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I hear a lot on the use of subs with planar speakers like the Maggie 1.6 etc. One thing I have not seen much conversation on is how the speaker/sub arrangement is implemented. I visited a guy near me selling 3.6's hooked up to twin subs and he said he had custom speaker cables made for the 3.6 that had caps in line to provide a low pass filter so that the 3.6 would not go below lets say 40hz and anything below that would get passed on to the subs.
I don't hear this discussed in all the threads I have read on the 1.6 using subs.
Also, I would like to know what people are using for the outputs to the sub. I have an ARC SP9MKIII with only one main output. Do you need a preamp with two outputs or can you use a Y splitter? Do some run dual speaker wires into the subs high level inputs?
I would like to find the best implementation for the 1.6 using a Rel Strata iii.
Thanks, John
"The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him" Proverbs 18: 17
Follow Ups:
I use a XO built into my pre/pro which is a Sunfire TGP-5. It allows to crossover as low as 40hz which is what I use. I have a AR Sunfire powered 12" sub. Perhaps the Sunfire similarity helps as it sounds real nice and the volume is completely adjustable by a slider in the front which is kind of nice also.
I would advise that two subs are better than one - significantly. so much that if you pick a price point for one sub - you should halve it and buy two. This also symplifies wiring - the y cable betreen amp and preamp is usable. (no need to sub to mono.
Also I would recommend side wall positioning perhaps at the position the maggies "point" toward (in line with the plane - not perpendicular to the plane) on the wall. As for crossovers - it would be very good for the 1.6's to limit the bass excursion = a passive line level HP filter can be used. Also don't be afraid to raise the crossover point - as high as 80 to 100 Hz, It will reduce the distortion of the base panel significantly.
Another thing you will find useful is the ability to remote control the subwoofer level. The Velodynes have this options.
Three most important things in Audio reproduction: Keep the noise levels low, the power high and the room diffuse.
I set my maggys low point at 55hz and my subs come on at around 50hz.
otherwise I get a 10db bass bump at around 50hz.
This allows two things. For the few times I want to play loud I can with out any mylar slap and since I am only using a 50 watt tube amp to dive my maggy this is a lot easier on the amp.
So it goes.........
Ok, so how do you set your Maggies at 55hz? Do you have an active external XO?
"The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him" Proverbs 18: 17
Yes I am using a Marchand XM9 to separate the mains from the subs. And I wish am looking for something. The high pass on the XM9 is pretty bad sounding but managing the bass is more important in my room. The subs are barely noticeable just there to breath some life and richness into the room. Every once in a while I remove the XM9 and listen to the maggy's straight to hear the clarity and sweetness with out the opamp crap of the Marchand. I have tried a passive external but really do not know how to design one so everything I try does not seem to do much
So it goes.........
You may want to explore the Vandersteen 2Wq - best sub integration with my Maggie 1.6
The REL should come with a cable and connector that you hook to the outputs of your speakers. This is the high level connection. It is the best way to use REL subs. Send the full range signal to both your Maggies and your REL. I use an older REL Storm with MMGs and I have found that if I position the sub so that the center of the down firing driver of the sub is inline with the plane of the panel the results are very good. You will have to experiment though to find what sounds best in your room. Maggies and REL subs are capable of the best sound out there.
(Worshiping at the Universal Music Altar)
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