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Subwoofer suggestions for budget system?

My current setup is a pair of Magnepan 1.6 speakers, a pair of Schiit Vidars, Schiit Sol turntable w/Goldring E3 cartridge (I have a VAS-rebuilt Denon DL-103 with Ebony shell and microridge stylus when I can get someone to come set it up for me), Mani 2 phono stage, Asgard 3 headphone amp acting as preamp, Schiit SYS as source selector, Modi 3+ connected to Volumio for streaming digital and an Orchard Audio RCA-to-XLR converter to drive the Vidars in monoblock mode.

I'd like to add a subwoofer to the mix that can keep bass out of the Maggies.  I'd, of course, prefer a dipole sub to go with the dipole speakers, but not terribly picky ATM.  My budget is around $200 to $300 for now.  I have been very tempted to build a pair of my own subs, but that's not in my budget right now.

Suggestions?

technotoad
panzrwagn's avatar
panzrwagn
449 posts
 

Keeping the bass out of the Maggies requires a subwoofer with a low-level high-pass filter that can be set to 60Hz. In turn, that requires line level cables to the sub and back to your power amp, adding complexity and expense to your system, as well as limiting subwoofer placement. The SVS 3000 Micro is the least expensive subwoofer that I am aware of that would complement your 1.6s and has adequate bass management. 

jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
900 posts
 

 

technotoad OP
13 posts
 

Lots to think on, lots to consider.  I appreciate everyone's input!

brummgon
5 posts
 

I owned the Magnepans .7 and bass supported these with two RELs Quake MKII. Even these 'little' Maggies needed just a hint of extra bass from these subs, They  have a decent set of controls to set them up to taste. This combination really sounded great for me. Of course this also depends on the kind of music you listen to. I'd start with one (second hand) REL and later, after some saving, when your budget allows it again, buy the second one. I'm quite shure you won't be disappointed. I wish you luck in choosing!

 

hilde45's avatar
hilde45
4,814 posts
 

$200-300 is pretty low. Subs are heavy to ship. If this was me, I'd search US AudioMart using my zip code and a 100 mile radius to see who nearby wanted to sell a subwoofer; then, assuming it looked ok as a deal, I'd arrange a local pickup. This strategy avoids the costs and risks of shipping and maximizes the value. 

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