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Subwoofer help: ACI, Von Schweikert, Martin Logan

Hello,

I am once again looking for some assitance on choosing a sub that will be used primarily for 2 channel music but occasionally for movie watching. I am currently using Consonance Eric Grand speakers that I absolutely love but I know they cannot get the very bottom frequencies as they go down to 42hz.

They have very quick, tight, and focused bass response which I really enjoy. They are not bloated or boomy in any way. I am looking for a sub to really fill in the lowest frequencies.

I previously owned a Martin Logan Grotto and really enjoyed it but would like to spend less than its $1000 retail. The ML Grotto had a great deal of flexibility and fairly high WAF. I auditioned a Von Schweikert VRS1 in the past and think it does a lot of things very well. The new company I am considering is ACI and am looking at their Force XL and possibly the Titan XL. How do they stack up to the Von Schweikert and ML subs? Thanks for your help.
nicksgem10s
12 responses Add your response
nsgarch's avatar
nsgarch
2,524 posts
 
If your main is quick, and you can stretch your budget 2-3 hundred dollars, you'd be well advised to go with a (used) ML Depth.

You didn't mention your room size, but you should only need one, and placed right between your mains. I think the "Balanced Force" driver placement is the best sub design innovation in years.
bignerd100
515 posts
 
I use a pair of Depths to great success. I am considering upgrading to two Descents. the ML subs are hard to beat for the money. the Depth is by far the biggest bang for the buck in the line. They are small and produce lotsa bass in small to medium size rooms.
Post removed 
bignerd100
515 posts
 
The ML subs do have an onboard crossover. THere are quite a few lowpass settings, two highpass settings, a number of phase adjustments, and a 25hz level control.
nsgarch's avatar
nsgarch
2,524 posts
 
Bob, the ML Depth does indeed provide (line level, not speaker cable) high-pass outputs, if so desired. At 40Hz, 70Hz, and "none". The "none" position is to daisy-chain another Depth onto the first. Then you use the high-pass outs on the last sub to go to your main amp.

My experience has been that I get best performance when I allow the main speakers, whatever they are, to run full range, and then bring in the sub just the slightest amount necessary, so that it's only noticed if it's suddenly turned off.

Naturally , phase, cut-off freq., and x-over slope must be properly adjusted to match the mains as well as the room.

The Depth also provides a second set of line level ins and outs to be driven by the LFE (low frequency effects) ouputs of a (separate) 5.1 processor. These inputs are signal sensing and mute the "regular" 2-channel inputs when you are playing surround material through a processor.
Post removed 
nsgarch's avatar
nsgarch
2,524 posts
 
Bob, (you mean the built in high pass filter, don't you?) Anyway I run a 24' pair of SE Straightwire Maestros to my Depth, and it's as quiet as a chair. The Descent has XLRs, as I'm sure you know. I just happen to like the speed of the Depth.

From the Depth to my main power amp is only a meter, so that piece of IC wouldn't cost much more, if I wanted to do it that way, which I don't -- I have another 24' pair of Purist XLRs going to the main amp, since I run the CLSs full range anyway.

I thought Ken Kreisels article was interesting, especially the part about one sub for all bass being preferable in a control room environment. BTW, that nifty "MK" logo? Designed for them by yours truly about forty years ago!
Post removed 
drseid
201 posts
 
ACI makes extremely good subs. My ACI Titan meshed very well for music listening using my Taylo Reference Monitors when they were used as my mains. It has a lot of flexability and the ACI driver is quite good.

I confess I also am a fan of the ML subs too... I like both.

---Dave
nicksgem10s OP
98 posts
 
I am still researching my options and really appreciate all the help regarding the choices for my situation. I really don't know what would be the best way of connecting the sub as the last time I owned a sub I was using a big home theater receiver as my pre/pro. I am currently using the new Superphon Revelation III preamp which I love. It does have two sets of main outputs (rca). I hope to make a decision soon.
Post removed 
bc1
4 posts
 
Can any of you with direct experience with the Martin Logan high pass filter on the Depth or Grotto comment on the quality of that filter. Will it degrade the sound any?
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