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Does a Sub for Wilson Sophia II make sense?

I went from Martin Logan Electrostats, Aerius, with Genesis sub to Wilson Sophia II. Even with the Aerius, it was no trivial matter to integrate the sub seamlessly. I have a rather large room 18' by 36' with some large openings as well. Based on the measurements by Stereophile, the Wilson's start rolling off around 50 hz. Has anyone tried to integrate a sub with the Wilson Sophia? Also any suggestions on sub is also appreciated. What I was thinking is full range to the Sophias and filling in from 20hz to 50hz with an active sub and adjustable crossover. I listen to records exclusively, all types of music, but mostly rock and then Jazz. My system is
VPI Classic 3 Dynavector XX-2 MKII, Avid Pulsus phono stage, Acurus RL-11 Preamp, Music Reference RM-9 MKII amp (Genalex Gold Lion KT77 and Russian 6922) and Sophia II speakers.
Thanks in advance for any help.
captain_winters
jfrech's avatar
jfrech
1,816 posts
 
Hi, I might take a different take than lloydlee21, not that anything he has said is wrong! Just a second perspective...what model sophia's do you have? Might be time to move to Watt Puppy's, they have a little better bottom end (well little better in several areas)

You seem to have a great system! congrats !
lloydelee21
1,202 posts
 
Jfrech has a good point if you wish to go for multiple improvements. Since you own the sub already (Genesis?)...it's 'free' other than your time/effort to try to blend the sub with your existing Sophias, and i would vote go for it...i dont think you will regret it providing the set up is good. Good luck and enjoy!!
captain_winters OP
133 posts
 
I actually do not have the sub or the Aerius anymore. I am a little wary about ruining the tight bass on the Wilson's. I also know that with me, I tended to exaggerate the sub frequencies at first which ended up bloating that bottom end. It would also get a little fatiguing with that real low bass response. I would then realize how exaggerated the low frequency was and lower it way down. I've tried to equalize with a sound meter as well, but as most of you have probably already realized with those long sound waves, a small change in listening position could result in large db swings on the meter. I would have to make an investment in a sub to try it out, any suggestions? My speakers are on the short wall and the RM-9 is about 125 watts per channel powering the Wilson Sophia 2s. Any recommendations on what would integrate well with my systems?
Thanks
lloydelee21
1,202 posts
 
Captain W,

I do the same...but over time have learned as i have gotten to know my room and system...each time i add a new cable or component...the changes required to my sub take less and less time to figure out...and i tend not to have overly powerful bass anymore. and i admit having owned Velodyne consecutively since '95...i do enjoy my bass.

If you no longer own the sub...that is different then. For me...it is worth it...but that would definitely not be the same for everyone.

Guess the right question is: what are you really looking for in your next move? True Full range frequency wise...or fuller soundstage? They are related but not necessarily one and the same.
irvrobinson
295 posts
 
Because of room modes causing peaks and dips in any speaker's low frequency response, increasing the number of bass sources smooths out the in-room frequency response. Your speakers can be flat to 20Hz, but if you can't position them for minimizing room modes what you actually hear may not be very good. It is also advantageous to have an effective level control for bass frequencies. So in my mind it is a rare room that doesn't benefit from one or two subs. This is just simple physics. I'd rather position my main speakers for best imaging and move the sub(s) around to get the bass right.
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