Sub for single-driver desktop speakers


Hi there audio friends. Can you suggest a musical subwoofer for use with my new desktop speakers?  I just got the Arche Audio FR2 single driver speakers, they sound good, but I would like some more low midtone/bass. They only go down to 100hz. I don’t need a big powerful sub, just something to extend the range down to maybe 60 or 50 hz, to add a little «soy sauce to the rice», so to speak. The sub should not interfere with the purity of the single driver design.

o_holter

Another member on this forum bought the MartinLogan Dynamo 800x for his music only system and absolutely loves it. (Can't remember his name). It has the ability to be front or bottom firing, has an app for full control and includes Anthem Room Correction.

 

https://www.martinlogan.com/en/product/dynamo-800x

Thanks all for interesting suggestions. Especially to @atmasphere – maybe I hear some Doppler effect, yes. At least, so far, these small speakers sound much better with well-recorded ‘sparse’ music than with high dynamic multi-instrument rock. Like Shelby Lynne: Just a little lovin’ (though I have yet to hear a system where this album sounds bad). However I realize that my initial post may be premature. The FR2 speakers need some weeks to open up, according to reviews.

BTW, these speakers will eventually replace my trusty old Sony SRS-ZX1, that are even smaller than the FR2, and yet go down to 60hz or so. This is due to a C-formed channel at the back that Sony calls a «Mobius duct», leading to the bass port below the single driver. I like this analog domain type of modification, avoiding electronic equalizer glare, but I don’t think Sony ever developed it further. However, even if the Sonys go lower, the FR2s are better from midtone upwards (clearer, more air, space), so I hope they break in, over time.

Good to see you are trying the Arche's.

 

Don't know if they are still in production but years ago I tried/liked a small Gallo sub (TR2) with various widerange single drivers (including 3"-4.5" Japanese drivers).

 

Also tried it with their little "ball" speakers.

 

Think the sub's crossover defaulted to 100Hz when using the speaker cable connections (adjustable when using the low level connection).

 

DeKay

The Gallo Tr2 (also Tr1) is an interesting suggestion , thanks.

A sub should not go high - agree with Atmasphere - just up to 80hz, or if possible, even lower. The lower, the less problems with integrating with the main speakers.

I am not sure, if the gap between the low 100hz end of the speakers, and the top 80hz of the ideal sub, is a real problem. According to John Parks at Arche, the Fr2 system works well with an added sub.

Raised almost to ear height with 19 cm alu stands, plus more break-in, the Arche system now sounds better. Very clear and detailed.

If you need to know, which of your streaming albums should you invest in, on vinyl, this system offers good orientation.