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!

 

 

 

128x128navyachts

I just saw your Virtual System, those are awesome looking speakers in a beautiful space. I can imagine their sound, and suspect you are chasing something you don’t really need as audiophile1 implied, or said, not needed for him.

I mentioned my friend. He listens here, thinks he might need a sub. I agree he needed a sub in his prior space, however, we listen in his new smaller dedicated listening space, and I love his system, and always advise that he has enough bass, he could lose what is wonderful now.

His current space, I would first try a pair of reasonably sized stereo subs, pair of 8’s, 10’s? he is still thinking single monster driver. Years ago he built a table/sub with 18" woofer for the larger room, blew some amps, never got something he loved.

Send photo of your space to Martin Logan and KEF, that will help them help you.

m-db

Carver Amazing Loudspeakers 2

Adding more than a single woofer

Stereophile Review, I’m gonna read it now

A quick read revealed t was not a finished product when reviewed, an excerpt:

"Finally, I want to make it perfectly clear that, as of now, I do not recommend this speaker. If and when the design stabilizes, and I have a chance to evaluate a true production sample, then a final assessment can be rationally made. I consider it insane to spend any money on what has to be regarded, for now, as an evolving prototype."

I am extremely happy with my one ML BF 210 and my two CLXs.  Integration is important and ML gets you there easier with the custom crossovers you can download to the 210 and the PBK kit.  I previously had Kinergetics and Entecs.  The 210 is far superior.