Subwoofers - Final Thoughts with Martin Logan ESL 13A


I’ve narrowed this down to 3 choices (I think) and was looking to see if anyone has had some experience with pairing these subs with ML ESLs? I can’t try and return because they are mostly secondhand purchases, so hoping to get it right the first time!

Force Cancelling subs have been highly recommended, so:

KEF KC92 (or KF92 older model) 2, 3 or possible 4 of these:

https://assets.kef.com/product-support/kc92-subwoofer/KC92_info_sheet_EN_V4_20240124.pdf

Martin Logan BalancedForced 210 - Maybe the best as they match up nicely, but I could probably only do one of these as they are HUGE. I have only one spot I could put one as far as the manual's recommendation goes. Martin Logan says these will cover 3000 sq. ft. My room is only 500 sq. ft. Two maybe overkill, but some say, "2 subs or no subs" Maybe I could put another addition on the house :-( 

https://www.martinlogan.com/en/product/balancedforce-210 - click on Specs/Lit

Lastly, The Swarm Subwoofer System - not sure how well this would work with my ESLs.

https://www.audiokinesis.com/the-swarm-subwoofer-system-1.html

Any advice would greatly be appreciated (as usual).

Thanks, and all the best of the season to you all!

 

 

 

navyachts

Showing 3 responses by big_greg

I have never understood the preoccupation with bass. For half a century we didn’t even have subs. When you listen to a live band do you experience the bass is missing? I just don’t get it. I have ML’s, and I have more bass than I need. This without a sub. End rant. 

You made the point precisely.  Not all home speakers are capable of reproducing bass the way you experience amplified instruments at a live show.  Most aren't.  Having multiple subwoofers gets you closer to recreating that experience and the visceral feel of a live kick drum or other deep bass notes.

@rauliruegas You seem confused. I didn’t say anything about how long subwoofers have been around, only that they enhance the listening experience. Sorry, no time to read all of the information you copied and pasted from Wikipedia. I’m sure it’s interesting, but not relevant to anything I said.

@rauliruegas your confusion deepens. Quoting / responding to a post is not the same as "supporting" it.