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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
big_greg
6,674 posts
 

I have never understood the preoccupation with bass. For half a century we didn’t even have subs. When you listen to a live band do you experience the bass is missing? I just don’t get it. I have ML’s, and I have more bass than I need. This without a sub. End rant. 

You made the point precisely.  Not all home speakers are capable of reproducing bass the way you experience amplified instruments at a live show.  Most aren't.  Having multiple subwoofers gets you closer to recreating that experience and the visceral feel of a live kick drum or other deep bass notes.

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,431 posts
 

@navyachts cool. May be worth giving Audirvana a try as well for comparison. 

navyachts's avatar
navyachts OP
654 posts
 

@big_greg +1 

@audphile1 thanks

m-db's avatar
m-db
997 posts
 

@navyachts,

https://www.newaudiovideo.com/audio-c-35/subwoofers-c-35_34/velodyne-digital-drive-plus-10-inch-subwooferblackeach-p-9555.html?srsltid=AfmBOoobD9vNMPMO66ZjMOHYlJZIstwQ9pxspHS76z-4c1gnTCFS2v52

After over a decade still one of the simplest and quickest remote control subwoofer Auto Optimization with six customizable presets while the main system remains in analog.

Manual adjustability of all fourteen subwoofer related parameters including the drag and drop Frequency Response and Parameters Screen using a TV or laptop. Ability to control multiple subs and integrate with ANY speaker.

Google: Velodyne DD-Plus manual for questions, Velodyne Acoustics, Lidar and David Hall for background. Enjoy.

 

navyachts's avatar
navyachts OP
654 posts
 

@m-db I would LOVE to have that subwoofer, but even at that discounted price, two of them would be WAY over my budget, but thank you!

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