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Please recommend a musical sub for me

Hello folks, I am wondering if you could recommend a sub for a music only system. I alternate between four vintage 80s speakers (Spendor SP1s, Spica TC50s, Linn Kans, EPI 100s) and all are classics and excellent within their specific parameters but they are all somewhat deficient in the bass. I alternate speakers depending upon my mood and musical selection. I am running Quad separates (909 power and QC pre) and listen to everything except classical. I would like a sub under $1000 (new or used) that is flexible enough to blend with these speakers for a music only application. I am not interested in reproducing earthquakes and sound effects, just a seamless integration and a fast, quick, precise bass that keeps pace with the music and doesn't seem to be disjointed from the speakers named above. My room is fairly small (13 X 14) so this might be an important factor in your recommendations. Thanks for your advice.
mp666
loomisjohnson
1,909 posts
 
definitive makes really quick, musical subs in your price range. hsu are great, very affordable subs as well. at the higher end of your budget, rel is a reliable, oft-praised choice.
mp666 OP
8 posts
 
Thanks for the direction, guys. Some of the ones on my short list thus far are:

Hsu VTF-2 or VTF-3

MJ Acoustics Pro 50 or Reference 100

REL Q108E or R205 or R305 or T1 or T2

Any comments from owners of these subs in a music application would be appreciated. I am confused by the REL ones in particular. The prices overlap in the Q, R, and T series and I don't know which would be best for music in a smallish room.
4musica44107
520 posts
 
Given your room size, a REL B-3 should work well.
magfan
1,583 posts
 
In your smallish room, a VTF3 is overkill. you might not be able to turn it down enough!
The VTF2mkIII I use is fine into even my 5000ft/cube room.
It even plays well with my panels.

Your problem may be a near-cubic room.
Approaches to 'fix' may include, putting sub close to seating position....this recommended by Dr. Hsu. I heard this in his cheesy demo room up in Orange County, Ca.
OR. a pair of subs to minimize standing wave interaction.
and finally:: Some kind of room modifications with bass traps.
In <2000ft/cube multiple subs may be nutty/expensive, so I'd go with 1st or 3rd rec.
mp666 OP
8 posts
 
Another small sub I came across in the forums is the Martin Logan Dynamo. Are there any users who can comment on its performance in a music only system?
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