After several weeks with the MSB Pro Sub Isolators in my system, I can say without hesitation: this product delivers. MSB has once again proven their engineering precision and sonic mastery. 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:
My Magico subs don’t have traditional manual controls—they’re managed via a parametric DSP with a dedicated software interface. 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—it’s a critical component for anyone seeking true full-range fidelity. 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.
