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Add a subwoofer to Focal Aria 906 bookshelf speakers ?

Rja4000

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Hi
I'd start from REL.net and check their configurator.
One can hardly be wrong with REL subwoofer, IMHO.
You may look at similar alternative later, for sure.
But you have a starting point.
 

maty

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DIY GR-Research subwoofers. Closed and opened.

* http://gr-research.com/diysubwooferkits.aspx

* http://www.rythmikaudio.com/GRci.html


Closed sub: http://gr-research.com/servosubkit2.aspx

Resized, clarified and optimized

GR-Research-Servo-Sub-kit-2.jpg


If you have no problems with aesthetics (usually the WAF), I would opt for open subs. First one with two drivers. And after a second sub.

The Servo Sub kit 4, Open sub.

* http://gr-research.com/servosubkit4.aspx


Problem: $$$
 
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maty

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index.php


Knowing that it really only goes up to 65 Hz at -3 dB it seems the most logical thing to add a subwoofer. Usually better with closed bass reflex.

Try boosting the low frequencies first with PEQ and moving the boxes closer to the back wall. You always have time to spend money.
 

dinglehoser

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If you can get the phase/time alignment right using positioning, you might be able to get away with running the Arias full range and setting an LR4 lowpass on the sub at around 50-55Hz. You won't benefit from improved IM distortion or power handling, but the integration should be OK - the Arias seem to have a typical vented alignment (24dB/oct LF rolloff, -3dB at 63Hz, -6dB at around 53Hz).
 

Aerith Gainsborough

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Try boosting the low frequencies first with PEQ and moving the boxes closer to the back wall. You always have time to spend money.
I have similarly small room like the OP 16,5m²), although I listen in the Nearfield.
Have been contenplating a sub ever since I got the Arias.
With Dirac I get a room corrected response down to 40Hz.

Considering that I generally listen at pretty low levels (~70dB C), the reduction in headroom due to EQ is not an issue.
I'm still wondering whether a subwoofer would be a useful addition to the system or not.
 

maty

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The key is the quality of the subwoofer and the kind of music you listen to.

Listen to the two open subwoofers (they need 3 ft to the walls) with a loudspeaker with rear bass-reflex. Very impresive the bass, at least in my second system. In live must be incredible!!!

 

Aerith Gainsborough

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The key is the quality of the subwoofer and the kind of music you listen to.
Yep, that's what makes this decision such a fight for me.
I am listening to orchestral music mostly. What I am missing is not so much bass amplitude but rather bass definition and extension (would like to go down to 30Hz).
Of course, comparing a speaker in an untreated room to a Focal Clear is pretty unreasonable of me to do.
Also, space is at a premium in my apartment. I have exactly one spot to put the sub: right next to my side. If that spot does not work -> game over.
 

QMuse

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Since the miniDSP won't have enough taps to do a FIR crossover with 96dB/octave slopes, I plan to do this, with 1 or 2 subs:

https://www.minidsp.com/applications/digital-crossovers/subwoofer-integration-with-minidsp

Did anyone try that?

I'm a bit worried about how it might ruin the phase though:

View attachment 51381

I'm not a speaker designer, but to adjust a phase to ensure correct summation at and around XO point I would expect it is best to apply samle XO slope to mains HP as you have with sub and his LP.
 
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maty

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Yep, that's what makes this decision such a fight for me.
I am listening to orchestral music mostly. What I am missing is not so much bass amplitude but rather bass definition and extension (would like to go down to 30Hz).
Of course, comparing a speaker in an untreated room to a Focal Clear is pretty unreasonable of me to do.
Also, space is at a premium in my apartment. I have exactly one spot to put the sub: right next to my side. If that spot does not work -> game over.

If you do not listen to electronic music or modern action movies I would focus on low frequency equalization. Then to minimize the vibrations of the Focal. Later, in retouching the crossover, especially the part of the tweeter.

Another option is a closed version of the subwoofer but with the same electronics, that is, with servo.

http://gr-research.com/diysubwooferkits.aspx

-> http://gr-research.com/servosubkit2.aspx
 

ernestcarl

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. I have exactly one spot to put the sub: right next to my side. If that spot does not work -> game over.

There is always the potential of sub localization (esp. if you only have room for one) even if you find a spot that just “works” measurement-wise — such an issue has annoyed the hell out of me for years until I just placed the sub between my speakers. Not the best place ergonomically, nor did I get the best frequency response there, but eliminating the maddening localization asymmetry problem was more important to me.
 

Aerith Gainsborough

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There is always the potential of sub localization (esp. if you only have room for one) even if you find a spot that just “works” measurement-wise — such an issue has annoyed the hell out of me for years until I just placed the sub between my speakers. Not the best place ergonomically, nor did I get the best frequency response there, but eliminating the maddening localization asymmetry problem was more important to me.
Yeah localization and effect on sound stage are things I worry about too.

Given the low levels I listen at (call it Neighborly restrictions), 30Hz and below won't be readily audible anyway. I think, the logical course of action is to continue to extend the range of my Arias via EQ, add the loudness compensation of the ADI-2 when I get it and leave the extreme low end to my Clear.
 
OP
daftcombo

daftcombo

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Yeah localization and effect on sound stage are things I worry about too.

Given the low levels I listen at (call it Neighborly restrictions), 30Hz and below won't be readily audible anyway. I think, the logical course of action is to continue to extend the range of my Arias via EQ, add the loudness compensation of the ADI-2 when I get it and leave the extreme low end to my Clear.
What room correction for your Aria do you use?

Not room-related, but did you try the 800 Hz correction Amir advised in his review? (Q=4, -3dB)
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/focal-aria-906-speaker-review.14085/
 

Aerith Gainsborough

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I use the Dirac Live Processor in a DAW (Cantabile).

Setting is 20Hz @ +6dB (real correction starts about 35Hz but I use the point to set the slope) to 0dB @ 200Hz to -2dB @ 10KHz.
Since I apply Dirac over the entire audible range, there is no need to correct anything specific.
 

Chrispy

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Why anyone would want those speakers without one is beyond me :)
 
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daftcombo

daftcombo

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