Subs for Martin Loagn CLSIIs

This is an area where audition is almost mandatory. I listened to a variety of top-flight subs last year and I was surprised that some of the top ones don't integrate well (or, perhaps, easily) with ML's - and I would think that the CLS would be even more difficult than the hybrids.

In particular I got a real demonstration from an Aerial, which is a terrific sub - but it sounded really terrible when matched with ML Odyssey. I think that something was goofed up in the crossover in this case, but it sure wasn't obvious how to fix it to either me or to the dealer. The respected HGS-18 is also a great sub but it's not fast enough for this application IMHO.

ML has a new less expensive sub out now called the Grotto - their subs are specifically designed to be fast in order to integrate with their fast panels. I've never heard it, though.

The best subs I had when I owned CLS were Celestion System 6000 dipole subs. Dipole bass is wonderful, and will naturally match the dipole nature of your speakers.

However, there are no current makers of dipole subs to the best of my knowledge. Fortunately, it is very easy to build one, much easier than traditional subs.

Here is a link that explains how:

http://www.linkwitzlab.com/proto.htm#PW1

I've also owned Entec subs and they are very good, but for a dipole speaker especially, I would go with a dipole sub.

I previously owned the CLS's setup with the Kinergic SW800's (SW800 Amps included). Does not get any better than that. Won best sound at CES several years ago.

I have since changed speakers (Watt/Puppy) for hometheater purposes, but still have the SW800's. Although they are setup for use with the Martin CLS specifically (i.e. specifically designed for the CLS by Kinergetics) they are great subs. Fast, powerfull etc. They work better than anything I have heard short of the 20K sub from Wilson Audio. You can feel them a block away. Don't think I'll ever get ride of them. Forget what I actually paid for them but it was significant back then. FIND A PAIR FOR YOUR CLS'S! THEY WILL GIVE YOU GOOSE BUMPS!

I have my CLS IIz's mated with Vandersteen 2wq subs. I did lots of research on this....and liked the fact that the Vandy subs draw their signal from the amp powering the logans....even though the subs are internally powered and draw no power from the external amp.

A crossover element produced by Vandersteen sits between the preamp and the amp.

The blending and tonal balance is superb.

Check out this link for a better explanation:

http://www.vandersteen.com/pages/2Wqlit.html

I use Genesis MC12 powered sub. Other have told me the use a REL. I have also heard but not with my system the Descent from ML. Try it you may like it. A 24db per octave crossover is needed.