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Best subwoofer under $1,500 for Magnepan 3.6R

I know that this topic has been covered here in depth over the years and I've already gone back and read those threads in the archives some of which are quite old.

I'm looking to add a powered subwoofer to my Magnepan 3.6R speaker set up which is used primarily for playing 2-channel and 5.1-channel acoutsic Jazz and electric Rock (Rush, Pink Floyd etc...) I use a pair of Magnepan MG MC1 speakers for the surround channels and an Magnepan CC3 center channel speaker. My room size is 19 feet by 12 feet in size.

I've read great things about REL, Velodyne etc.. but most of those are too expensive for my budget. I'm looking for a subwoofer that will work well with my all Magnepan speaker set up under $1,500 new or used.

I appreciate any and all advice that anyone is willing to offer.
southernphoenix
martykl
3,563 posts
 
My own view in matching subs to my Maggie MMGs is that a sub controller is very helpful in achieving seamless integration (I use the Velodyne SMS-1) and probably more important than the choice of sub itself. Duke's observations re: smooth response and multiple subs comport with my own experience. So, I'd go the multi-sub route and use an RTRA (Velo, Audyssey, SVS, etc) to - at least- optimize the hand-off.

Using this type of device I got great results both with a pair of Velo SPLR 8s and with a pair of Rythmik 12s. Note: The Rythmiks are clearly much better performers, but both subs were satisfying in seamlessly extending the bottom end of the MMgs.

I also use the digital room correction feature in the SMS, which complicates the set-up. Not for everyone, but I get great results.
jwpstayman
279 posts
 
Hello Southern - I owned two of the Revel B12 subs and replaced them both with a Rythmik F15 sub and it was one of the best choices that I have made. The F15 made the Revels sound broken by comparison and was easy to dial in and fit perfectly with the 3.6's. YMMV, but you might want to look into them. http://www.rythmikaudio.com/F15.html
don_c55
823 posts
 
NONE! Properly setup, the 3.6 reaches down to 30 Hz.

No subwoofer mates coherently with panel speakers.

The flat reproduction of frequencies below 30 Hz is ALWAYS problematic with room interaction and standing waves.

There is very little musical info below 30Hz except for synthetic electronic and some organ music.

After all, the lowest note on a Fender bass is 40 Hz.

Save your money!
russe41
92 posts
 
I've heard nothing but good things about Hsu research subs.
Sold factory direct I believe.
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-15h.html
Also paradigm are pretty good but may cost a little more for ones that will reach deep down.
I use velodyne F1200r and love it, if you can find one in good shape,pull the trigger.
jallen
502 posts
 
The 3.6 will be even better with a James EMB 1000 in a small room, the EMB1500 in a mid-sized room, and the EMB 1500 in a large room. They do add to the 3.6 which may go down to 30hz, but it is probably rolled off 10dB. They sub crossed over at 40hz just gives a bit more weight and authority, and the Maggie can handle the midbass. Try it with an external Xover like the Marchand XM44 or 26. I tried the JL audio JL Audio subs too, and for the money, I preferred the James. The Jl are great, but pricey. I also tried the Mirage BPs400, a bit more suited for home theatre, and a little bit slow, tried Velodyne, too fat sounding and slow. They are reasonably priced too. I used it for music exclusively. Jallen
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