In my experience, the subs help with the low end but also help deal with room modes -- they even out the bass, from 20-300 hz. Measurement and DSP are the best ways to add a sub. Of course, you want to get the right sub, so your attention to your speakers' capabilities is right on target.
Adding an Sub that doesn't go well below speakers?
The backbone of my setup is based on a couple of Canor Monoblocks that feed a pair of Marten Oscar Trio. The trio are rated for 27hz (-3db), but I still feel that the system would benefit of having one or two subwoofers that help both of below 27 while also allowing more breathing space for the speakers.
I was considering a couple of REL T5X because of the little footprint as well as the high line connections (the amps don't have a dedicated low-level sub out). But just before pulling the trigger, I saw that the T5X is rated at 37hz (-6db).
Would it make sense to add them to the system? Doesn't sound right. I know probably the Martens roll off above 27, but perhaps 37hz sub is too high for my system.
Perhaps a T9X that goes to the same 27hz? Or do I definitely need to splurge and do for an S series, like the S510 that is rated at 20 hz? If I do an S510 I will do just one and add a second once my wallet recovers.
Well, would love to hear from you.
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Well, you won’t like what I have to say, but it’s based on repeated experience and measurements. First, never take a speaker’s -3db point as any indicator of anything that’s happening in your room. The room will make the bass specs utterly useless in understanding what is actually happening. I’m attaching a link that goes over specific examples. Before picking a strategy you should measure what's happening in your room. Second, the idea of keeping your main speakers going as low as possible because well, you paid so much money for them, is like buying a meal and only eating one half of it. Case after case where audiophiles changed their mind and tried raising the crossover frequency was a huge net positive, but no one likes to hear that their approach isn’t actually going to be optimal. 😪 Also take a look at the AM Acoustics Room Mode simulator and try to keep any speaker and listening location out of the worst/lowest modes. Out of respect for my own sanity and the OP this is all I’ll say here. https://speakermakersjourney.blogspot.com/2021/12/room-speakers-eq.html |
You would need something like a S510 or better yet S812's to blend with those speakers. I'm using S812's with my Zu Audio Omen Def Supreme, but used them before that with Wilson Watt Puppy 8's. They definitely add a lot of dimensionality to the soundstage as well as adding to the musical foundation. |
Marten speakers, nice. When any speaker system is positioned in the middle of the room for presentation and sound stage, that room position is usually in the rooms null, choking the speakers potential low frequency output. Shop for an actual subwoofer that's -3dB at their claimed low frequency output equipped with speaker level inputs and offers some modicum of equalization, or consider DSpeaker or MiniDSP. Locate it in your rooms loudest bass mode. |
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