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

@ricred1 at almost $13K a pop you better prefer them to the measly priced SVS 16 Ultras :-)

@rauliruegas thank you!

It's what I prefer, but it certainly doesn't mean they're for everyone. In my opinion it has nothing to do with price, but what I value. Everything impacts a system and in my particular case, purchasing REL No. 32 subwoofers and a Antipodes Oladra music server has been two of the best decisions I've made for my system. I submit SVS and RELs impact systems differently. 

 

I have been following this thread to read how different opinions can be.

Stat users are either in the ML camp or "other"- Soundlab, vintage Quad or whatever. 

Your 13A's to my ears can sound very impressive with basic placement according to room allowance.- living space or dedicated.

If it's NOT dedicated, then you accept what you have and enjoy.

That's including bass response.  As audphile1 mentioned- those things need to be pushed out into the room. If space allowed doing 1/3 of room or Cardas might be ear pleasing.

Sub or subs will always  make the experience more enjoyable.

It doesn't need to be so technical as implied here.

Just my thoughts. I use ML's previous generation, bottom of the "premier" line Theos-passive woofers. They are supported by 2 ancient REL's but alone deliver listeanable performance thanks to placement and SOURCES.

I can just dream for know about  some giant Soundlabs and a swarm of REL No 32's.

@ricred1 Enjoy!

@tablejockey

I can just dream for know about some giant Soundlabs and a swarm of REL No 32’s.

LOL, me too! Thank you and @audphile1 for the commonsense advice. I will follow through with that next listening (playtime) session!