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Subwoofers for Martin Logan CLX's

A good friend has Martin Logan CLX’s He is looking for new Subwoofers currently runs top model REL’s but they are getting older (10 years+) now and he has the desire to upgrade. Current REL prices have gone up quite a bit for what he wants. I think he said they went from $9k to $14k each for the model they recommend for the speakers/room size. He needs two but is having issue buying due to the current pricing/tariff’s etc increases (about 35% here in Canada). He’s also considering the new, yet to be released, Logan Subs. But they have not given details on when they maybe available.

I told him I’d ask you fine folks what top model sub’s are now out there that would be a good match to the CLX’s. Noting he’s not interested in lower end models. His system is in the $300k range so matching gear is top quality.  He is not looking at the largest Rel’s I think he’s considering the ones just below for size reasons, he’s in a smaller room, 16’ x 18’ I believe but it’s a dedicated and treated room.

Any suggestions for subs, lets say in the $8k-$20k price range?

glennewdick
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,441 posts
 

Let your friend buy whatever RELs he wants.  I'm not sure why he thinks the latest models are a sonic upgrade.  He might also consider stacking 3 or 4 RELs to a channel if he really wants to take it to the next level.

soix
11,250 posts
 

Sounds like he’s already made up his mind, but if it’s me I’d strongly consider four of their S Series subs in a swarm over two Reference Series subs for about the same price.  Four really good subs will outperform two excellent subs in room IMHO because physics is physics (read foremost sub expert Todd Welti’s research for more info on why).  He won’t do it but just wanted to throw it out there FWIW.

glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick OP
1,987 posts
 

Sory I think I may not have been clear.

Soix:  The swarm idea is actual an option and not a bad one considering his room size and system issues, i.e bass room nodes.

I was referring to the Janis suggestion of a 15 year old sub, as good as they maybe I’d never convince him its an option but thanks for the suggestion.

I do know he’s looking at subs out of the EU can’t recall the name, but they feature a dual driver slot loaded configuration.  They are twice the price of the REL’s though.

norfish's avatar
norfish
81 posts
 

I have been using two Rel Carbon Special with my CLXs with very good results. They took awhile to dial in correctly.  Once placed correctly in corners, the other parameters were not difficult to obtain.  My room is about 19 x 18 feet with sloped ceiling from 9 feet to 16 feet.  I have 10 tube traps in room.  Also built with ASC specified walls.  Love the CLXs!  

bjg's avatar
bjg
33 posts
 

I had CLX for about 8 years - I used a pair of ML Descent I subs with the CLX boards in the low pass section.  They worked really well - 3 servo controlled 8 inch drivers in ea and they were very fast - 

I still have them and I use them with PMC MB2SE and they work well for them as well as a pair of magnepan LRS+ that I move in and out ( because I missed my CLX).  

They stopped making these about 2015 - but if you can find a pair - I can highly recommend them - although they’re pretty big   
 

 

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