@4425
After reading this document at the the ARC website (http://www.audioresearch.com/ContentsFiles/The%20Thorny%20Math%20of%20Impedance(0).pdf) and doing the math, I realized that my REF6 was unable to properly drive both my Martin-Logan CLXs (from an ARC 150SE) and the M-L BalancedForce 210 subwoofer, when using the single-end inputs (10K input), as I was doing. I was a bit shocked, to be honest.
This was discussed with both M-L and ARC and it was determined that I would be fine using either the balanced inputs (30K input), or the high-level inputs from the ARC 150SE (20K input). I opted for the former, and purchased a set of Sub3 balanced XLR sub cables from Morrow Audio, to replace the Audioquest sub cables I was using. There seemed to be mild improvement, but it was not striking. Probably more to do with my piece of mind.
Either way, the M-L BF 210 is a spectacular subwoofer. The ability to match the crossover to the main speakers exactly for your room and listening position using the Perfect Bass Kit (PBK) that is making a custom filter for the bass to correct for room nodes and antinodes is just amazing. The runs up and down the neck of a stand-up or electric bass are clear and distinct, with each note at approximately the same volume. No "in and out" of the notes, or booming, that I have heard in every other system that actually has bass. To say this enhances listenability does not do justice to the improvement.
I am smitten, as you can tell.
Good luck on your search,
-jim
After reading this document at the the ARC website (http://www.audioresearch.com/ContentsFiles/The%20Thorny%20Math%20of%20Impedance(0).pdf) and doing the math, I realized that my REF6 was unable to properly drive both my Martin-Logan CLXs (from an ARC 150SE) and the M-L BalancedForce 210 subwoofer, when using the single-end inputs (10K input), as I was doing. I was a bit shocked, to be honest.
This was discussed with both M-L and ARC and it was determined that I would be fine using either the balanced inputs (30K input), or the high-level inputs from the ARC 150SE (20K input). I opted for the former, and purchased a set of Sub3 balanced XLR sub cables from Morrow Audio, to replace the Audioquest sub cables I was using. There seemed to be mild improvement, but it was not striking. Probably more to do with my piece of mind.
Either way, the M-L BF 210 is a spectacular subwoofer. The ability to match the crossover to the main speakers exactly for your room and listening position using the Perfect Bass Kit (PBK) that is making a custom filter for the bass to correct for room nodes and antinodes is just amazing. The runs up and down the neck of a stand-up or electric bass are clear and distinct, with each note at approximately the same volume. No "in and out" of the notes, or booming, that I have heard in every other system that actually has bass. To say this enhances listenability does not do justice to the improvement.
I am smitten, as you can tell.
Good luck on your search,
-jim