Subwoofers?


I am considering upgrading my Paradigm Ref Servo-15. I am seeking more musicality and tighter definitive bass as well as retaining good strong impact for theater. The servo-15 satisfies the theater needs but seems slow on music. I have just returned from auditioning the Monitor Audio FS212 and the Rel Storm and Stadium. The Stadium would be my choice of the three but 1) it is actually larger than my present sub and I was hoping to recover some floor space. 2)it was 1000.00 higher in prie than the other two. So my question is what do my fellow a'goners
recommend?
128x128theo
You might try an inexpensive pair of Audience Conductor series ic's with your sub. It's amazing how the entire line of Audience cables will minimize time smear and provide at least some subs a much more accurate lower bass reproduction. Some Audience dealers will provide up to a 60 audition time period.

Secondly, it's highly probable that the type of bass you may be dreaming of simply cannot take place with your current strategy. Why?

Primarily because the amplifier sections of some to many active subs simply will not provide the absolute control over the subwoofer driver that is an absolute must. The sub amps may be satisfactory or even good, but certainly not great. (I'm a believer that if the subwoofer mfg'er's amplifiers where really that good, they'd spin off a whole new line of amplifiers.) It has been stated on more than one occassion that many very expensive 2-channel amps also fail miserably at the bottom end. Therefore, the sub mfg'ers are not alone here.

You stand a far better chance at obtaining the deepest, tightest, most well defined bass if you should instead opt for:

1. A pair of full range speakers like the Von Schweikert VR-4 Gen III SE's (retail at $6k) that supposedly accurately go down to 16Hz. (Keep in mind most subwoofers cannot not go down to 16Hz). And a full-range speaker like this also eliminates any potential crossover problems that seem to concern many.

2. Finding the best amp possible to help get the speakers accurately reproducing way down there without sacrificing any other part of the frequency spectrum. Good luck finding one.

3. Finding the best speaker cable that eliminates/minimizes the time smear that is so commonly found in most cabling. Not to mention purchasing such a cable without having to sell the farm.

-IMO
As someone very knowledgeable once told me... "Bass is slow ... It is the high frequencies that provide the illusion of speed."

There are many factors that can affect bass performance and before ditching the Paradigm you might try optimizing its performance by fiddling with its location in the room, crossover frequency, and phase control. I got my Servo-15 to mate seamlessly with InnerSound Eros electrostatics (which are very fast speakers), so something may be wrong with your set up. Bass is extremely room-dependent and simply buying a more expensive sub may not solve your problem...
Plato thanks for the advise I have tried numberous adjustments to the X30 furnished with the servo. I am really limited on sub location, I could rotate it if you feel that may be beneficial. Have you ever tried another crossover? I have listened to the Innersounds and you are very fortunate indeed.
I agree with Plato. I don't know your sub, however, I have mated ML with a genesis sub. It may be that to get an optimum mix there are four things you should try. 1. Lower the crossover point. 2. Check to see if the crossover slope can be changed to something like 24 db or even faster 48 db. 3. Change the location to right between the speakers and slightly forward or in a corner behind one of the speakers. 4. Finally have you tried bass traps?