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Dynaudio Sub 6 vs Sub 18s vs Sub 3 with Special 40s

Hi all,

I have a pair of Special 40s hooked up to a NAIM Supernait 2 and I'm looking to find the best bang for my buck upgrade to the sound.  Through some research (and feel free to correct me if I'm mistaken) it seems adding a subwoofer to the mix might be just the thing.  Naturally I thought of Dynaudio's lines first to mate with the Special 40s.  I have some questions though.

First, the Sub 6s are a bit pricey and somewhat hard to find - but the 18s really is widely available still and more affordable.  I understand they are the same minus the specific DSP settings and finish quality which I do not care about.  My question - is it worth it to splurge on the Sub 6 just for the DSP match to the Special 40s?  My understanding is given the Supernait 2 setup I might not even really be able to get the full benifits of the DSP considering I am planning on using the Sub-out from the NAIM and essentially run full signal to both the speakers and the Sub.

There's also the Sub 3 (or 9s) to consider but I'm not sure it will have the right amount of power/weight to make a difference in my medium size living room (10' x 18' approx).

Any other ideas for Subwoofers or upgrades considering I think I want to keep with the speakers and amplification setup for now?

All ideas/input are warmly appreciated - Cheers!

terracebk21

Showing 2 responses by grislybutter

grislybutter
3,627 posts
 

I auditioned the special 40 and the Evokes and picked the Evokes (so that you know the differrence). My amp is comparable.

So far my sub experience has been a mixed bag. I tried the SVS and Klipsch entry(ish) level models, placed them everywhere and found that with some music it makes a net positive difference. Otherwise it’s a sonic mess. So I am not sure your solution is a sub, The Special 40s are even more musical and complex than the Evokes and it is not easy to integrate them without an amp with built-in crossover control. If the NAIM does that, that’s a big plus.

I found that the greatest improvement for me is the source, my turntable, the vinyl, and I am considering the DAC. I will try higher-end subs (KEF, REL) but unless I listen to perfect and "lucky" arrangements where the drum finds its own space in the soundstage, I am very pessimistic about adding a sub.

grislybutter
3,627 posts
 

on why you never hear about Dyna subs

2 opposing statements cannot be true, in the same time, such as:

  • Dynaudio speakers have a great bass, pretty much as low of a frequency as you need, 98% of time
  • You need a sub or 2 to go with those speakers, it will absolutely transform the sound, and do XYZ
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