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Sub on a budget - James ESM-1000 or Martin Logan Abyss

Natertots

Natertots

Well-Known Member
If you were going to buy one sub, used primarily for music, without auditioning both, would you go with the EMB-1000 or the Abyss?

I have beeen watching the local listings for an inexpensive used sub to ubgrade my Velodyne DLS-4000. I picked the Velodyne up for $70 about 1.5 years ago as I was piecing together a surround system but I find myself listening mostly to music. The DLS blends nicely with my setup but I was hoping to find something more musical.

I can pick up either of the two subs listed for about $100 but I can’t really afford both in order to properly try them out. Therefore I am left to guess which will work best in my setup. The EMB was a higher priced sub when new, but is older then the Abyss. Both brands make quality products, although Martin Logan isn’t especially known for their subwoofer design and James is a more boutique brand.

I would appreciate any input folks could give.

-Nathan
 
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The James looks interesting, but it’s only a 10” driver, while the Logan is 12”. The James has more powerful amp, however.

https://www.stereophile.com/content/james-loudspeaker-emb-1200-subwoofer-james-emb-1000-subwoofer

There are exceptions, but usually, the larger the driver, the better the sub for lower frequency response. But, I like power and the fact that for music, very low frequency isn’t an issue, so I’m probably more incline to take a chance on the James in ur circumstances, without knowing anything else, but I’d offer less first.
 
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audiosignal said:
The James looks interesting, but it’s only a 10” driver, while the Logan is 12”.

https://www.stereophile.com/content/james-loudspeaker-emb-1200-subwoofer-james-emb-1000-subwoofer

There are exceptions, but usually, the larger the driver, the better the sub. That, and better name recognition, I’m probably more incline to take a chance on the Logan in ur circumstances without knowing anything else, but I’d offer less first.
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Thanks for your input.

That is my inclination, to go with the Abyss. But I am really intregued by the James, it incorporates an interesting design.

I read as much as I could on the James. It was $1500 retail when new and I haven’t read anything negative about it. Then again, there isn’t a ton out there on them. I am not concerned about it being 10”. I don’t even my Velo past 25% as it is.
 
Natertots said:
Thanks for your input.

That is my inclination, to go with the Abyss. But I am really intregued by the James, it incorporates an interesting design.

I read as much as I could on the James. It was $1500 retail when new and I haven’t read anything negative about it. Then again, there isn’t a ton out there on them. I am not concerned about it being 10”. I don’t even my Velo past 25% as it is.
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After thinking about it some more, I switched to the James. Didn’t do it fast enough though. Please see my edits for reasoning.
 
I'm familiar with the company since I deal with their products. Everything they make is quite nice and they even specialize in custom speakers, which is pretty cool.
 
I have a James EMB-1000 , never heard of the ESM-1000. I love it, but have never heard the ML
 
Mr.Jim said:
I have a James EMB-1000 , never heard of the ESM-1000. I love it, but have never heard the ML
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You are correct, it is an EMB. I have edited the body of my original post but don’t seem to be able to edit the title.

Have you an opportunity to compare your James to any other quality subwoofers?
 
Holy crap, a ML sub for $100?

ML makes pretty awesome subs. The Descent used to be my 'gold standard' of subs, until I heard the Von Schweikerts Shockwaves.

The Abyss is more economical, of course- but still very well done.

Regards,
Gordon.
 
GordonW said:
Holy crap, a ML sub for $100?

ML makes pretty awesome subs. The Descent used to be my 'gold standard' of subs, until I heard the Von Schweikerts Shockwaves.

The Abyss is more economical, of course- but still very well done.

Regards,
Gordon.
Click to expand...

I read good things on the Abyss but when I see talk of good subwoofers in the 500-1000 range, which is where the Abyss was when new, names like HSU and SVS seem to come up the most.

Turns out an opportunity has come up and I will likely end up buying both and moving the one I like least. If that happens I will try to write a review of the two.
 
Natertots said:
I read good things on the Abyss but when I see talk of good subwoofers in the 500-1000 range, which is where the Abyss was when new, names like HSU and SVS seem to come up the most.

Turns out an opportunity has come up and I will likely end up buying both and moving the one I like least. If that happens I will try to write a review of the two.
Click to expand...

Dredging this post back up, hopefully y'all are still on here. But Natertots, what did you end up going with? I've got an opportunity to purchase a EMB-1000 and am very interested in your impressions.
 
I wasn’t able to close the sale on the EMB. I did pick up the Martin Logan and while I believe it is a nice piece, it doesn’t do as well in my space as the Velodyne DLS-4000. I think most of it has to do with placement options. I only have one location for a sub and it may have suited the Velodyne better. It’s also possible I need to do more work integrating it. Overall, I am not disappointed in the purchase.
 
Good info! I'm leery of spending the money for the EMB 1000 without being able to first test it in my setup. The current sub I'm using for my home theater setup is garbage, so I know the EMB 1000 would be an improvement. I think, tonight, I'm going to pull my current sub and swap it out with my Emotiva Ultra 12 and see how that performs.

Thanks again for the feedback Natertots!
 
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