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Subwoofers for Magnepan 20.1s?

I used Granite Audio's Ultimate Low Bass CD and my 20.1s go to 25Hz at -10dB and my room is 16x26x10 (speakers approx 6ft from back wall and 3.5ft from side walls on ends). I can get -6dB in the 29-33dB range and then it is pretty flat with a slight drop in the 50-60Hz range. I am not a bass fanatic, but on some recordings, I wish I had some further lower bass extension without becoming unnatural sounding/boomy. I know HP likes Nola Thunderbolt subs with the 20.1s. Has anyone tried them or any others? Other system components: Pass X250.5 amp and Xono phonostage, Audio Research Ref 3 preamp and Ref 8 CD player, VPI superscoutmaster reference turntable/10.5 tonearm, Dynavector XV1S cart.
powerdoctor

Showing 4 responses by johnk

johnk's avatar
johnk
1,976 posts
 
Dukes Swarm is a good design. Martin Logan Descents work well,but you will need at least 2. Also KSC has a 31.5in driver in custom bass system which was designed with large loudspeakers like maggies in mind. Low excursion bass systems have far better transient responce over large excurtion floor corner reinforced subwoofer systems with all there many comprimises in design. The large driver only moves slightly so less detail is lost than hi-excurtion designs. Lots of detail in low bass most never experance this since they use conventional sub designs.
johnk's avatar
johnk
1,976 posts
 
Gladstone its the new Fostex fw800hs. My web masters cheap and I got what I paid for;) I asked for corection about a month ago should be changed soon. The older version is not designed for the cabinet I use more for inwall mounting.
johnk's avatar
johnk
1,976 posts
 
Marty, The Fostex fw800hs 31.5in woofer can be used up to 250hz with no issues. Which drivers are you referring to that you have experience with that can not be used around 100hz? Large drivers have many benefits if designed proper, great transient response,very hi-efficiency, massive cone area. But costly -large.
johnk's avatar
johnk
1,976 posts
 
Marty You confuse crossover cutoff with frequency range, [so sub is not locatable bass is non directional under 75hz] When running 1 sub best to run under 75hz or so. Otherwise you will hear where subs located. Also the driver you mentioned is a hi-excursion doughnut surround type, these need massive power and are only designed for sub bass use mostly for HT. Heck I have designs that use 12in woofers up to 1500hz and I'm not alone. Most 15in-18in up to around 1000hz, 12in 1500hz or so. 31.5in woofer 250hz is no big deal. I will not offer any doughnut hi-excursion design for they do not do proper justice to music. These designs need floor,corner boundary reinforcement,and massive power to generate bass. A 31.5in woofer does not. The doughnut drivers are jumping about when they produce bass frequencies the 31.5in has only 2.3mm xmass. It hardly moves allowing much detail and wonderful transient response a key to great sound with music. So no problems running large drivers in bass frequencies. This is what they where designed to do.
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