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User feedback on subs

While it’s not a path I want to go down, it turns out I need some subs for my cabin system. After trying lots of positions with little success, and after having discussions with people who’s experience and knowledge I respect, I’ve concluded it’s the only way for me to deal with some serious modes in an odd shaped room and to produce adequate bass in the large volume. Sigh.

Subs are relatively unfamiliar territory for me. Based on the conversations noted, I am leaning toward sealed subs - no ports/passive radiators -  to better blend with my main speakers. 

While I’m leaning toward REL #31s, also under consideration are Sonus Faber Gravis VI, Perlisten D series, and Martin Logan Balanced Force (now Depth?). All are subs I can get from dealers in my home state. The SF dealer also carries Paradigm but he hasn’t suggested any of those models - even their reference ones. While available at the same dealer who can provide Perlisten, I’ve ruled out JL Audio for reasons I’d rather not discuss here.

The SF have a high level connection very similar to REL - intuitively my preferred connection. SF and Perlisten (I’m unsure about ML) have an app which assists in setup though I’ve been reviewing enough setup routines that I “think” I’ll get better results with a manual process. 

The Perlistens are completely unfamiliar though appear well designed and solidly built. However, they do not have a high level connection which means I’d have to send my preamp feed to them and output from there to the amps. I have what I think is a very nice sounding preamp and I do not want to harm that purity. Perhaps my worry is misplaced. I have the same concern with the ML. 

All the subs under consideration can do what I need. But they are obviously not all equal. The REL is the easy (safe?) choice, though significantly more expensive than the others. The Gravis can be ordered to match the finish on my main speakers - not important, but nice to have. 

So - given the above, any user feedback on the subs I’m considering?  I welcome pros and cons.

Importantly, auditioning them in system is not possible as that location is a 4 hour drive each way from any of the dealers. So, I want to get it right. 

TIA

mgrif104
mgrif104 OP
574 posts
 

Thanks @deep_333 

I suspect the model might not reflect the actual behavior of the room given the 12/12 pitch of the ceiling which descends to a 30” knee wall, and which on one side has a 16’ shed dormer with a 4/12 pitch adding further volume.

I had looked into some modeling software to try to better understand the room but quickly gave up when I noted that the ones I looked at did not seem to be able to account for non-rectangular room geometry. Same with the room treatment companies.

I’m also limited in how far out I can pull my speakers because I’m limited in how far back I can put my listening chair - which is currently up against a railing that fences off the stairwell. That said, with subs, I should be able to try other configurations which might permit better integration. The speakers are currently positioned for the best balance of coherence and frequency response I’ve found without subs. I’ll get to do it all over again when I have the subs though I suspect my current configuration might still be least bad.

I designed the cabin for living and clearly missed (an understatement) on considering my listening space. It sure is peaceful though!

One thing I must note - there are many people on audiogon who are genuinely helpful and interested. My thanks to all of you.

mgrif104 OP
574 posts
 

@fastfreight 

I’m way up in the woods in northern WI. And, standing invitation to you if you’re ever out this way as well!

@soix 

I suspect you’re right on the pass through. For me, it’s an issue of “I don’t know what I don’t know”. However, plugging my preamp output into a sub and then connecting my amp to the back of the sub can often involve a HP filter, EQ settings (even if not used) and/or poor quality connections and wiring in addition to the extra interconnects involved. Even well implemented and as pass through only, there is potential for signal degradation. Whether or not it’s audible is certainly a reasonable question I don’t have the answer to yet. 

Best,

soix
11,253 posts
 

plugging my preamp output into a sub and then connecting my amp to the back of the sub can often involve a HP filter, EQ settings (even if not used) and/or poor quality connections and wiring in addition to the extra interconnects involved. Even well implemented and as pass through only, there is potential for signal degradation. 

Why would you connect your amp to the sub at all?  The only connection needed if you run your speakers full range is the preamp out to the sub and there’s no need for the sub’s processing to be involved with your signal at all. 

mgrif104 OP
574 posts
 

@soix 

My apologies, but I’m not understanding how I could do what you’re suggesting with only one preamp out. How could I get a feed to my amps without using a pass through connection? I suppose I could use the recorder out, though that’s single ended only. 

It’s never been suggested to me to split with a y adapter either. May I ask you to be a bit more specific on how you’re recommending I do this?

Thanks,

soix
11,253 posts
 

I thought your preamp has two preamp outs — one balanced and one RCA.  No?

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