Subwoofers - Final Thoughts with Martin Logan ESL 13A


I’ve narrowed this down to 3 choices (I think) and was looking to see if anyone has had some experience with pairing these subs with ML ESLs? I can’t try and return because they are mostly secondhand purchases, so hoping to get it right the first time!

Force Cancelling subs have been highly recommended, so:

KEF KC92 (or KF92 older model) 2, 3 or possible 4 of these:

https://assets.kef.com/product-support/kc92-subwoofer/KC92_info_sheet_EN_V4_20240124.pdf

Martin Logan BalancedForced 210 - Maybe the best as they match up nicely, but I could probably only do one of these as they are HUGE. I have only one spot I could put one as far as the manual's recommendation goes. Martin Logan says these will cover 3000 sq. ft. My room is only 500 sq. ft. Two maybe overkill, but some say, "2 subs or no subs" Maybe I could put another addition on the house :-( 

https://www.martinlogan.com/en/product/balancedforce-210 - click on Specs/Lit

Lastly, The Swarm Subwoofer System - not sure how well this would work with my ESLs.

https://www.audiokinesis.com/the-swarm-subwoofer-system-1.html

Any advice would greatly be appreciated (as usual).

Thanks, and all the best of the season to you all!

 

 

 

128x128navyachts

Hey @navyachts all good here! Hope you’re doing well!

I never felt the need for subs with the ML Montis. I’m surprised to hear your setup is lacking in bass department.

It’s possible you’re sitting in a null. That’s the only thing I can think of.
I would recommend trying to move closer to and then further away from the speakers while playing a test track that is known for good bass. See if you hit a spot where the bass response becomes acceptable. One other thing to try is to move the speakers. Further or closer to the front wall. Make small adjustments 1” at a time. But try the listening position first.

@audphile1 appreciate the advice. I will try and play around a bit this weekend there just isn’t a lot of room to move stuff. It’s a very small space.

@sgordon1 - thanks, I was unaware, I will check it out.

As much as I love the ML Balance Force subs, I'd go with 2 of the Kef's rather than just 1 ML.