Subwoofers and Merlins

Maria, in my benign room at least, without the sub in the configuration the VSM-MX with BBAM is flat +/- 3db down into the mid 30's, after which response tapers quickly to the point that below 25Hz there is no useful LF. Setting sub xover at 30Hz and 12db/octave slope adds fill up into the mid-30's and foundation & impact from 17Hz-30Hz. Even with this low xover and a fairly steep slope, the sub's digital EQ can tilt up bass response to fill voids in the 35Hz-45Hz range owing to room effects. But in general bringing the sub back in at higher frequencies than 40Hz just muddies the sound. With this speaker you want to bring the sub in low and get it out of the way with a steep slope above the crossover point.

Nice thing about some modern subs is the integrated frequency analyzer that visualizes response with and without the sub. But IMO, while satisfying an unmodified Vel DD is not the last word in tight bass control.

Very well put. Thanks.

JL Audio fathom. What do like about that sub? One of the things that impressed me about the Vel DD was it's supposed ease of set up. Do you not think it is an ideal setup with the Merlins because of the crossover limitations at 40Hz? Can you explain crossover to me more precisely?

How does the JL Fathom compare to you in this realm?

maria,
forgive me for asking but do you know first hand that you will need a sub with the vsm mxes or are you assuming you will?
the vsm mxe sounds much more room filling and tonally fleshed out than the mx and earlier models.
best,
b

Bobby,
No I do not know first hand nor am I assuming I'll need a sub. I am just gathering opinions for personal knowledge from folks here who have definatative and time tested experience with a product I am interested in.

Also, since i currently own monitors, one of the places I am interested in going with my system is a subwoofer and possibly the merlins, so I was wondering how the sub I may soon own would integrate with a future speaker change.

Currently, I do not own a pair of Merlins.

I've just received a pair of TSM-MXe's and a Rel R-205. I extremely pleased with the acoustic match and aesthetically they match well too.

I run the Xover at its lowest point (25hz @12dB), the Subs volume is set fairly low, and it is hooked up via the high level speakon input.

The little Merlin's have astounding low frequency coherency and a surprising amount of bass output (relatively speaking of course, it is a small speaker). No doubt due to the acoustic suspension enclosure and meticulous voicing.

In all, I am very pleased with both.