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 2 responses by johnnyb53

I heard a pair of 20.1s supplemented by a pair of JL Fathom f212 powered subs, each sitting right next to a 20.1 panel. This was at a high end shop's open house. I could not detect any discontinuity, discrepancy in speed, lumpy response, or any of the other pitfalls for blending subs. They extended the slam, extension, and room-filling abilities of the 20.1s about as much as you could hope for.

Since this was a balls-out demo with near unlimited funds, I'm sure you could get much of the same effect in a normal-sized domestic room from one or two of their Fathom f110.
06-02-09: Richlane
I would think two JL Audio f112's would be the right size for you in this particular setup, however I'm not saying that they will keep up with Maggies, actually nothing probably will, but at least they'll have a chance.
Yes they will keep up. Totally. And they'll blend and integrate well with the Maggies. The Maggies aren't the fastest panels out there. JLs have no problem keeping up.