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Now it's subs

I've lived in disdain of subwoofers for years.  The poor integration and indiscriminate screwing up of the voicing of the delivery.  Today I was just testing a recovered old active Gallo sub and it made some just okay speakers sing.  What ?!?!?  Arrrggghhh!!!

Now the contemplation of a very decent sub to pair with my Merlin Black Magic monitors.  System as follows:

Naim UnitiServe server with Pardo power supply, Naim DAC, Manley Jumbo Shrimp pre, Manley Mahi Mahi monos, all Decware cabling.  Thanks for any input regarding fast subs that improve all aspects of imaging, attack, voicing and impact.  Musical tastes mostly jazz, blues, Celtic.  

Thanks so so much in advance.
                                                        Doug


celtic66
cedargrover
302 posts
 
How low do your monitors go?  IMHO, matching a sub works best if your mains can get down to 50hz or lower.

That said, a few recent impressions:

1. The JL Fathom with 10"driver--tight and fast; really quite good with music.  Didn't call attention to itself.  I was surprised because I didn't associate JL with much more than thumping car subwoofers.
2. Vandersteen 2WQ--Even faster and tighter than the JL, but doesn't have the same slam/output capabilities.  The connection is complicated (requires an xover placed between your preamp and amp).  You probably need two if you want to keep up with the output of the JL.  
3. SVS Ultra sealed with 13" driver--Heard this at Magolia (Best Buy) of all places, paired with Sonus Faber Olympica monitors.  This one sounded very thick to me, very "subwoofery."  Given that it was Best Buy, who's to say it was set up well, though.
kavakat1
110 posts
 
I strongly suggest you investigate Vandersteen 2WQ powered sub. It is unique in the way it blends with your speakers. I find it perfect with my B&W 684's Can't tell where one drops off and the other begins, and you can feel the vibrations down to 20HZ. Really remarkable. (See remarks above).
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,333 posts
 
Room acoustics are key always. With subs the first thing to get a handle on is interaction with lively floors that often muddies bass and obscures detail. Auralex subdude platforms or something similar does the trick nicely when needed.
gdnrbob
4,451 posts
 
The Vandy 2w(q)'s have always been highly regarded. I own the 2w's myself. Though I think the reason they integrate so well is by using the m5-hp crossover.
As Cedargrove recommended, the JL are pretty good, but expensive in my opinion.
I also use Hsu subs for my office system and like them. Perhaps not as good as the Vandy's, but quite respectable for the price. 
oleschool's avatar
oleschool
722 posts
 
jmho
Room acoustics! Gik
Jl fathoms (because i just like them) 
 I use 2  Sunfires hrs  (which i like for the money )
Rythmic,Hsu etc ...
I have always heard great things about vandy subs  I can't comment.

      But I can say when I had one sub,(I know erik lol) ,it was challenging to get to disapear .When i added a second it became much easier.That being said the gik treatments I added made a serious change in my overall sound.
Highly reccomend ..
best of luck ...


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