Old full range speaker as new subwoofer


I listen to music at a desk with the desk speakers set 5 feet apart. The speakers are Linn Kans (70Hz - 20kHz. +/-3dB). I want more bass and have considered installing a large, very long throw speaker over my head -- infinite baffle would be my attic. But I had another thought and wondered what the forum would think of it.

I have a vintage pair of McIntosh MLC1s which still sound good but are too big and bulky to set up in my preferred nearfield listening space. Each speaker has four drivers one of which is a 12" woofer (Fs=24.6Hz). Roger Russell, the designer, set the crossover for that woofer at 250Hz.

I can put the speakers under the desk in line with the desktops. But if I play them full range along with the desktops and even if I can get the balance right, I think localization and soundstage will be severely disturbed and not in a good way.

So what about using an active crossover (low pass) and separate amp to send the speakers only signals below say 100Hz. Anyone see problems?
ellen1910

Showing 1 response by ellen1910

@ Yogiboy -- But will your solution answer the question of whether the acoustic suspension basses-only speakers can be integrated with the desktop bass-reflex full range speakers.

Due to different ranges and sensitivities of the two different types of speakers it seems to me you'd need control of frequency range and slope roll-off plus control of volume to determine whether the 12" woofers can be made to play nice with the desktops.

@Timlub -- I prefer stereo subs and putting a matched pair together off used equipment sites is a hassle.