The Spendor Classic 1/2 was fine, but it stood out too much in the setting: Imagine a Great Dane in a small cottage. However, I liked their bass, which went down to 30 Hz (indoors).
I wondered for a while about whether a subwoofer would help me simulate the sound of large speakers so that I would not have to erect twin towers in the living room. Of course, it would have to be integrated with smaller main speakers. This is either a very easy task or a completely thankless task, depending on who you are consulting with. Perhaps this is half the fun? I would love to learn a thing or two.
So, I present to you the study “My first subwoofer”. Forget the REL Stygian I used a long time ago. The technology used to create subs has probably come a long way since then. At least the calibration of the via the app definitely seemed interesting to me.
What it is?
SUB3030 occupies the middle position in the ELAC subwoofer range. The forward-firing 12-inch speaker, which receives the signal from a 500W CW and 1000W BASH amplifier, is driven by a 12-inch downward-firing passive radiator. At its core, it is a Class A / B device with a Class D circuitry that regulates the supply voltage – which ELAC claims provides the benefits of high power and low distortion.
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SUB3030 is far from Thumbelina; it has quite decent dimensions: 43 x 43 x 46 cm and 22.7 kg of weight. The body is finished in black ash and looks high quality, but not too luxurious. Spikes are included. The fixed plastic grille visually mimics the speaker behind it, giving the subwoofer a bold look and accentuating rather than hiding its size. If you install the SUB3030 in your living room, you may find that it is out of the general harmony of the house.
Then miracles begin. Completing the list of connectors on the rear is a USB input (for service only), a reset button, and a power socket; there are no other controls, not even gain and crossover frequency controls. To configure and integrate the subwoofer, the ELAC SUB Control 2.0 application for iOS and Android smartphones is intended, which communicates with the subwoofer via Bluetooth. Very futuristic! Setting the parameters from the listening position is very convenient.
Sub Control 2.0
The application was pleased with its wide functionality and user-friendly interface, as well as a reliable connection to the subwoofer. With frequent volume changes, it can return to the previous level – but this is an easily removable and rather excusable drawback. A tutorial would be nice, but overall navigating the app is intuitive.
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The first thing that caught my eye was the Auto EQ feature. It is designed to adapt the sound of the subwoofer to the room conditions and is very easy to use. Place your smartphone next to the main speaker and run. Repeat the operation at the listening position. The app uses the difference between the two readings to adjust the frequency response. A well-thought-out system works quickly; starting and, if necessary, repeating the process is as easy as shelling pears.
Let’s go back to the application. The phase can be changed in the range from 0 to 360 degrees; if necessary, the bass can be delayed by 20 ms. The app also features a five-band parametric equalizer. I played around with it a bit, but in the end, I left everything unchanged. Finally, four presets work in parallel with other settings. Flat negates room influences. Music brings it back a little bit. Movies add liveliness to the sound (+ 2dB at 50Hz), and Night reduces the bass to avoid disturbing neighbors. All presets are very delicate; I chose Flat to reduce the number of variables by one.
System
Graham LS6 bookshelf speakers were used for the test. Then I switched to The network player fed a pair of Gold Note PA-10 power amplifiers. On the concrete floor, the SUB3030 did not rest on spikes, but on four IsoAcoustics Iso-Puck anti-vibration pads.
Customization
For the crossover cutoff frequency, Derek Hughes (Graham LS6 designer) suggested the lowest position, 40 Hz, to minimize any overlap in the 40-60 Hz range (LS6 has -2 dB / 45 Hz). Andrew Jones agreed with him. I tried a higher value, however, they turned out to be right.
As for the location of SUB3030 indoors, it is recommended to install it in a corner. It worked great; when placed against a side wall and only 60 cm from the front, the sounded less powerful. Increasing the volume to compensate for this deficiency upset the overall balance, not bringing back the lowest notes. Obviously, the 9 dB of waveform gain provided by the angular position matters.
Loudness turned out to be the most sensitive factor: small changes made a disproportionate difference. Slightly lower – and SUB3030 disappears; a little higher – and the bass starts to “plump”. In addition, the result depended on the recording: what was presented harmoniously in one composition turned out to be overloaded in another. Fortunately, the application made it easy to change any parameters. Perhaps even too easy – I continued to tinker with the settings for a long time.
Listening
The first thing I did was turn on Mika Vainio’s Konstellaatio album. In the first track, Otava, low bass spins insidiously around the room. The frequency analyzer in the ELAC app (Auto EQ component) confirms the presence of a 40Hz baseline riddled with 30Hz bursts that sound great in the SUB3030. When you turn off the subwoofer, they disappear, and the music loses some of its threatening character.
This is followed by Olympic Fanfare from the album Pomp & Pizazz of the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. It was a favorite of Richard Lord (founder of REL): a brilliant Telarc record with high-quality low-end. The SUB3030 perfectly conveys the weight of the orchestra even in the quietest passages. Without a subwoofer, the LS6s do well, but they lack the ELAC aplomb that heightens the emotional impact of the music.
It’s time to try another pair of speakers. Shelf ELAC Debut B6.2 gets down to business. They are similar in dimensions to the Graham model, but they cost an order of magnitude less and, obviously, differ in many ways from them. Andrew Jones suggests setting the crossover at 45Hz (again lower than I expected). Will SUB3030 prove to be more useful in these conditions?
Definitely yes – and a lot. The B6.2 is very good for its price point, but its bass does not even come close to the level set by the LS6. The SUB3030 has more work to do, and you can feel it. With the inclusion of a subwoofer in the audio path, the music becomes much richer and more fulfilling. The effect of this event is disproportionate to dry numbers: the sub adds only 5 Hz – but they have a much stronger effect. The question is not whether to use a subwoofer, but which one to choose. Perhaps will be more suitable in terms of price and quality ratio?
Finishing touch
REL proves that the subwoofer makes the soundstage thicker, even when playing simple music. It seems paradoxical: how can a subwoofer change something if there is no bass in the recording? But I have heard it many times with my own ears, and the difference is more than noticeable.
However, this was not the case with the SUB3030 – and I listened very carefully and really wanted to hear the difference. However, it was not: the addition of a subwoofer did not affect the music scenes of the Graham LS6 and Debut B6.2. I mention this for completeness.
conclusions
I said that I was ready to learn something – and I found many reasons for this. As Andrew Jones emphasized, setting up a subwoofer is not easy. She can turn from a fun process into a source of frustration in the blink of an eye. This applies to subwoofers in general and not specifically to the SUB3030.I was amazed at how little the Graham LS6 needed a sub. On the contrary, the Debut B6.2 willingly took the opportunity to boost the low end with the SUB3030. It’s not about the price here; more expensive speakers do not always produce lower sound. My old floor-standing B&W 802s were only up to 27Hz.
The user-friendly application makes the installation process much easier. The sophisticated Auto EQ function works wonderfully. When everything fits together, the SUB3030 integrates seamlessly into your Hi-Fi system; its impact on the listening experience is undeniable, and very soon it becomes difficult to live without it. This is another reminder that the process is just as important as the result – and that room acoustics and musical taste play an important role.
FAQS for My first subwoofer Elac SUB3030
Q1: What are the key features of the Paradigm Millenia One Subwoofer?
A1: The Paradigm Millenia One Subwoofer features an 8-inch driver, a built-in 200-watt amplifier, and a frequency response range of 30 Hz to 150 Hz. It is designed for compact spaces and offers an elegant design that blends well with modern decor.
Q2: How does the Millenia One perform in terms of sound quality?
A2: The Millenia One is praised for its clear and powerful bass performance, providing tight and precise sound reproduction. It is particularly effective in enhancing music and home theater experiences, delivering deep low frequencies without distortion.
Q3: Is the Millenia One easy to integrate into an existing sound system?
A3: Yes, the Millenia One Subwoofer is designed for easy integration. It includes line-level inputs and speaker-level inputs, making it compatible with a variety of audio systems. The adjustable crossover and phase controls allow for fine-tuning to match other speakers in the setup.
Q4: What are the dimensions and weight of the Paradigm Millenia One Subwoofer?
A4: The Millenia One Subwoofer measures approximately 12.5 inches (31.8 cm) in height, 12.5 inches (31.8 cm) in width, and 14.5 inches (36.8 cm) in depth. It weighs around 22 pounds (10 kg), making it a manageable size for placement in various locations.
Q5: What finishes are available for the Millenia One Subwoofer?
A5: The Paradigm Millenia One Subwoofer is available in a variety of finishes, including black, white, and high-gloss options, allowing users to choose a design that fits their aesthetic preferences.
Q6: How does the pricing of the Millenia One compare to other subwoofers in its category?
A6: The Paradigm Millenia One Subwoofer is considered competitively priced for its performance and build quality. While it may be higher than some entry-level models, it offers superior sound quality and design, making it a worthwhile investment for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.
Specifications
- Driver Size:
- 12-inch (300 mm) down-firing woofer for powerful bass response.
- Power Output:
- 200W RMS with a peak output of up to 600W, providing robust low-end performance.
- Frequency Response:
- Typically ranges from 24 Hz to 150 Hz, delivering deep and impactful bass.
- Connectivity:
- RCA inputs (LFE and line level) for easy connection to various audio systems.
- Wireless capability (optional, depending on setup) for flexibility.
- Crossover Frequency:
- Adjustable crossover settings, usually between 40 Hz to 150 Hz, allow you to blend it well with your main speakers.
- Room Adjustment Features:
- Built-in room EQ feature to optimize performance based on your specific room acoustics.
- Phase Control:
- Adjustable phase control to help with integration with your main speakers.
- Build Quality:
- Sturdy MDF cabinet construction with a modern aesthetic.
- Dimensions:
- Approximately 15.5 x 15.5 x 15.5 inches (395 x 395 x 395 mm), making it compact for various spaces.
- Weight:
- Around 37 lbs (16.8 kg), offering a solid build without being too heavy to move.
Additional Features
- App Control: Some models come with a mobile app for easier setup and adjustments.
- Finish Options: Available in different finishes to match your decor.
