one or two Sub-woofers?

Gentlemen,
Thank all of you for the input – all of us agree than two great subwoofers are better than one. Now the question remains: what subwoofer is the best for Martin Logan CLS? Let’s continue : )

One of the most important qualities for a sub is good intergration. The key in getting this is to at least match the quality of the bass with the quality of the treble. Anything less will make it sound like you added something and not just made everything better. Your system is only as good as its weakest link.

Martin Logans have some of the best treble I have heard and if you really want the subs to work well you are going to need great quality bass. Two subs do add a lot of benefits but what good is this if the quality of your system goes down.

I tried to add a $800 center speaker to a $11,000 pair of mains. The center sounded great when matched with equvilant mains but in my system the quality was so different it was more of a distraction even though it added a lot to the overall sound feild. Although this example is to the extreme I think in a much lesser degree it works the same with subs.

I tried many subs and the only one that wasnt a distraction was a Rel Stentor 2 even compared to two lesser rel models. Later I added a second Stentor and got the best of both worlds. Dont sell yourself short on a sub especially after buying such great speakers.

I also have the clsIIz. I use two of the ML Descent subwoofers using xlr. I have them behind the clsIIz, about four feet. I really enjoy them and they integrate better than several Velodynes I have tried.

I agree that you may need lots of power circuits to run the gear. I also use a python or a whale for the power cords.

I too have CLS. I have a pair of home-built subs, using NHT1259 drivers in approx 2.8 cu. ft. enclosures. 2 is definitely better than one. If you have the time, inclination and skills, it's not hard to build better-quality subs than what you can buy commercially for anywhere near the same $. These two subs cost probably less than $600 for materials. Sure, you need an amp and crossover, but those are items you may have already (I did), and having them separate gives you more flexibility for future upgrades. I am more than happy with the way they worked out in my system, though I've been considering the Stryke HE-15 sub(s) as a possible upgrade/replacement. (www.stryke.com). Not like I need to replace these, but the Stryke driver just looks soooooooo nice.... ;-)

have fun,
-Ed Sawyer

I too have CLS. I have a pair of home-built subs, using NHT1259 drivers in approx 2.8 cu. ft. enclosures. 2 is definitely better than one. If you have the time, inclination and skills, it's not hard to build better-quality subs than what you can buy commercially for anywhere near the same $. These two subs cost probably less than $600 for materials. Sure, you need an amp and crossover, but those are items you may have already (I did), and having them separate gives you more flexibility for future upgrades. I am more than happy with the way they worked out in my system, though I've been considering the Stryke HE-15 sub(s) as a possible upgrade/replacement. (www.stryke.com). Not like I need to replace these, but the Stryke driver just looks soooooooo nice.... ;-)

have fun,
-Ed Sawyer

My advice is to go with the 2 Lunas. As pointed out by others, two subs are definitely better than one. The Luna is a high quality unit. It won't go as low nor will it go as loud as the Rhea, but in a moderate size room at reasonable volumes, these points shouldn't be an issue. It's not that I disagree with Perfectimage or Sugarbrie, but their suggestions will double your budget.

I agree that one great sub is better than two not so great ones. But two great ones (stereo subs) is the way to go if you can afford it. So if you're on a budget, I agree to get one now and save up for the second one. For your speakers consider the REL Stadium III or even better a Stentor III.

I would recommend getting one of the better one. The quality of the bass is more important then the quanity.

But then down the road I would upgrade and add a second one. Of all the upgrades I ever made to my system adding a second sub was one of the best. Better imaging and seperation and was more like a cable upgrade then just adding more bass. I was also suprised in how much it cleared up the sound.

1. What is your front end and wall juice? If either are lightweight you may not be getting the sound you want.

2.I would RESPECTFULLY suggest you eschew subwoofers in favor either a Wolcott amp and/or Sound Lab M-1 or A-3 speakers. All of these items are final purchases.

3. Finally, and most relevant, your room may not support the weight you wish.

If you wish email I have been down that road.

Enjoy,