[Jesuscookies]

I own a pair of Peter Gunn modified Magnestands. I have enjoyed them, as is, for years, but I am now looking to add subwoofers to the system. based on budget, I initially thought I would just get a pair of Rythmik E15's and call it a day. However, after talking with Brian and doing some research I believe the GR research paper cone subs may be a better fit for the detailed sound of the Maggies.

This has created another set of issues. The amount of subs possibly needed (and price associated), the potential size of the subs if I build custom, and finally, pissing off the wife.   

The room is in an open floor plan, it is 3600cf, with no easy way to seal it off from the rest of the first floor (kitchen, den, hallway, staircase)

Based on the speakers and what I am trying to accomplish how would you all suggest I go about filling this room with bass and what subs / types would you add to the room and system?

Would the pair of Rythmik E15's work? In other words could I expect detailed sound that matches the Maggie profiles.
Would I better off with a pair of F12G's even though this is not going to fully pressurize the room, maybe with the addition of 2 more when the pocket book allows, I.E a swarm.
Build a pair of dual opposing GR12's, and possibly add another pair down the road. This one has the least chance of making it past the wife. 

I know very little about the OB, and based on look am not sure this one will fly, but I did read some info on Danny suggesting a possible combination of 2 OB and 2 sealed. In the end I would probably go sealed with a MINIDSP to handle any room issues.   

Any help or suggestions are greatly appreciated. 


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[Jazzman53]

If you're happy with your Maggie's down to 100Hz, you might want to consider a pair of RiPol (dipolar) subs like mine.   There are commercial versions available, most notably from Modal Akustik in Germany ($3,500 each-- ouch$$$).  Or, if you're a DIY type, build a pair like mine shown below. 

If you're interested, PM me and I will send you my drawing, parts list and build tips at no charge. 

Here's a link to the RiPol sub build page on my website:  https://jazzman-esl-page.blogspot.com/2011/01/ripole-subs-are-underway.html

[WGH]

Open baffle subs work beautifully but placement will be an issue, I have always read that OB subs require significant space from walls to function properly due to their dipole radiation pattern, with a minimum of 3 feet recommended for best performance.

I haven't heard the Rythmik E15's. I would be concerned a 15" driver would not be fast enough with the Maggies.

I know from personal experience in two different systems that a REL subwoofer is definitely fast enough with Maggies, the sub literally disappears and music is seamless from the teens to the extremes.

The Music Room has a used REL Acoustics 212/SX Dual 12 for $3,299. I have bought items from TMR a few times, they are a A++ reseller, delivery is fast and packaging is bullet proof. A single 212/SX Dual would easily pressurize your room when called for. And it's not ugly.
https://tmraudio.com/fresh-arrivals/rel-acoustics-212-sx-dual-12-powered-subwoofer-piano-black-mkqo/



REL's John Hunter describes the REL Acoustics 212/SX Dual 12
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_E5__nt-3zU

[Huskerbryce]

The GR OB servos are a fantastic match to the maggies.  They are fast, musical and match the overall character of dipole sound you experience.  Although I dont own the E15, I have a DIY 15” rythmic sealed from back when they still offered custom kits and a dual opposed 15” rythmik sub.  I use the OBs for mostly music and during movie play back kick on the sealed rythmik subs.  I will say however, sometimes I run all the subs during music and it sounds great.  The sealed Rythmik 15s are pretty darn tight and fast.  My suggestion would be to get a combination of both.  However, this will set the budget back significantly and fill your room with a bunch of giant man boxes.  Most wives are not gonna be too happy.  I built custom grilles and had a fabricator cut granite tops to put on the top of the subs. They basically serve as end tables. 

[Jesuscookies]

A bunch of man boxes  That is an apt description.

Thanks for your input. This is what I was looking for. Someone who actually has both (or similar)

I have a pair of the FV15HP's in the den for tv/movies, and they are used exactly the same way, as end tables. I was thinking about something similar to what you mentioned below, dual opposed sealed GR12's and a custom box as Rythmik does not offer these anymore. So this would not be a bad way to go, just way more cash outlay than I had planned. But the option of adding a combination of styles is also intriguing. I had not really thought of that.

Brian also mentioned that the 15s would work, it is really more about what I am being told about GR's sound characteristics as opposed to the metal drivers, that seem to blend well with the maggies.

The GR OB servos are a fantastic match to the maggies.  They are fast, musical and match the overall character of dipole sound you experience.  Although I dont own the E15, I have a DIY 15” rythmic sealed from back when they still offered custom kits and a dual opposed 15” rythmik sub.  I use the OBs for mostly music and during movie play back kick on the sealed rythmik subs.  I will say however, sometimes I run all the subs during music and it sounds great.  The sealed Rythmik 15s are pretty darn tight and fast.  My suggestion would be to get a combination of both.  However, this will set the budget back significantly and fill your room with a bunch of giant man boxes.  Most wives are not gonna be too happy.  I built custom grilles and had a fabricator cut granite tops to put on the top of the subs. They basically serve as end tables.

[Huskerbryce]

Two triple threats flanking those maggies with a sealed gr dual opposed 12” sub in the back of the room would be amazing.  You will be shocked at what that would sound like once you dial it in.  In my opinion you would have one of, if not the most, musical diy subwoofer setup available to you.

[nlitworld]

I have heard the triple threats and the GR Sealed Sub. Given your room and kinda tight quarters to get speakers 3+ away from front wall, I'd suggest a pair of sealed and call it good for a start. Going a pair of subs will also help even out any room modes while keeping stereo separation at a maximum. My listening space is even smaller, and I went for a pair of Rythmik F8 (dual 8s) and they're amazing. Well worth selling my single F12G to help fund, plus better integration with higher hz xo point. Given your room and setup configuration, a pair of F12G built out from a kit and finished nicely would be a big win.

[Huskerbryce]

I have heard the triple threats and the GR Sealed Sub. Given your room and kinda tight quarters to get speakers 3+ away from front wall, I'd suggest a pair of sealed and call it good for a start. Going a pair of subs will also help even out any room modes while keeping stereo separation at a maximum. My listening space is even smaller, and I went for a pair of Rythmik F8 (dual 8s) and they're amazing. Well worth selling my single F12G to help fund, plus better integration with higher hz xo point. Given your room and setup configuration, a pair of F12G built out from a kit and finished nicely would be a big win.

Not to derail the thread but does Danny sell the 8” sub kits??  If so I would love to get my hands on that.  I have been wanting to modifly my NX-oticas and add 8” subs to them on the side and make them a stand alone full range speaker.

[nlitworld]

Maybe? I know Rich (HAL) built a set of OB 8" stacks a while back. Same issues apply for the 3" back boundary, but the cabinet would be slimmer at least. You'd probably leave off the 20hz performance that the regular triple threats can do in favor of a higher XO and size constraints.

[Early B.]

Two triple threats flanking those maggies with a sealed gr dual opposed 12” sub in the back of the room would be amazing.

This is the best advice for your room. The triple threats will likely be closer to the wall than you want, but they'll still sound superior to other options. No matter what you decide, your wife won't be happy, but don't let that deter you.