@grislybutter Decent subs properly implemented can transform system performance not only by providing full-range bass but by also improving imaging and greatly expanding the soundstage and sense of space. Two decent subs will likely be better than one great sub as they can much better deal with room nodes and more evenly energize/pressurize the room. Also each sub will likely not need to work as hard as a single sub. Once you listen with two well-ingrated subs you won’t wanna listen without them anymore as the whole sonic experience collapses and becomes overall less involving without them. I recommend two SVS SB1000 Pro subs as they come with very helpful integration software, get down to an honest 20Hz, and only cost $1150 for two (or less if you buy from their Outlet) and offer a truly risk-free 45-day trial period (including return shipping) along with excellent customer support if needed. If they don’t completely transform your listening experience just return them. Just my thoughts/experience FWIW.
Subwoofer suggestions for budget system?
My current setup is a pair of Magnepan 1.6 speakers, a pair of Schiit Vidars, Schiit Sol turntable w/Goldring E3 cartridge (I have a VAS-rebuilt Denon DL-103 with Ebony shell and microridge stylus when I can get someone to come set it up for me), Mani 2 phono stage, Asgard 3 headphone amp acting as preamp, Schiit SYS as source selector, Modi 3+ connected to Volumio for streaming digital and an Orchard Audio RCA-to-XLR converter to drive the Vidars in monoblock mode.
I'd like to add a subwoofer to the mix that can keep bass out of the Maggies. I'd, of course, prefer a dipole sub to go with the dipole speakers, but not terribly picky ATM. My budget is around $200 to $300 for now. I have been very tempted to build a pair of my own subs, but that's not in my budget right now.
Suggestions?
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@m-db, @soix so my SVS SB-1000 arrived and so far it sounds terrible (worse than that). It's possible my room will never accommodate a sub. But I am not done playing with the placement and settings. It is also true that the music I listen to is mostly mid and high range of frequencies. I understand the 2 subs argument but I have neither the space nor the budget. Not only that, my path to get there would lead to first one sub and if I am unhappy with one, I don't feel I would have the urge that I must have one more! :) Thanks for your insight and advice, guys like you make this a great forum! |
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@grislybutter When you say “terrible,” what specifically do you mean? It’s possible you’ve got the volume and/or crossover set too high and/or placed in a bad spot. Here’s a quick n easy guide to help at least get the sub’s settings properly dialed in. https://lifehacker.com/how-to-properly-set-your-subwoofers-volume-without-sh-1506136549 But before doing that I’d do the “sub crawl” method so you can to identify optimal placement areas for the sub in your room. Basically you place the sub on the listening chair where you’ll do your listening, put on a bass-heavy track, and then crawl around your room (so your ears are at the same level as the sub) and identify the place(s) where the bass sounds best (tightest,well-integrated/balanced, tuneful) and mark them with tape. Choose the spot that works best for you in the room and then calibrate the sub’s settings as per the instructions in the above link. If you do this and the sub still doesn’t sound good I’d be concerned there may be something wrong going on with the sub. Last, SVS has excellent customer support and I wouldn’t hesitate to call them if all else fails. Hope this helps — now, on your knees boy! |
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