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Pairing Magicos with a sub

I found lots of discussion around subwoofers, but in most of rhe cases they are about pairing a sub with speakers with limited bass extension. I am curious does anyone have experience pairing Magico S5 or similar speakers, which go quite low, with a sub(s). I have the S5 and I am wondering if I add a sub can I improve the dynamic when listening at low levels. Although the S5 is pure joy to listen at higher volume levels, often I feel to tired for this and prefer enjoying not very loud music. This is the only reason I started to think adding a sub. After some research my potential choice is the Rel G1 Mark II. 
I will appreciate your thoughts on this.
stibi

Showing 1 response by millercarbon

millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Right. Us humans don't hear all frequencies equally. We hardly hear low frequencies at all until they get fairly loud. Then when they do get loud we hear changes in bass volume even more than midrange. This phenomenon is represented graphically by Fletcher Munson curves  https://www.teachmeaudio.com/recording/sound-reproduction/fletcher-munson-curves/
What this means in practical terms is what Erik said you need a loudness control to turn up the bass so you can hear it at low levels.

Of course you are probably not gonna do that. What you might do instead is get a sub and adjust it with one level set high for when you listen at low volume, another marked for a lower level when you listen louder. Or just turn it off.
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