I don't believe in absolutes in audio, but I'll provide my opinion. If you don't have room treatment, that's where I recommend you start. I've owned HSU, Martin Logan Depth i, SVS 15&16 Ultra, JL Audio F110 v2 with the JL Audio CR-1, JL Audio F112 v2, and now I have dual REL Carbon limited subwoofers. For HT I prefer JL Audio. For 2-channel I think REL provides different shades of bass that the other subs didn't. In my system REL has the greatest impact on the overall sound, improving everything across the audio spectrum.
Subwoofer Question
With the help of many in this community I have put together a two channel system I am very happy with. I am a proponent of both vinyl and streaming so the setup is as follows:
Plinius Hiato Integrated Amp
Dynaudio Contour S 3.4LE speakers
Martin Logan Balance Force 210 sub
Dr. Feickert Volare turntable with Jelco tonearm and Lyra Delos MC cartridge
Innuos Zenith server
Lumin T2 streamer/dac
Bryston CD player (don’t use much)
Analysis plus copper speaker cable and interconnects
The ML sub was something I bought to augment a pair of Magnepan 1.6 speakers before I revamped everything. Quite frankly I didn’t know what I was doing; the thing is huge, difficult to position and I’m not sure I’m getting the bang for my buck. It gives a boom for sure but is a bit muddy and I don’t have a lot of good positioning options. It just feels like it is too much and not a fit with everything else. My listening room is fairly small and I sit about 10-12 feet away from the speakers. Because this hobby induces a never ending need to upgrade/tweak I have been thinking about replacing the ML with two smaller subs such as the REL T/7i’s or T/9i. I do like bass so I feel I need/want a sub. In my research I also keep reading that subs make the midrange sound better if you have the right setup.
Am I crazy? Would very much appreciate thoughts and opinions.
thanks
Plinius Hiato Integrated Amp
Dynaudio Contour S 3.4LE speakers
Martin Logan Balance Force 210 sub
Dr. Feickert Volare turntable with Jelco tonearm and Lyra Delos MC cartridge
Innuos Zenith server
Lumin T2 streamer/dac
Bryston CD player (don’t use much)
Analysis plus copper speaker cable and interconnects
The ML sub was something I bought to augment a pair of Magnepan 1.6 speakers before I revamped everything. Quite frankly I didn’t know what I was doing; the thing is huge, difficult to position and I’m not sure I’m getting the bang for my buck. It gives a boom for sure but is a bit muddy and I don’t have a lot of good positioning options. It just feels like it is too much and not a fit with everything else. My listening room is fairly small and I sit about 10-12 feet away from the speakers. Because this hobby induces a never ending need to upgrade/tweak I have been thinking about replacing the ML with two smaller subs such as the REL T/7i’s or T/9i. I do like bass so I feel I need/want a sub. In my research I also keep reading that subs make the midrange sound better if you have the right setup.
Am I crazy? Would very much appreciate thoughts and opinions.
thanks