Subwoofer for Ohm C2s

[Austin Kern]

I recently came into a fantastic pair of Ohm C2s for free. They work well with my pretty cheap Yamaha R-S202 receiver, but I was wondering if a subwoofer would offer any great improvement to my listening experience. I'm a college student, so I don't have anywhere near enough money to get a subwoofer of the the same quality as the C2s. However, if you feel there's an option for around $200 that would make my system better in a significant way, please give me your opinion.

 

[Freddymac2]

I do not know what your room requirements are, but a Quality sub can improve what you are now able to create. 10" is a minimum size, and at least 150 wpc amp. Anything less is just junk, no matter who's name is on it. Pawn Shops have them for $100 or less, and you can try them for three days or so, in most places. I like the older Polks PSW series because they were made before they started to make junk too.

 

[Old Guy8]

Congrates on your free C2's. I'm only owner of a pair bought in '77. They are fine speakers. Hold on to them. You can still get replacement parts from Ohm. I upgraded the woofers on mine. I'm no subwoofer expert. My experience is following. I do think placing a single sub for 2 channel stereo is difficult. If it is on one side it makes the bass unbalanced. If you can find a spot near middle, might sound better. Or two similar subs, one on each side. If one does not work out add a second.

 

[tjohnusa]

Nice score...I have wanted a set of those for a long time. If I remember correctly they have a 12" woofer. I don't think a sub would enhance the sound but an upgrade in your amplification would. Try to get something vintage and not surround. I have picked up a nice adcom pre-amp and hafler 60 watt/ch power amp in the fs section hear for around $120 (you must have a paid membership to access for sale forums) Even though the amp is only 60 watts it's a true 60 and pretty clean. I am driving a set of JBL L112's and the sound is great. Have fun with those!

 

[bshorey]

Nice score...I have wanted a set of those for a long time. If I remember correctly they have a 12" woofer.

<snip>

They're a 10" ported design. Classic east coast sound, strong and solid bass without overpowering highs.

I love the C2, I think it's a very well balanced sounding speaker. If the OP think he needs a subwoofer I'd check to make sure that everything is operating properly on the speaker first.

First, have they ever been refoamed? If not, then I guarantee that they need it.

Second, what are we powering them with? They can handle a fair amount of power, and kind of need a fair amount of power to sound decent. a 20 wpc amp will leave these lacking in the bass dept, imo.

bs

 

[Old Guy8]

Original specs recommend 20 wpc minimum to drive. You will find specs listed on the Ohm Acoustics website. A 100 wpc stereo amp drives mine well. Frequence response (minimum spec) 37 to 20,000 +- 4db , -3db at 18,000 Hz. Efficiency (approx. based on volts in vs. watt output) 0.70 percent. You possibly run out of power if your only at 20 wpc or in that region, if trying to play loud. Listen for any signs of clipping, and back down if there.

 

[Yk Thom]

A Klipsch KW100 is quite nice (I have one). Works very well with two channel stereo in small to mid sized room. You can get them for around 200. They are downfiring and built like tanks.

 

[joekapahulu]

I had those for 25 yrs before upgrading toOhm Walsh 200s. If they have not been upgraded with the newer woofers with sub bass activator do that first. It really took the bass to the next level in both depth and slam. Look on the Ohm site for the current cost. That was really a good Investment. Getting a good pair of low speaker stands also helped. I built a pair that lifted them up about a foot off the floor and that really helped to add to and clean up the sound. If you want a sub after that, check with John at Ohm as he may have some trade ins.