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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
captain_winters OP
133 posts
 
I made some Sound Pressure Level (SPL) measurement from my listening position. I set 1KHz to 90 db then measure the SPL at all the other frequencies at my ear level listening position.
1KHz 90db
200Hz 76db
160Hz 78db
125Hz 78db
100Hz 70db
80Hz 63db
63Hz 63db
50Hz 69db
40Hz 68db
31.5Hz 59db
25Hz 56db
20Hz too low to measure, probably lower than 50db.
If you look at 200Hz, SPL is pretty steady to 100hz, then a dip between 100Hz and 63Hz. 50 Hz and 40 Hz were pretty close to 100Hz in SPL, probably because the Sophia II port tuning at that frequency. So sub frequencies 40Hz and 50Hz look pretty reasonable. So it looks like we are probably talking about a crossover around 35Hz to 40Hz. What do you think? is a sub worth it for just those frequencies?
lloydelee21
1,202 posts
 
It is for me...without question.
irvrobinson
295 posts
 
What sort of source were you measuring? Pink noise? White noise? Warble tones?

It looks to me like your entire bass range from 200Hz downward has problems, and low-bass is out to lunch.
captain_winters OP
133 posts
 
1/3 octave warble tone at -20db
irvrobinson
295 posts
 
That probably means you have some real bass problems. It might help if you get a better measurement system, like the Dayton Audio OmniMic from Parts Express.

You need at least one sub, you might need two but I'd buy one first, and it looks like a good low-pass frequency is at least 120Hz, maybe higher. Maybe as high as 200Hz. You'll have to experiment. A suck-out in the 100-250Hz range makes everything sound thin.
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