Subwoofers for Magnepan 20.1s?

John,

Rythmik Audio does not recommend crossing their 15" model above 80hz. Meniscus Audio, a custom builder (that often -but not always - uses the Rythmik drivers) told me the same thing and added that they prefer to cross most 12" drivers at or below 100hz (even for a stereo pair). I gather that they feel these drivers behave optimally below these frequencies - not that they're incapable of providing linear response above that point. Maybe it's just an abundance of caution.

Marty

John--ah, I see. I bet it's phenomenal!

Well, this is a tough one. I would also recommend 2 smaller subs for speed and balance in the room.

The JL Audio f110 is -3db at 25HZ, so if you go the JL Audio route I think you would at least need the f112 which is -3db at 19HZ, since your Maggies are already -6db at 31HZ, according to your measurements.

I would think two JL Audio f112's would be the right size for you in this particular setup, however I'm not saying that they will keep up with Maggies, actually nothing probably will, but at least they'll have a chance.

However, I'm thinking of going another route. How about the Wilson Benesch Torus Infrasonic Generator?

http://www.avguide.com/review/wilson-benesch-torus-infrasonic-generator-subwoofer

http://www.wilson-benesch.com/2005/02/torus-infrasonic-generator.html

I've never heard these myself, but you must admit they do sound interesting.

Although, not as fast as your Maggies, I have a pair of Kharma Mini Exquisites, and sometimes I would like a little more bass, however I live in a Condo, so I don't think my neighbors would agree, but if I did add a sub; the Wilson Benesch, Kharma (for my purposes only), JL Audio, and REL would be on my short list too.

I've owned a REL Storm in the past with a pair of Sonus Faber Speakers, and although the REL's are musical, I also didn't think that the bass was fast and tight enough for me. Possibly, the larger, more expensive ones are better.

Martin Logan also has a pretty decent less expensive Sub, that has three fast 8" subwoofers in one box, that have to keep up with their panels.

.

06-02-09: Richlane
I would think two JL Audio f112's would be the right size for you in this particular setup, however I'm not saying that they will keep up with Maggies, actually nothing probably will, but at least they'll have a chance.

Yes they will keep up. Totally. And they'll blend and integrate well with the Maggies. The Maggies aren't the fastest panels out there. JLs have no problem keeping up.

Marty You confuse crossover cutoff with frequency range, [so sub is not locatable bass is non directional under 75hz] When running 1 sub best to run under 75hz or so. Otherwise you will hear where subs located. Also the driver you mentioned is a hi-excursion doughnut surround type, these need massive power and are only designed for sub bass use mostly for HT. Heck I have designs that use 12in woofers up to 1500hz and I'm not alone. Most 15in-18in up to around 1000hz, 12in 1500hz or so. 31.5in woofer 250hz is no big deal. I will not offer any doughnut hi-excursion design for they do not do proper justice to music. These designs need floor,corner boundary reinforcement,and massive power to generate bass. A 31.5in woofer does not. The doughnut drivers are jumping about when they produce bass frequencies the 31.5in has only 2.3mm xmass. It hardly moves allowing much detail and wonderful transient response a key to great sound with music. So no problems running large drivers in bass frequencies. This is what they where designed to do.