a high priority, then adding a sub is definitely an option. However, my experience with subs is that it can often be a messy business trying to get them to integrate optimally with the main speakers, depending on the sub you choose. There are potentially many parameters that need to be carefully managed to get it right: crossover frequency, crossover slope, sub placement with respect to room standing waves, sub placement with respect to the main speakers, crossover electrical phasing between the main speakers and sub, etc. I used a sub when I had Thiel CS2.3's, but it took a lot of work to get satisfactory results.

However, if you can manage the price differential, my opinion is that upgrading to CS3.7's will make a bigger overall improvement...not so much in the bass but in most other areas. On the other hand, if you are ready to spend $$, then you really should audition a bunch of other speakers to sample the alternatives.

Jakegt3,

Thanks, I am pretty sure I am sticking with Thiel now period as they have the sound I have been searching for. That said, I would love to get the 3.7's but it looks like I am going to get a sub and just keep the 2.7's as no body seems to be buying these days. (Have to sell the 2.7's to be able to do it) I am very happy with the 2.7's in my room and personally I love their bass as it is and don't even really need a sub, but you know!?!? :o)

BTW...Looking at the new JL Audio E112. May make a decision tonight and call it a day.

Telescope_trade,

Nothing works like an in-home audition. I'll be eager to hear what the JL does for you. I have more than enough bass with my 3.7's but a properly integrated sub can certainly bring an "effortlessness" to a system and definitely does things with movie soundtracks that I don't believe many, if any, speakers can do by themselves. If I used my 3.7's for AV, I would definitely audition a Smart Sub to handle the subterranean depths many soundtracks have.

The trick will be in the set up. I suggest getting a friend who shares your audio tastes to keep you honest in the process. Subs can be thrilling initially, only to disappoint later because they have been set up to stress an element of the presentation of one piece of music. If your dealer will give you a couple of weeks for an audition that would be ideal.

In any case, please post your findings.

Vhiner,

I went ahead and bought a new JL Audio E112 sub for the 2.7's. Will see if I can get it integrated (running 2.7's full range) without ruining the beauty of the speakers. The 2.7's have great bass on their own and I am mainly getting the sub for movies but hope it will also add a solid, deeper foundation with music also.

Will keep you posted.