As already noted, in an ideal world, just as you should use the same amplification on the subs as on the main speakers, you should use the same cables as on the main system (power, interconnects and speaker cables). In practice that may be a bridge too far for some listeners and systems, but the thing to do is bear in mind that each deviation from that ideal involves a compromise in terms of overall musical coherence, so pick your compromises carefully and, if possible listen to their musical impact before committing. The choice of the A1.5 alongside the M1.1s is a case in point. The A1.5 is as near an identical amplifier to the M1.1 as it’s possible to get: identical input stage and overall topology, just with a smaller power supply feeding fewer output devices. Given the electrical load and bandwidth involved in driving the GRs, that’s a compromise I’m happy to make – partly because it allows me to bi-amp the main speakers. But past experience tells me that, yes, I can hear the benefits of he M1.1 used top and bottom in the system running subs. Personally, I’d be prepared to sacrifice the identical amplification for a carefully selected alternative, before I compromised on the cables, but each situation and system is different. A PureLow user suggested putting HRS Damping Plates atop the GRs. He wasn’t wrong! Once again, the sub’s focus, transparency and texture were further improved – and not to a small degree. But the real point here is that, if you want to realise the full performance of the GRs (or any other high-quality sub-bass system) you can’t take liberties with the infrastructure and set-up.
Another characteristic that the GR shares with the LO is its astonishing low-frequency transparency. In this regard it more closely resembles the average midrange driver. If anything, the GR is an even better performer in this regard. While that has obvious benefits in terms of the unit’s performance, it also makes set up significantly easier than with conventional subwoofers. Change level or roll-off, attitude or placement and the musical impact is instantly apparent. No waiting a week for it to filter into your subconscious. This is just like setting up any other speaker.
Scale is what sub-woofers are really about. Deep, linear bass brings a sense of acoustic space and dimensionality (spatial and instrumental) to recordings. Get subs dialled in and you get an more fluid, relaxed sense of pace and rhythm, more responsive and wider dynamics. When it comes to music itself, relatively few (acoustic) instruments plumb the depths below the 40Hz line. Big pianos reach down to 28Hz and big organs go lower than that. So, in most systems, adding subs is unlikely to add notes you weren’t hearing before. But what it will do is alter the way you hear them.
