Sub suggestions

ocoro02 · Post by **ocoro02** » 2012-04-18 20:34

I'm thinking of getting a sub to complement my Linn mk1 212s. Rest of my system is Renew DS, Kikkin, Tundra.
I started off looking at the Linn 226 sub which seems like the default choice. The snag is I'm a little pushed for space and the 226 is at the maximum limit in terms of dimensions & it's also pretty pricey. I've read interesting threads a while back on here regarding REL subs, but their ranges seem to have changed a lot since then, and they're also all pretty large! The R218 looks a good fit but would it do my system justice I wonder? I'm really just looking for ideas. It could be that a different bookshelf speaker would fit the bill (I can only fit bookshelfs) better but I'm pretty happy with the 212s - except for the lack of bass!

I generally play ancient rock/acoustic music - I'm not looking in terms of electronic music with super deep sub-bass, just something to enhance the 212s.

ledcam · Post by **ledcam** » 2012-05-15 14:18

If space is at a premium you could try the B&W P1 - it's roundish in shape and quite small. It also has quite a kick! REL made some fine subs but as you say things have changed a lot over the years. I have no experience of the current models. I did have a Storm and loved it.

I have never heard a Linn sub I liked. Some time ago we auditioned - I think it was the 221 - could be wrong about the number - anyway we were severely disappointed. We like both movies and music and so were looking for something with a bit of clout - klout? Anyway we settled on the B&W ASW 825 - no longer in production I think - it was for use in a large room so space was not a constraint.

Probably wise to audition in your system if you can. Whatever you go for it needs to blend seamlessly with your main speakers or else you will be very aware of where it's sitting and it won't be enjoyable - just lumpy.

rowlandhills · Post by **rowlandhills** » 2012-05-15 15:30

ledcam wrote:If space is at a premium you could try the B&W P1 - it's roundish in shape and quite small. It also has quite a kick!

Did you mean the PV1? I don't seem to be able to find a sub called the P1.

ledcam · Post by **ledcam** » 2012-05-16 10:01

The B&W site now refers to the PV1D. Seems to have been upgraded.

hcl · Post by **hcl** » 2012-05-17 10:35

ledcam wrote:If space is at a premium you could try the B&W P1 - it's roundish in shape and quite small. It also has quite a kick! REL made some fine subs but as you say things have changed a lot over the years. I have no experience of the current models. I did have a Storm and loved it.

I have never heard a Linn sub I liked. Some time ago we auditioned - I think it was the 221 - could be wrong about the number - anyway we were severely disappointed. We like both movies and music and so were looking for something with a bit of clout - klout? Anyway we settled on the B&W ASW 825 - no longer in production I think - it was for use in a large room so space was not a constraint.

Probably wise to audition in your system if you can. Whatever you go for it needs to blend seamlessly with your main speakers or else you will be very aware of where it's sitting and it won't be enjoyable - just lumpy.

Funny, the only subs I have found usable for music is the Linn subs (I have not tried REL [and numerous others...] at home though). The 221 is not for high levels and certainly not for very large spaces (the power limitations can be handled by limiting the lower on of the frequency response, which can work very well for music). It is a very good for music though. The 226 is both better and more powerful though not for very high SPL:s in large rooms. The 345 is even better in all aspects, but takes up more space (and cash).