XCS2K as a Sub or Gotham v2?
 

Hi Mac fans,
I wanted to ask you a question that has been buzzing in my head for a few days:

would it be possible to use an XCS2K as a Subwoofer?
I'll try to be clearer... :scratch2:

Using a MEN220 as a crossover and connecting the Sub-Out to a MC1.25KW and the latter to the section that drives only the bass of the XCS2k (the three 12" Woofers to be clear) what results could I obtain?
A decent subwoofer or am I just wasting time and money? :tears:

I ask you this because I would have the opportunity to buy one of these at a good price and since the XRT2K (in my opinion the best loudspeakers available on planet Earth, but too expensive for my pocket) are unthinkable, with an XCS2K, I would have half the performance of an XRT2K, and maybe one day I could use it as a central channel...

What do you think about it?
(Masterlu, I look forward to your comment on this :D)

I own two XCS2K’s and know them extremely well. You should not expect it to perform anywhere near a dedicated Subwoofer, which would cost a fraction of the XCS2K.

I know very well your Cape Theater (at least from the photos:D, if I lived in America I would come and see you:tears:), spectacular...:tresbon:
I drool every time I see the photos,:eatndrink: congratulations...
As I imagined...
The problem is that McIntosh doesn't build subwoofers and I'd like to stay at Mcintosh brand and continue to have that sound that has haunted me (in a good way:naughty:) for years...
Sin...:no::tears:

I use JL Audio dual Gotham’s in each of my theaters. There is nothing like them!

Yes, I've seen you use a double Fathom together with a double Gotham, really impressive...

Excuse me if I do a little off-topic, sorry:
I bought a Paradigm SUB25 precisely because when I compared it to a Fathom f113v1 I found it superior and I fell in love with the Paradigm with 15" woofer.
The SUB25 is now discontinued and therefore I have to migrate to other waters...
You say that with a single Ghotam I would feel really comfortable?

I have read many rumors on the internet claiming that a JTR RS2 is much better than a Gotham for a lot less money...
In your opinion are they true or are they approximate comparisons since these people have never listened to a JL Audio?

Thanks Ivan. :thumbsup:

All subs including the Gotham will perform better in pairs. The reason is that they will more equally pressurize the room. In addition, a pair will help eliminate the localization of the source aka sub.

As far as the JTR RS2 being better than a Gotham, that really is funny. Hard to say why a rumor like that starts, but it certainly isn’t true. The Gotham’s performance is truly in another zip code.

Thank you very much for your detailed and as always comprehensive answers my friend.
I will follow your advice and as soon as I can I will take home a nice Gotham!

But first I'm trying to negotiate to go from the current 601 to my future goal, that is, the MC1.25KW ...
I will keep the mac-community updated!

But one other question arises spontaneously: :D

let's say that absurdly I managed to find the material to "replicate" a Gotham, let me explain please: :yes:

• I made a cabinet not in fiberglass but in *carbon fiber, even better. :naughty:
• I used **two JL Audio 13W7AE (which even if JL Audio itself says that they are not the same drivers used on a Gotham, I think they are very similar)
• internal wiring by Neotech UP-OCC solid core copper/silver
• XLR, IEC Inlet Socket and Binding Post by Furutech

External amplifier to be defined.
(with the money saved you could think of a McIntosh)
[If I remember correctly Charles used an MC1.25KW to drive his Wilson Thor's Hammer]

Crossover/dsp: MEN220, already in my possession.

Wouldn't I get a performance similar to half the price in the worst case?
Thank you in advance for your reply Ivan...:thumbsup:

* Here an example of the application of carbon fiber...
** I could even use three... :naughty:

Not even a remote chance that you could duplicate a Gotham, even if you were willing to spend twice the cost for a new one.

Without sounding like a cheerleader for JL Audio; they are hands down the World leader in subwoofer manufacturing, and sales. I could post some staggering numbers, but I will refrain.

There are videos on YouTube of the construction process of Gotham Subs. It takes JL Audio over 2 weeks to just make the cabinet. The amount of R&D that is in the Gotham is the culmination of everything they have learned about making Subs from the beginning.

I have visited the factory in Miramar, FL. it is like no other. :o

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIiCImdm1TE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mX3Gr9bdmG8