adding "slam" to 2-way speakers?

If you are going to get a subwoofer, you should start by reading Widescreen Review's recent publication titled "The Essential Subwoofer Buyer's Guide". It is the best publication I have seen on subs. It reprints a series of articles on subs that are very informative, and also has in-depth reviews of 50+ subs. You will note that two of the highest rated and most musical subs are made by Vandersteen.

I was struck by your general satisfaction with your present system.It may not be an option for the obvious cost reasons but unless you really need that last half-octave and are concerned over maintaining the coherency of your Merlins,you might consider biamping as an alternative to a subwoofer>You gain not only slam,drive and authority but fine resolution is usually dramatically improved as well. What biamping won't do is enlarge the sense of scale of the presentation.It still takes lots of moving air for that one. Best, Ken

Rhyno before you lay down the long green, try this simple tweak. Insert the appropriate size vibrapods between your 2 way monitor and stands. This will give a noticeable increase in bass extension among other benefits. I have a second system with PSB 2 way monitors also with 6.5 woofer, although this may seem counter to your instincts, try it you will like the results, Sam

Rhyno Do your Merlins have the BAM module if they don't consider it since this is specifically designed for your speakers by Merlin. There are some VSM with BAM in auction and maybe you could get more info on this from them. Have you tried to change speakers position in the room to emphasize the lower frequencies closer to front wall might improve response... What do you think?

i used to run thiel 3.5's - w/the aid of thiel's active equalizer, thew were +/-2db, down to 20 hz. they still were improved w/a pair of vmps larger subs, crossed over w/a 24db/octave active x-over, at ~90hz. and, i dint need the equalizer anymore. i now run the same sub-crossover system w/a pair of meret re monitirs, w/the x-over point changed to 60hz. it's great! while ewe *are* adding extra electronics to what your monitir sees, if it's a hi-quality x-over, i feel the benefits are outweighed by reducing the stress on teh monitors' woofer. of course, ewe could opt to still run your monitor full-range, & yust x-over the subs.