Planar Speaker Asylum

Welcome! Need support, you got it. Or share your ideas and experiences.

Return to Planar Speaker Asylum

Planar Speaker Asylum

Linkwitz Subwoofer for Quad ESL-57?

45.64.240.132

Tube747

Don't you think the Linkwitz LXsub4 work well with ESL-57 to fill the deep bass?
Linkwitz LXsub4 (Open in New Window)

Follow Ups:

RE: Linkwitz Subwoofer for Quad ESL-57? - quadquad 06:20:41 03/17/23 (0)
I built the full LX521 some years ago and after listening to ESL57s, I got convinced they surpass the LX521 in the midrange/treble. I did rebuild (using only the LR4 120Hz xover part) the Linkwitz active crossover and used it successfully with the combo LX521(sub4) + stacked ESL57s.

I can assure you the result is amazing, and the ESL57's sound so much better being offloaded with bass below 120 Hz. Yes I agree with the comments that ESL57-performance is subpar below 100 Hz and there are many advantages to divert high-energy bass to the LX521sub4. Many friends listening to the combo are surprised about not only about the super SQ but also the SPL levels that can be achieved.

The reason I say 120 Hz just to highlight it once more -- this is actually the LR4 crossover frequency used by Linkwitz himself.

Bottom line: Go ahead and build the bass part (as mentioned the SEAS speakers are available and the woodwork is reasonable straightforward. Recommend to stick with a LR4 crossover (avoiding pipe resonances from the LX521sub4).

Good luck!!
RE: Linkwitz Subwoofer for Quad ESL-57? - 6bq5 09:19:52 02/27/23 (0)
I would not use this -
unless I can change the XO frequency.

At the listed 60Hz, these will provide deep bass for the '57s, but you will still have the bloom at 90Hz, and a hole soon after....
If the XO could be set at 100Hz, you would be MUCH happier...
Happy Listening
RE: Linkwitz Subwoofer for Quad ESL-57? - triamp 02:31:08 02/27/23 (0)
I've found that DIY GR Research / Rythmik servo open baffle subs pair very well with panel speakers.
Science doesn't care what you believe.
RE: Linkwitz Subwoofer for Quad ESL-57? - Davey 15:30:34 02/25/23 (0)
That is the (expensive) commercial version.
The DIY version is, of course, much cheaper and very easy to implement by sourcing the Seas drivers and kits from a distributor in your area of the world.
Here in the USA, Madisound offers all the necessary equipment.
But there are myriad other dipole woofer schemes available other than Linkwitz version.
I first saw something akin to these back in about 1983. IIRC.
Dave.

Edits: 02/25/23
Electrostatic speakers (e.g. Magnepan) !! - 13th Duke of Wymbourne 14:57:54 02/25/23 (8)
How can we take this seriously after that faux pas :)
Linkwitz published his Phoenix DIY dipole sub many, many years ago and then morphed it into this for his final speaker design. 5400 Euros seems a lot - maybe a good price if they are active and with cross-over but it seems not from the description.
- RE: Electrostatic speakers (e.g. Magnepan) !! - Davey 11:22:46 02/26/23 (0)
  There was no morphing.
  The Phoenix/Audio-Artistry configuration is different from the later versions. A different set of trade-offs. Primarily regarding force cancellation.
  
  Dave.
- RE: Electrostatic speakers (e.g. Magnepan) !! - Tube747 08:18:11 02/26/23 (0)
  > > Linkwitz published his Phoenix DIY dipole sub many, many years ago and then morphed it into this for his final speaker design < <
  
  So it is no difference between the Phoenix sub and the bass section of LX521. However, their appearances look very different.
- RE: Electrostatic speakers (e.g. Magnepan) !! - Tube747 04:11:40 02/26/23 (5)
  The link is for you guys reference.
  
  I will build mine based on the LX521 manual. Mine would use Bamboo plywood instead of MDF or HDF.
  
  The only thing I concern whether the LX521 bass section good matched with Quad ESL-57 for 40Hz below 😊
  - RE: Electrostatic speakers (e.g. Magnepan) !! - josh358 10:10:06 02/26/23 (4)
    I think it should be fine, as long as you use a sharp XO like an LR4. I'm not even sure you need a dipole sub at that frequency -- it's below the modal range of most rooms (though a dipole sub has a major advantage when it comes to not disturbing your neighbors). If you use a steep crossover like an LR4 you should be OK, the radiation pattern will transition from dipole to cardoid to monopole. (All speculative, of course -- I haven't heard this combination.)
    
    Anyway, you could go with Linkwitz, a Ripole, or an H-frame like the GR Research. Smaller drivers sound better in the range above, but in the bottom octave, I don't think you'll hear a difference.
    - RE: Electrostatic speakers (e.g. Magnepan) !! - Tube747 12:41:09 02/26/23 (3)
      I have considered the Magnepan DWM, but its frequency response only down to 40Hz. If not, it would be very ideal.
      - RE: Electrostatic speakers (e.g. Magnepan) !! - josh358 18:54:46 02/26/23 (2)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Electrostatic speakers (e.g. Magnepan) !! posted by Tube747 on February 26, 2023 at 12:41:09
        
        Yep, it isn't a subwoofer, more a woofer that can be used with smaller Maggies like the Mini Maggies or the home theater speakers, or to improve bass with a planar like the 30.7 in a large room (as the room size increases, you need more diaphragm area). The new Maggie woofers should mate brilliantly with a Quad, but they're also woofers rather than subwoofers so if you're going to run the Quad down to 40 Hz they wouldn't serve a purpose.
        
        RE: Electrostatic speakers (e.g. Magnepan) !! - Tube747 10:42:57 02/27/23 (1)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Electrostatic speakers (e.g. Magnepan) !! posted by josh358 on February 26, 2023 at 18:54:46
        
        Now I understand. Rumour has it that a company called TBI made a subwoofer that is very low mass, and it should mate with the ESL perfectly.
        
        The Linkwitz LX521 bass section LXsub4) might be the one to go for, this is because I have listened to the LX521 Reference not long ago, the tone of the deep bass should track the ESL-57.
        
        Sadly, I cannot borrow the Linkwitz bass from the LX521 owner for trial :-(
        
        RE: Electrostatic speakers (e.g. Magnepan) !! - josh358 08:56:00 02/28/23 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Electrostatic speakers (e.g. Magnepan) !! posted by Tube747 on February 27, 2023 at 10:42:57
        
        I think it would be a good choice, though I saw someone complain once that the drivers in the LX-521 sound discontinuous. (To my frustration, I've never heard it myself.)

Post a Followup:

FAQ

Post a Message!

Forgot Password?

Moniker (Username):
Password (Optional):
	Remember my Moniker & Password (What's this?) Eat Me
E-Mail (Optional):
Subject:

Message:	(Posts are subject to Content Rules)

Optional Link URL:
Optional Link Title:
Optional Image URL:
Upload Image:
E-mail Replies:	Automagically notify you when someone responds.

To view your new posting or follow-up, click on the RELOAD or REFRESH button on your browser.

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

McShane Design