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Using small stereo speakers with a subwoofer

For over 25 years I've used panel speakers including Acoustat, Magnepan and Martin Logan. I bought the Martin Logan Odysseys in about 2005 and have been very happy with them for stereo as well as HT (I haven't done surround sound now for about 10 years). As a side note, my preference for the music that I most listen to, has been the ribbons but, for me, it seems that the ESL's are more versatile. Also, I'm not saying that panels are the best choice for everyone; it's just what I've become accustomed to.

That being the history, I find myself in the position of trying to find a replacement speaker setup using stand or bookshelf speakers augmented with a subwoofer. I've tried something like this before and wasn't satisfied with the sound so need some input.

I have a Vandersteen sub which I can put back into service but the way it's designed allows for phase adjustment but no choice in crossover frequency. I don't really understand this concept but never really paid any attention to it when I was using larger front speakers. I'm considering trying the NHT 2.0 bookshelves primarily because they're inexpensive and I've read good reviews about them. This is a very small speaker which NHT advises using their sub with for those who are bass conscious.

So, here are the concerns; without the sub I can't imagine that these tiny speakers are capable of reproducing enough bass even for solo guitar music. That being the case, I assume that the sub they sell for use with the 2.0 will blend well because the crossover point and slope are specifically made to accompany this speaker pair, but can the Vandersteen be made to accomplish the approximate same thing? Also, am I spinning my wheels starting with the NHT's in the first place.
broadstone

Showing 2 responses by johnnyb53

johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
Which Vandersteen sub, and how old? There have been so many advances in powered sub technology that--if the Vandy lacks certain features--it may hold you back from putting together a good sat/sub system.

At the risk of being impertinent, why are you ditching panels in the first place? Have you heard the X.7 generation of Magnepans? I can't believe how stupid good my new 1.7s are for $2K, and the 3.7's (and upcoming 3.7i's) are reputed to be that much better.

A sat/sub system that really caught my attention (and held it throughout the demo) was a pair of B&W PM1s mated to their PV1D subwoofer. They used Classe electronics which high-passed the signal to the PM1s, expanding their dynamic range.
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
Ivan, here's a suggestion from someone who tends to write lengthy posts (me) who's learning to rein it in a bit:

Draw a line between recommendations or reviews based on personal experience vs. suggestions based on what you've read about or heard about. If it's a suggestion without experience, simply mention it as a possibility with a link or two to the relevant information and leave it at that. Maybe even add a disclaimer at the end that you have no connection with the vendor.
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