MSB introduces a subwoofer isolation device

[Lee]

This appears to be a new product in audio.

 

[mxk116]

Fascinating, thanks for sharing this.

 

[MattK]

After several weeks with the MSB Pro Sub Isolators in my system, I can say without hesitation: this product delivers. I’ve been integrating two Magico S-Subs (2024) alongside my Magico S5 (2024) mains, and the Pro Sub Isolators have fundamentally changed how those subs interact with the rest of the system.

System Context:​

• MSB Reference DAC + Digital Director
• Boulder 1160 (soon moving to S500)
• SME 12 MK2 / Hana Umami Red
• Lampizator VP4 Silver Phonostage
• Magico S5 (2024)
• Magico S-Sub (2024) x 2

Observations:​

• Lower Noise Floor: Across the board, the system sounds quieter—not just in the absence of signal, but in the way low-level detail emerges. There’s less grunge, less hash. Both the mains and subs now exhibit a cleaner background, which makes spatial cues and microdynamics more apparent.
• Superior Integration: One of the most striking improvements is how cohesive the bass is. The subs now disappear seamlessly into the presentation. Attack and impact have sharpened, but more importantly, the character of the bass feels locked in with the mains across the entire volume range.
• Improved Linearity & Gain Matching: Prior to adding the Pro Sub Isolator, the gain structure between my subs and the Boulder amp felt mismatched—there was a narrow window where integration “clicked.” Outside that, it always felt slightly off. With the Pro Sub Isolator in place, gain tracking is effectively one-to-one. From whisper-quiet to live-performance levels, the sub output now scales in perfect sync with the mains. It’s incredibly satisfying.

Setup Notes:​

The Magico subs don’t have traditional manual controls—they’re managed via a parametric EQ / DSP with a dedicated software interface running over Ethernet. It took a bit of time with REW and the MSB gain settings to find the right match, but once locked in, the results were immediate and repeatable. Importantly, frequency response curves remained stable throughout; it was purely a matter of output level alignment.

---

Final Thoughts:

The MSB Pro Sub Isolator isn’t just another accessory— I think it’s a critical component. If you’re running high-performance subs in a revealing system, this unit ensures that your low-end isn’t just loud, but right. Highly recommended.

 

[sbnx]

MSB used to offer a similar product that was a small "dongle" that plugged into the back of the preamp output. Like below. It looks like they have taken that idea and upsized it.

 

[mxk116]

View attachment 154077

After several weeks with the MSB Pro Sub Isolators in my system, I can say without hesitation: this product delivers. I’ve been integrating two Magico S-Subs (2024) alongside my Magico S5 (2024) mains, and the Pro Sub Isolators have fundamentally changed how those subs interact with the rest of the system.

System Context:​

• MSB Reference DAC + Digital Director
• Boulder 1160 (soon moving to S500)
• SME 12 MK2 / Hana Umami Red
• Lampizator VP4 Silver Phonostage
• Magico S5 (2024)
• Magico S-Sub (2024) x 2

Observations:​

• Lower Noise Floor: Across the board, the system sounds quieter—not just in the absence of signal, but in the way low-level detail emerges. There’s less grunge, less hash. Both the mains and subs now exhibit a cleaner background, which makes spatial cues and microdynamics more apparent.
• Superior Integration: One of the most striking improvements is how cohesive the bass is. The subs now disappear seamlessly into the presentation. Attack and impact have sharpened, but more importantly, the character of the bass feels locked in with the mains across the entire volume range.
• Improved Linearity & Gain Matching: Prior to adding the Pro Sub Isolator, the gain structure between my subs and the Boulder amp felt mismatched—there was a narrow window where integration “clicked.” Outside that, it always felt slightly off. With the Pro Sub Isolator in place, gain tracking is effectively one-to-one. From whisper-quiet to live-performance levels, the sub output now scales in perfect sync with the mains. It’s incredibly satisfying.

Setup Notes:​

The Magico subs don’t have traditional manual controls—they’re managed via a parametric EQ / DSP with a dedicated software interface running over Ethernet. It took a bit of time with REW and the MSB gain settings to find the right match, but once locked in, the results were immediate and repeatable. Importantly, frequency response curves remained stable throughout; it was purely a matter of output level alignment.

---

Final Thoughts:

The MSB Pro Sub Isolator isn’t just another accessory— I think it’s a critical component. If you’re running high-performance subs in a revealing system, this unit ensures that your low-end isn’t just loud, but right. Highly recommended.

I read your post on the MSB forum. The S5 2024 is an exceptional speaker on its own. The way you have augmented it with the S Subs is seriously impressive. I can only imagine how the subs synergize with the S5 in your room.

Have you read in John Atkinson's Stereophile recent review of the S5 2024?

In the review Mr. Atkinson mentions Magico offers a service to help Magico customers set up their Magico subwoofers. This came up in spite of the fact no subs were used during the review of the S5.

Based on the description in the review, Magico can measure the room in real-time, "log in to the subwoofer’s DSP control panels, and do the adjustments so we have good integration with the main system.” The service also provides assistance (advice) in positioning the subwoofer(s) in the room. It is notable that the person analyzing the room response and making the DSP adjustments is none other than Magico’s Chief Technology Officer, Yair Tammam.

Curious if, at the time you were adding the S Subs to your system, were you aware this service was available? I've not heard of this before I read the review.

 

[MattK]

I read your post on the MSB forum. The S5 2024 is an exceptional speaker on its own. The way you have augmented it with the S Subs is seriously impressive. I can only imagine how the subs synergize with the S5 in your room.

Have you read in John Atkinson's Stereophile recent review of the S5 2024?

In the review Mr. Atkinson mentions Magico offers a service to help Magico customers set up their Magico subwoofers. This came up in spite of the fact no subs were used during the review of the S5.

Based on the description in the review, Magico can measure the room in real-time, "log in to the subwoofer’s DSP control panels, and do the adjustments so we have good integration with the main system.” The service also provides assistance (advice) in positioning the subwoofer(s) in the room. It is notable in the the review that the person analyzing the room response and making the DSP adjustments is none other than Magico’s Chief Technology Officer, Yair Tammam.

Curious if, at the time you were adding the S Subs to your system, were you aware this service was available? I've not heard of this before I read the review.

I had no idea this is a thing. Thank you for pointing it out. I will contact them and report back how that goes. Thanks!

It sounds great with the subs.I have been tinkering with the DSP and I feel like they are pretty dialed. I have a 225hz dip in the room that I am probably just going to have to live with since I don't have a dedicated room. Thankfully the wife is very tolerant of the S5's and the subs in the living room I do wish I could get them a few more feet off the front wall.

 

[mxk116]

I had no idea this is a thing. Thank you for pointing it out. I will contact them and report back how that goes. Thanks!

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Very interested in what you find out. You have taken the plunge, so to speak, with Magico. Since you successfully DIY'd the install of the subs using REW, your ears and time/effort (not to mention the cost) I hope you can at least get some verification/confirmation of the outcome in your room.