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
Most subs  are designed and designated for home theatre and are not recommended for audio systems. The exception are REL's,  very "musical" subs. Another advantage of REL, you can use it in stereo system (high level connection) and at the same time integrate it into home theatre at the same time (low level connection). You can connect other subs one way only,  either low level or high level but can't use both at the same time.
I use REL B2.  

i am a total novice about subs but just got a REL s/3 and am very pleased with what it adds to the sounds.  so i agree with JKUC above about REL for audio systems.  the funny thing is how much more expansive and full the sound is with the sub.  it does more than just add bass but fills out the sound in a wonderful way.  the thing is to make sure the sub matches the speakers: i had written REL for advice and told them what i had and they recommended a pair of S/3, but said to start with one and add another as money permits. 
I run a pair of Magnepan 3.7s with a pair of Gallo 10" subs.  The subs are run through a DSPEAKER.  It gives pretty impressive sound.  The thing I wish for most is a volume remote for the subs.  I wouldn't need one if I always listened at the same volume and the recordings all generated the same spl but I don't and they don't. Does anyone know if you can add an aftermarket remote sub volume control?
I think REL is missing out on a a marketing opportunity by not making a backwards compatible "Longbow" wireless gizmo, as I think a lot of current REL owners would love to bag the cable (or cables…I had to combine 2 REL cables into one connector to fit on my amp posts) which would also allow for MUCH easier sub placement. Currently the Longbow is only available on new models…I wonder how hard it would be to design one for the rest of us...