Small, Effective Subwoofers?

+1 @blisshifi SB3000 Micro won’t get it done — physics is physics. Asking a 12” sub(s) to augment a speaker that already hits a solid 22Hz is a tough, and maybe impossible, ask. Whatever’s limiting your sub to 12”, I hope it’s something worth the sacrifice because it’s big.  If it’s that big of a problem and given your limitations on subwoofer size, maybe it’s worth switching to the Focus despite the hassle/cost. 

Surprised that you would need subs for these speakers.  Maybe you don't have the right amplifiers.

@navyachts I love SVS subs, and I own a pair of the SB-4000, but i have to respectfully disagree with folks recommending the SVS Micro 3000. The specs look appealing, but I’ve had two friends who have owned them and they just don’t go that low, and they will not be sufficient in your room.
 

The 12” you mention is quite small. Are you sure you can’t afford just a little bit more? What is causing the space limitation? I think the regular SVS SB-3000 would do well, but you the Micro 3000 probably won’t add much more than what the Signature SE can already deliver. 

Ditto on the SVS Micro 3000. Very impressive, Bluetooth connectivity. And you can go on the SVS and order one from their “blemished” section. I really enjoy mine. Pretty small too.

subs often are used to help fill bass nulls, and the absolute worst placement for that is adjacent to the main speakers.

Some of the best subs are front firing and meant to be placed between the main loudspeakers. There are many reports of better imaging in this configuration. Many large statement systems use this set-up.

Also, I agree with the ones who say a more powerful amp can only help. I run the PBNs with 500 watts per channel @ 4 ohms amp.

@navyachts 

I have 12" dual subs, F12s from Rythmick and they work flawlessly with my PBN Montana XPS speakers which are 4 ohms. Plenty enough bass with the right amount of slam and definition.

However, FYI, to obtain a non overly booming sound they had to be placed on opposite walls as you can see in my system. When they were placed by the speakers I would have this huge earth shaking tremor in the rear of the room. Just pointing it out because you say you have space issues for subs placement.

I heard JL Audio D series subs at a guys house. It was only an 8 inch but it sounded really nice. Obviously not earth shattering bass but blended extremely well with his ATC monitors. 

Thanks Eric, did you read Legacy’s response to this elsewhere?

Did not, totally missed that.

No personal experience but Klipsh just came out with a new sub series.

The smallest is a 10' with a -3db @ 19hz rating. List price is around $750.

@erik_squires - Thanks Eric, did you read Legacy’s response to this elsewhere?

It also sounds like subwoofer placement is going to be a problem for me too. 

As has been noted elsewhere, these speakers have a really low impedance (2 Ohms) below 100 Hz.

What you very well may need is a better amp OR, switch to bookshelf Legacies with a subwoofer.

I added two of these a couple months ago, they are fantastic; Bowers and Wilkins ASW608. I believe you would be very please adding two subs to your setup. Good luck with your search.

https://www.bowerswilkins.com/en-us/product/loudspeakers/asw608

Cheers,

Scott

If you really like your speakers, but aren’t liking the bass, then small ported subs would likely give you the type of bass that you are looking for.

My speakers pretty much mimic your speakers 3dB down point for bass. I really like the high level input. People argue against omitting the upper limiting crossover, but for our speakers this isn’t an issue. My RELs are fast and provide a tight low end. I’ve got the crossover set very low, so the main speakers supply most of the bass. Wilson designed my speaker’s crossover, and I didn’t want to interfere with their design by adding a high level crossover on the subs.

That said, my listing room is over a two car garage, and the bass was crazy to subdue, so I had to work at placing a number of bass traps, heavy carpet with heavy pad and a large couch. I’m listening to vinyl so I also needed to add a super heavy equipment stand, and all this combine to subdue the room interaction caused by these additional subwoofers.

I had a little martin logan downfiring sub I gave to my nephew.. I think it was either an 8 or a 10”, but that thing sounds good also… self powered.. think it was 10 or 12 inches high..  i just cannot remember the model.. 

The SVS 3000 Micro has been getting good reviews and is 10.9" high.

Not to be pedantic, but you do know? Subs often are used to help fill bass nulls, and the absolute worst placement for that is adjacent to the main speakers.

Gallo TR3d sub fits your dimensions.

Golden Ear makes some smaller powered subs that are quite effective.