Subwoofer for Harbeth M30?

Hi Chazzbo, Thanks for the advice. I guess that this is going to require some playing around, isn't it?

Hi Kensetsu, I saw your same question on another thread--it is the last comment on the "Harbeth M30" thread I responded to that as well. I basically had the same question you had about 5 months ago. I know you are asking about the M30. I have the C7 es3s. I am on a budget so when it came to choosing between the two I went with the C7s and by no means did I ever feel I had to settle, both are excellent speakers. I wanted to add a sub; even though some think it heretical or difficult to do, I wanted to see if it would work. I auditioned some RELs and Velodyns but my budget minded self had to find a better fit for the wallet. I eventually went with an HSU sub (Vtf 2 Mk III). This sub, IMHO, competes with some of the more pricey competitors and can playback all the way down to 16Hz, and does it well. It took me some time and lots of patience to get the speakers and sub integrated and balanced but I finally got it right. I had to play A LOT with positioning as well as tweaking the volume and crossover. Using the speaker level inputs, I finally ended up placing crossover at around 46Hz and the volume at around 1 (lower than I thought I would need). I really like what I am hearing and enjoy it immensely. I listen to a lot of classical music; large and small ensemble. Even with my classic rock collection I was able to find a good balance. And the cool thing is I don’t have to change the volume or crossover for each genre of music. The soundstage really opens up and the music has a more firm foundation. And those bass drum hits really sound realistic. The lower limits to the M30 are just a tad above the C7 and I believe it is possible to get a great result with lots of experimentation and patience with the M30 and a sub. I really wanted to get a REL but the HSU is doing the job wonderfully. Half the fun in this new hobby I’ve found is the playin’ around and tweaking. Have fun and good luck!

I just hooked up an Essex sub this afternoon for use with my Harbeth M30's. I haven't figured out how to get it integrated with the M30's yet, but I'm having fun trying. It clearly will add something. As Uomaragno says, however, it will clearly take some listening and tweaking. I agree with Uomaragno that it will add positive things to the bottom part of the soundstage, based upon what I am hearing. (I, too, listen to a lot of classical music.)

Thanks guys. Actually, I'll be receiving the M30s next week. I'm really looking forward to hearing this Harbeth midrange magic that everyone's talking about, but after the magic has worn off a bit, I will be looking for some bottom extension.... not a lot. Just enought to add a little more weight to the music. I look forward to hearing more from any Harbeth owner that has the time to share there experience in this area. Thanks!

Hello Kensetsu, I have the 30's as well. I think you will really like them. They are very resolving, but set up properly, they sound well balanced, clean, and neutral. In my room placement was critical though. I would suggest finding the best location for mid-bass and then add a sub if you feel the need for deep bass. I borrowed a REL-R series sub for a weekend and it blended well and did sound better to me. I'm now looking to purchase a sub too.

Options I've considered are the REL B2, Martin Logan Depth i, Grotto i, or ACI Force XL for a lot less money than the others. Im not sure how it compares with the others however. If anyone has compared the ACI to any of the above, please share your impressions.