Maybe try reducing crossover closer to 40Hz and see what that does at higher volumes? Sounds like you might be getting too much overlap between sub and speakers as volume increases. Just a thought, but I totally hear ya on the 3D imaging thing. It’s amazing what subs can do in that regard. Try turning it off in the middle of a song and watch how everything collapses. Crazy.
Subwoofer suggestions for budget system?
My current setup is a pair of Magnepan 1.6 speakers, a pair of Schiit Vidars, Schiit Sol turntable w/Goldring E3 cartridge (I have a VAS-rebuilt Denon DL-103 with Ebony shell and microridge stylus when I can get someone to come set it up for me), Mani 2 phono stage, Asgard 3 headphone amp acting as preamp, Schiit SYS as source selector, Modi 3+ connected to Volumio for streaming digital and an Orchard Audio RCA-to-XLR converter to drive the Vidars in monoblock mode.
I'd like to add a subwoofer to the mix that can keep bass out of the Maggies. I'd, of course, prefer a dipole sub to go with the dipole speakers, but not terribly picky ATM. My budget is around $200 to $300 for now. I have been very tempted to build a pair of my own subs, but that's not in my budget right now.
Suggestions?
Showing 9 responses by soix
@grislybutter Decent subs properly implemented can transform system performance not only by providing full-range bass but by also improving imaging and greatly expanding the soundstage and sense of space. Two decent subs will likely be better than one great sub as they can much better deal with room nodes and more evenly energize/pressurize the room. Also each sub will likely not need to work as hard as a single sub. Once you listen with two well-ingrated subs you won’t wanna listen without them anymore as the whole sonic experience collapses and becomes overall less involving without them. I recommend two SVS SB1000 Pro subs as they come with very helpful integration software, get down to an honest 20Hz, and only cost $1150 for two (or less if you buy from their Outlet) and offer a truly risk-free 45-day trial period (including return shipping) along with excellent customer support if needed. If they don’t completely transform your listening experience just return them. Just my thoughts/experience FWIW. |
@grislybutter When you say “terrible,” what specifically do you mean? It’s possible you’ve got the volume and/or crossover set too high and/or placed in a bad spot. Here’s a quick n easy guide to help at least get the sub’s settings properly dialed in. https://lifehacker.com/how-to-properly-set-your-subwoofers-volume-without-sh-1506136549 But before doing that I’d do the “sub crawl” method so you can to identify optimal placement areas for the sub in your room. Basically you place the sub on the listening chair where you’ll do your listening, put on a bass-heavy track, and then crawl around your room (so your ears are at the same level as the sub) and identify the place(s) where the bass sounds best (tightest,well-integrated/balanced, tuneful) and mark them with tape. Choose the spot that works best for you in the room and then calibrate the sub’s settings as per the instructions in the above link. If you do this and the sub still doesn’t sound good I’d be concerned there may be something wrong going on with the sub. Last, SVS has excellent customer support and I wouldn’t hesitate to call them if all else fails. Hope this helps — now, on your knees boy! |
@grislybutter Great! Did you get the crossover, volume and phase set properly? How does it sound now? |
Experiment with lowering the crossover and volume if things are getting unwieldy when you turn up the volume as that shouldn’t happen with proper setup. What Dynes do you have and where do you currently have the crossover set? You might also try placing the sub in one of the other places you found to be good for a sub while you were crawling around like a baby audiophile. Heh heh. Seriously though, nice work and you’re clearly benefitting significantly from all your efforts (and I’d think probably learning a lot too — always good). I think you’re now seeing why the SB1000 Pro is desireable with its integration app that you can use from your listening chair to make adjustments. That said, if you haven’t already it’d probably be a huge help to have someone else slowly adjust the crossover/volume/phase while you sit in the listening position. I could see that being pretty tough to do on your own. |
@grislybutter If I was you I’d search out a Rhythmic sub. I think, if using the techniques you used with the SVS, you might find what you’re looking for although maybe at a slightly higher price. Or even better yet, a used Vandersteen 2wq. That’d be your best bet. |
@grislybutter Yeah, unfortunately two subs solve a lot of issues, but I hope things at least sound better with the one sub. 🤞🤞🤞 Have you noticed improvements in imaging/soundstage along with deeper bass? |
@grislybutter Have you tried switching the phase on the sub to see if that yields any improvement? |