Looking for a non-powered sub

Take a look at the non-powered New Original Subwoofer by VMPS. It was designed to mate with the Quad ESL, and actually could be used as a stand for that speaker. Last I checked, VMPS subs could be purchased either pre-assembled or as a kit.

How low in frequency do your Maggies go? If you need the subwoofer to go any higher than 80 Hz, you will probably get better results with two subwoofers, one underneath each Maggie. This is especially important if you are you using your system for music rather than HT. You might be able to buy two VMPS subs for not much above $800 if you don't mind buying used.

If you want a true DIY subwoofer, i.e. you buy the raw driver(s) and design and build the cabinet yourself, you can chat with other such eccentrics (including myself) at www.diyaudio.com.

The large majority of subwoofers on the market are active (internally powered). I prefer passive (non-powered) subs. The internal amps included in active subs are generally of inferior quality compared to stand-alone amps. Also, the interior of a hot, vibrating subwoofer cabinet seems like the worst possible place to put an amplifier. My pre-pro does the crossover job, so I don't need a separate component for that. If you do need a separate crossover unit, they are available at reasonable cost from VMPS and many other sources -- or build your own, with a little help from other DIY'ers.

Hi Steve,

Well, I just read up on the Maggie 1.6 and now I fear that my previous advice may be worth exactly what you paid for it. :)

I did not realize that the 1.6 is a 2-way planar design with bass extension down to the 40's. In that case, since you are 100% music, why do you think you need any subwoofer at all? If you like the sound that Maggies are famous for, why risk messing things up with a big old-fashioned cone? You could start with the Maggies by themselves, and then add a sub later only if you feel like you are missing something.

If you do decide you need a sub, you might be able to get away with a single sub, since it would not need to go higher than 60 or 80 Hz.

Among VMPS subs, the "New Original" would probably mate well. I have not heard any of the other models mentioned in this thread, so I can't offer any comparisons.

I don't have any suggestions for a crossover either. Your Maggie dealer or the Maggie website could help with that. The website seems to indicate that the Maggie 1.6 can handle a full-range signal and doesn't need to have any bass withheld, so the crossover would only need to consist of a low-pass for the sub.

Also, disregard my idea of placing the Maggies on top of the subwoofer. They are much too tall for that.

I have read nothing but fabulous reviews of the Linkwitz Orion, but even in kit form, it is substantially more expensive than the Maggie 1.6.

Bottom line: for 100% music, the Maggie 1.6 might very well be a complete solution for you, with no subwoofer at all.

Have fun!

P.S. -- Also see the "Panels and subwoofers don't mix" thread for a lively relevant discussion.