Subwoofer for Magnepan 20.1s Yes/No/Why?


I have a pair of magnepan 20.1 speaker and have been building a great system over the past few years- pass labs x250.5 amp and xono phonostage, audio research ref 3 preamp, vpi reference super scoutmaster turntable/10.5 tonearm with dynavector xv1s cartridge. I am not a bass freak, but on some recordings, I sometimes wonder if it would be worth getting a pair of subwoofers would give me that extra bottom octave (ie like the nola thunderbolts that Harry Pearson uses) or if that would throw off the coherence of their natural sound? What do you guys think?
powerdoctor

Showing 1 response by teajay

Hi Powderdocter, I have had my MG-20's for over 15 years, along with hearing numerous 20's and 20.1's setup in many different systems. Before you spend money on subwoofers I would recommend at least to possible changes that would dramatically effect the performance of your 20.1's to a much higher level:

1) I have never heard 20's or 20.1's really perform up to their ultimate ability without biamping with an external x-cross over. The whole speaker is effected, however the bass extension/power on the bottom end also really becomes much better.

2) Read my GON review of the Mye Sound stands for all the details regarding the astounding impact on the overall sonic performance of my 20's, along with the best bottom end kick I have ever heard from my speakers.