Sub to mate with ML Aeons - Suggestions Please

vc69
vc69 Posts: 2,500
edited April 2011 in Speakers
Hey guys,

I have a pair of ML Aeons in the living room at the moment. They belong to a friend of mine, so these will not be around in my rig forever. He and I have been thinking it might be nice to add a bit more bottom end. We are not looking for HT slam. We are interested in a musical and fast sub that will integrate well with the panels. The Aeons have 8 inch cones that supposedly go down to 40hz but I am skeptical. It will need to be self powered.

So far, the JL subs look interesting but neither of us have any experience with subs for a music only application. Budget is around $1k.

Any suggestions?
-Kevin
HT: Philips 52PFL7432D 52" LCD 1080p / Onkyo TX-SR 606 / Oppo BDP-83 SE / Comcast cable. (all HDMI)B&W 801 - Front, Polk CS350 LS - Center, Polk LS90 - Rear
2 Channel:
Oppo BDP-83 SE
Squeezebox Touch
Muscial Fidelity M1 DAC
VTL 2.5
McIntosh 2205 (refurbed)
B&W 801's
Transparent IC's
Post edited by vc69 on
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Comments

  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,019
    edited April 2011
    Rel subs are pretty musical. Stay away from the cheaper HT subs, those ML's need a quick,musical sub. Revel is my other favorite, can't speak much for the Epiks,SVS's of the world so maybe someone will chime in with an opinion.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • slk55amg
    slk55amg Posts: 305
    edited April 2011
    The polk Micropro 4000, is outstanding, and the piano black finish looks great.
    Emotiva XPA5, Sony ES 5300,: Lsi 15,s LSIC, Monitor 70,s, ( side surrounds) FXI 3,s, (rear surrounds)Micropro4000, Velodyne DEQ 10, Sony 55inchXBR 930D Sony BDP 790 Bedroom rig SonyES 3200 RTIA1,s CSIA4 FXI3,s polk PSW 10 SONY 34inch XBR960:cool:SONY BDP550
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  • dcmartinpc
    dcmartinpc Posts: 844
    edited April 2011
    The new Epik's are very nice with their sealed designs. Check out www.epiksubwoofers.com. I run 2 of their older ported designs in my home theater and I love them. Built like tanks and priced well to boot! I think a Single Empire would do the trick. $799

    Don
    Living Room: Adcom GFP-750 (Upgraded), Squeezebox Touch, Oppo BDP-83, Pioneer DV-79AVi, Parasound HCA-3500 (Upgraded), SDA SRS 2 P/B (Gimpod, Sonicaps, & Mills)

    Theater: Denon 4311ci, Oppo BDP-93, Parasound HCA-2205+HCA-2200II, Polk LSi9, LSiC, LSiFX, LSi7, Custom 18" TC Sounds sub with 2 18" PR, Sharp XV-Z12000, Pioneer Kuro KRP-500M (isf Enabled)

    Bedroom: HK AVR354, Pioneer DV-47a, Parasound HCA-1500a, Polk LSi9
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  • vc69
    vc69 Posts: 2,500
    edited April 2011
    Thanks Tony. I will look into the Rel.

    I should mention that I would most definitely prefer a sealed enclosure.
    -Kevin
    HT: Philips 52PFL7432D 52" LCD 1080p / Onkyo TX-SR 606 / Oppo BDP-83 SE / Comcast cable. (all HDMI)B&W 801 - Front, Polk CS350 LS - Center, Polk LS90 - Rear
    2 Channel:
    Oppo BDP-83 SE
    Squeezebox Touch
    Muscial Fidelity M1 DAC
    VTL 2.5
    McIntosh 2205 (refurbed)
    B&W 801's
    Transparent IC's
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  • aboroth00
    aboroth00 Posts: 1,106
    edited April 2011
    I tend to shy away from Epik and SVS when dealing with music. With my own experience with Epik's ported subs, they're not the most musical sub out there. The same goes for SVS. Those subs are heavily inclined toward an HT direction. I have no experience with the Empire so I can't really comment on it. I likewise do prefer a sealed design for music.

    If you're looking for control, tightness, and a sealed design, look at Rythmik's offerings or Seaton's offering. Servo subs have a great tightness to them.
    2Ch Tube Audio Convert
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  • polkfarmboy
    polkfarmboy Posts: 5,703
    edited April 2011
    Why not just buy a Martin logan dynamo 1000 12 inch sub for 1k
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  • vc69
    vc69 Posts: 2,500
    edited April 2011
    polkfarmboy wrote: »
    Why not just buy a Martin logan dynamo 1000 12 inch sub for 1k

    Looking at the ML subs, they are on the short list.
    -Kevin
    HT: Philips 52PFL7432D 52" LCD 1080p / Onkyo TX-SR 606 / Oppo BDP-83 SE / Comcast cable. (all HDMI)B&W 801 - Front, Polk CS350 LS - Center, Polk LS90 - Rear
    2 Channel:
    Oppo BDP-83 SE
    Squeezebox Touch
    Muscial Fidelity M1 DAC
    VTL 2.5
    McIntosh 2205 (refurbed)
    B&W 801's
    Transparent IC's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,093
    edited April 2011
    I'm biased...Velodyne. I couldn't ask for better than my twin SPL-1200R's.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • jinjuku
    jinjuku Posts: 1,523
    edited April 2011
    Look at the servo sub line up from Rythmik Audio. You want tight, fast, stop on a dime, musical. They imo one of the goto subs for music.
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  • jinjuku
    jinjuku Posts: 1,523
    edited April 2011
    pearsall001 wrote: »
    I'm biased...Velodyne. I couldn't ask for better than my twin SPL-1200R's.

    You can do better for the money.
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,093
    edited April 2011
    jinjuku wrote: »
    You can do better for the money.

    Your words of wisdom are are duly noted...now take a hike you putz.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • jayman_1975
    jayman_1975 Posts: 672
    edited April 2011
    Vandersteen 2wq or the V2w is pretty awesome too!
    Onkyo TX NR 5008 modified by The Upgrade Company
    Oppo BDP 93 modified by The Upgrade Company
    Arcam CD37
    Monitor Audio Gold GS 60
    Revolver Audio Music 5 towers.(surround)
    Vandersteen V2W
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  • jinjuku
    jinjuku Posts: 1,523
    edited April 2011
    pearsall001 wrote: »
    Your words of wisdom are are duly noted...now take a hike you putz.

    Sorry if the truth hurts. Now if you can get Velo at a great price then that changes things. Given outfits like SVS/HSU/Rhythmik/Funky Waves the Velo at their retail price points don't stand toe to toe.

    Feel free to have a conversation on the merits. I may be a putz but then again I'm not the one who took a reaming on some Velo's:wink:
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,093
    edited April 2011
    jinjuku wrote: »
    Sorry if the truth hurts. Now if you can get Velo at a great price then that changes things. Given outfits like SVS/HSU/Rhythmik/Funky Waves the Velo at their retail price points don't stand toe to toe.

    Feel free to have a conversation on the merits. I may be a putz but then again I'm not the one who took a reaming on some Velo's:wink:

    Man, this just keeps getting better! First off you don't have a clue what I paid for them (a close friend is a dealer :tongue:) Second, I've been down the road with SVS...thanks but no thanks. Third, your opinion is just that, an opinion. I'll stick with mine because that's the only one that matters.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • jinjuku
    jinjuku Posts: 1,523
    edited April 2011
    pearsall001 wrote: »
    Man, this just keeps getting better! First off you don't have a clue what I paid for them (a close friend is a dealer :tongue:) Second, I've been down the road with SVS...thanks but no thanks. Third, your opinion is just that, an opinion. I'll stick with mine because that's the only one that matters.

    I believe I qualified my statement. I said at their retail price points. Now if your buddy is willing to give the OP some Velo's at cost then we are talking about a different horse all together.

    Lets take the OP's main points:

    1. Budget of ~$1k
    2. Musical sub

    Lets compare the Velo Optimum 8 and the Rythmik Audio F15HP with 550WRMS H550PEQ amp.

    I have had a Velo DD12 and SVS PV13 Ultra in the same room for HT. IMO the SVS did better plus it was less expensive by a considerable margin.
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  • vc69
    vc69 Posts: 2,500
    edited April 2011
    I am not at all interested in an HT sub. They are a horse of a different color IMO.

    I am researching subs with fast, tight bass extension with a musical upper mid-bass and the ability to taylor the x-over for maximum integration with the Aeons. No offense the Velo/SVS crowd but they aren't even on the radar.

    Vandy sub is interesting, but I am a little wary. I am still looking for opinions/suggestions from anyone who has integrated a sub with panels. Maggies, MLs.... whatever.

    Thanks!
    -Kevin
    HT: Philips 52PFL7432D 52" LCD 1080p / Onkyo TX-SR 606 / Oppo BDP-83 SE / Comcast cable. (all HDMI)B&W 801 - Front, Polk CS350 LS - Center, Polk LS90 - Rear
    2 Channel:
    Oppo BDP-83 SE
    Squeezebox Touch
    Muscial Fidelity M1 DAC
    VTL 2.5
    McIntosh 2205 (refurbed)
    B&W 801's
    Transparent IC's
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited April 2011
    Another vote for Velo's SPL series subs. Very tight and musical.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • jinjuku
    jinjuku Posts: 1,523
    edited April 2011
    vc69 wrote: »
    I am not at all interested in an HT sub. They are a horse of a different color IMO.

    I am researching subs with fast, tight bass extension with a musical upper mid-bass and the ability to taylor the x-over for maximum integration with the Aeons. No offense the Velo/SVS crowd but they aren't even on the radar.

    Vandy sub is interesting, but I am a little wary. I am still looking for opinions/suggestions from anyone who has integrated a sub with panels. Maggies, MLs.... whatever.

    Thanks!

    I agree for what you listed I wouldn't look at SVS or Velo either. Not sure if you're resistant to Rythmik Audio or not but it would be a mistake to not put them into consideration. Given your budget you don't have all the options in the world available to you.

    Integrating a sub with ElectroStats is going to be pretty much the same with any other style of speaker. What are you worried about mainly?
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  • vc69
    vc69 Posts: 2,500
    edited April 2011
    A JL fathom is on it's way.

    http://home.jlaudio.com/products_subs.php?prod_id=374
    -Kevin
    HT: Philips 52PFL7432D 52" LCD 1080p / Onkyo TX-SR 606 / Oppo BDP-83 SE / Comcast cable. (all HDMI)B&W 801 - Front, Polk CS350 LS - Center, Polk LS90 - Rear
    2 Channel:
    Oppo BDP-83 SE
    Squeezebox Touch
    Muscial Fidelity M1 DAC
    VTL 2.5
    McIntosh 2205 (refurbed)
    B&W 801's
    Transparent IC's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jinjuku
    jinjuku Posts: 1,523
    edited April 2011
    vc69 wrote: »
    A JL fathom is on it's way.

    http://home.jlaudio.com/products_subs.php?prod_id=374

    Awesome. Did you find one used that fit your budget?
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited April 2011
    vc69 wrote: »
    A JL fathom is on it's way.

    http://home.jlaudio.com/products_subs.php?prod_id=374

    A friend of mine has a pair of F113's, they sound fantastic for music or HT.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • Hawkeye
    Hawkeye Posts: 1,313
    edited April 2011
    I've a pair of F112's I use with my Spires and your in for a treat!! There is a very good setup procedure in the owners manual and I'd suggest giving it a try. While JL can be used for HT, it really does shine with music only!!

    Gordon
    2 Channel -
    Martin Logan Spire, 2 JL Audio F112 subs
    McIntosh C1000 Controller with Tube pre amp, 2 MC501 amplifiers, MD1K Transport & DAC, MR-88 Tuner
    WireWorld Eclipse 6.0 speaker wire and jumpers, Eclipse 5^2 Squared Balanced IC's. Silver Eclipse PCs (5)
    Symposium Rollerblocks 2+ (16)Black Diamond Racing Mk 3 pits (8)
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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited April 2011
    vc69 wrote: »
    A JL fathom is on it's way.

    http://home.jlaudio.com/products_subs.php?prod_id=374

    And you found a JL sub in your 1K budget?
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  • Hawkeye
    Hawkeye Posts: 1,313
    edited April 2011
    If he did, someone call the cops! Somebody got robbed!:biggrin:

    Gordon
    2 Channel -
    Martin Logan Spire, 2 JL Audio F112 subs
    McIntosh C1000 Controller with Tube pre amp, 2 MC501 amplifiers, MD1K Transport & DAC, MR-88 Tuner
    WireWorld Eclipse 6.0 speaker wire and jumpers, Eclipse 5^2 Squared Balanced IC's. Silver Eclipse PCs (5)
    Symposium Rollerblocks 2+ (16)Black Diamond Racing Mk 3 pits (8)
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  • Ern Dog
    Ern Dog Posts: 2,237
    edited April 2011
    A Jl Audio Fathom F110 just sold on Audiogon for $900 last week.

    I don't think you will have any problems integrating a JL with your ML's. I added an Anti-mode 8033 to my Fathom and it further dialed it in.

    I think you'll be happy with the sub. Hard not to, it does a lot of things right.
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  • vc69
    vc69 Posts: 2,500
    edited April 2011
    leroyjr1 wrote: »
    And you found a JL sub in your 1K budget?

    No, unfortunately. It was a bit pricey but quite reasonable as JL subs go. My friend paid 1.3K shipped.

    Hawkeye, I may shoot you a PM after it arrives and I have had some time to play with it so as to compare notes.
    -Kevin
    HT: Philips 52PFL7432D 52" LCD 1080p / Onkyo TX-SR 606 / Oppo BDP-83 SE / Comcast cable. (all HDMI)B&W 801 - Front, Polk CS350 LS - Center, Polk LS90 - Rear
    2 Channel:
    Oppo BDP-83 SE
    Squeezebox Touch
    Muscial Fidelity M1 DAC
    VTL 2.5
    McIntosh 2205 (refurbed)
    B&W 801's
    Transparent IC's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jayman_1975
    jayman_1975 Posts: 672
    edited April 2011
    Im looking forward to your thoughts. I just recieved my Vanderboomer a few weeks ago and just finally got it set up and tuned. My rig has went to another level, im floored!
    Onkyo TX NR 5008 modified by The Upgrade Company
    Oppo BDP 93 modified by The Upgrade Company
    Arcam CD37
    Monitor Audio Gold GS 60
    Revolver Audio Music 5 towers.(surround)
    Vandersteen V2W
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  • Hawkeye
    Hawkeye Posts: 1,313
    edited April 2011
    vc69 wrote: »
    No, unfortunately. It was a bit pricey but quite reasonable as JL subs go. My friend paid 1.3K shipped.

    Hawkeye, I may shoot you a PM after it arrives and I have had some time to play with it so as to compare notes.

    Feel free!! I have a couple tweaks and possible suggestions for setup. The JL is quite versatile and small adjustments make big gains. Have fun and don't get frustrated :biggrin: I have MANY hours invested in setting mine up and perhaps I can help in a small way!!

    Gordon
    2 Channel -
    Martin Logan Spire, 2 JL Audio F112 subs
    McIntosh C1000 Controller with Tube pre amp, 2 MC501 amplifiers, MD1K Transport & DAC, MR-88 Tuner
    WireWorld Eclipse 6.0 speaker wire and jumpers, Eclipse 5^2 Squared Balanced IC's. Silver Eclipse PCs (5)
    Symposium Rollerblocks 2+ (16)Black Diamond Racing Mk 3 pits (8)
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  • Hawkeye
    Hawkeye Posts: 1,313
    edited April 2011
    jayman_1975 wrote: »
    Im looking forward to your thoughts. I just recieved my Vanderboomer a few weeks ago and just finally got it set up and tuned. My rig has went to another level, im floored!

    I considered the boomers with my 2CE's but my son claimed the speaks before I had the chance to incorporate them. I think it would have been a nice presentation. I wonder if I could get them back.....doubt it!!

    Gordon
    2 Channel -
    Martin Logan Spire, 2 JL Audio F112 subs
    McIntosh C1000 Controller with Tube pre amp, 2 MC501 amplifiers, MD1K Transport & DAC, MR-88 Tuner
    WireWorld Eclipse 6.0 speaker wire and jumpers, Eclipse 5^2 Squared Balanced IC's. Silver Eclipse PCs (5)
    Symposium Rollerblocks 2+ (16)Black Diamond Racing Mk 3 pits (8)
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  • jayman_1975
    jayman_1975 Posts: 672
    edited April 2011
    The Vandersteen 2wq doesnt last very long on the Gon and my V2W goes even quicker! I highly recommend grabbing one.
    Onkyo TX NR 5008 modified by The Upgrade Company
    Oppo BDP 93 modified by The Upgrade Company
    Arcam CD37
    Monitor Audio Gold GS 60
    Revolver Audio Music 5 towers.(surround)
    Vandersteen V2W
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