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Subwoofer recommendations for this system?

I am in the process of seting up a new system:

Ah! Njoe Tjoeb 4000 CDP with all upgrades
Bottlehead Foreplay preamp
Wright Audio 2A3 monoblocks (3.5 watts)
Reimer McCullough speakers (+/-3db 42 to 20 khz, 94dB efficient)

Room size is 15x20 ft with a cathedral ceiling sloping from 10-18 ft, and opening into a very large and high hallway. I listen to many styles of music, but mostly jazz (both acoustic and electric). This room can quickly become "boomy" with too much volume or too much bass, but the Reimers alone do not provide enough low end.

I am looking for a very musical subwoofer that will fill in the lower octaves, and integrate seamlessly. There is no home theater requirement. Budget is $1000 max.

Thanks in advance
Jim
jdombrow
gunbei
2,327 posts
 
Yeah, I forgot about the ACI line of subwoofers like the Force, Titan and Titan II. Many people have compared them favorably to RELs and some of them actually will fit within your budget brand new.
sdcampbell
2,136 posts
 
Given the equipment you own, I'd surmise that reproducing the essence of the recorded music is a high priority for you. Hence, think about subwoofers that are noted for their musicality as well as their ability to cleanly reproduce the lower frequencies, and for their ability to integrate seamlessly with the rest of your system.

With those two criteria in mind, the Vandersteen 2Wq subwoofer should definitely be on your short list. Used units often sell here on Audiogon for $800-950.

You might want to do a search of Audiogon's archives to look at the many articles that have been posted about subowoofers, including the summaries of articles about subs taken from a number of audio mags. If you do so, you will note that 4-5 subwoofers consistently rank near the top, with the Vandy 2Wq being one of them.
tweak1
3,549 posts
 
We have similar rooms and satellite speak efficiencies (Ref 3A de CAPOS- 92 dB). I recently added a SV Sub PC-Plus. I am very happy $750.00. If you go that route, tell them Robert Hart of Audio Tweakers sent you. No commission, just brownie points
jdombrow OP
371 posts
 
Thanks to everyone for your suggestions. I called Rick Reimer (who built my speakers) to ask this same question, and he said he will build a subwoofer for me (tuned to match my speakers and using the same veneers for the cabinet). He does not advertise them on his website, but will custom build them for customers. And, his price was very reasonable!
tinynottwo451d
1 posts
 
I would want to know some details about any "custom" sub. Particularly the amplifier that will be used and what the warranty will be. Companies like REL and ACI use custom built, very high quality amplifiers that are extremely reliable. These would not be readily available. Many of the plate amps that are easily available are not particularly reliable or of very good sonic quality to begin with. Make sure you find out details of the amplifier used. I guess it just strikes me as odd that they don't advertise a sub but can just come up with one. It is entirely possible that they have a real good one available, I'd just want to know more specifics of amp- driver- tuning all that good stuff:)
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