Subwoofer Advice


I am running a pair of Martin Logan ESL 13A speakers (24-23,000 Hz). I would have thought with two 10" woofers there would be more bas (the base level dial on the rear of the speakers doesn’t seem to cut it either).

In the past I had a pair of ML Spires (29-23,000 Hz) with only one 10" woofer that had so much base, I sold my pair of ForceField 30s. Not the case with the 13A’s.

I don’t have a lot of room, maybe 16" or so square and I was wondering about a pair of SVS Micros. Do you think they would complement the 13As or do I need something bigger?

Martin Logan has come out with a few new subs lately; do you think I should keep in the ML family?

Hoping to come in under $2K, so used is fine. Thanks all!

I should also mention I’m limited on space so placement would likely have to be on the inside or the outside of the main speakers (same back wall).

 

128x128navyachts

@navyachts 

You are welcome, the room I have the micro's in is 27 x 15, but no 'space off' and notwithstanding my and others on the SB1000's, etc., They manage, with two other 10" subs in the rear corners to pressurise.  I am not disagreeing with @rick_n that if you can fully pressurise with some larger say 12's (precisely why I have 2x16 1x12 and 2x10 (soon to be 2x13.8) in the main room that you won't appreciate it. But when I have my audio set using the SVS 16's in the main room it is timed impact and timed midrange reinforcement, rather than out and out pressurisation that makes it sound "musical".  The arc should align 2.2 which ever sub you chose well because Trinnov manages to great effect in mine even with not ideal sub-placement. If arc for some reason doesn't then perhaps see if somebody can give you a home demo on either something with dirac, or a trinnov (amethyst or st2-hifi, latter would be ;old stock') just to see what can be achieved in the room.  Correction ARC or other could give you more flexibility with placement on subs.  But the (see REL video you tube) placing using track 4 from sneakers should give a good start if you can place them alongside the speakers. As Rick_n notes 2x12" so SB1000 pros (with the 5% off for "godual").

Just another quick couple of things. I have had the speakers in lots of different positions with little effect on the sound, so I have them in ML’s recommended position with the backs 10" from the wall and 24" off the one of the side walls, the other side is wide open to the kitchen.

I’ve also found treating the room with dipole speakers doesn’t have a large effect on the sound quality. I have tried acoustic panels behind the speakers, and it didn’t sound good at all. I have no side wall to the left and on the right side, I can pull the curtains closed.

ML say ceiling treatment aren’t needed but do recommend treating the back wall (behind the listening position) which I have done.

ML also says there is no set measurement for the space between the speakers. I have mine 6’ apart and my listening position is approximately 11’ back from them. Toed in via ML's flashlight recommendation. 

 

I think REL overstates what is truly needed in their room guide.  I have a HT room that is similar in size to your room.  I'm running a pair of SB4000s and it's all the bass I need.  The sound is smooth and the room is fully pressurized.  If you want to go the REL direction I think that the SB2000 or SB3000 will get the job done.  The SVS subs are very popular and can usually be found on the second hand market.  Good luck and cheers.