Subwoofers and Merlins

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.

Maria, my interest in the Fathom was stimulated by praise in TAS & Stereophile by reviewers well versed in the Velodyne DD.

After all is said & done the question is whether you and your room really want bass foundation below 30Hz. Current VSMs are convincing down into low 30's, but if you fancy a kick drum in the solar plexus you won't get it without a sub.