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A little confused on how to properly integrate my sub

Hi everyone! Im relatively young and inexperienced when it comes to the more complicated electronics side of audio. Right now for my computer desktop Im using a a pair of LS50s connected to a Musical Fidelity M3si integrated amplifier. I also have an REL T9i connected to the finding posts of the amp and use the High level input like REL dictates.

Ive decided that I really want to properly crossover my speakers and let the sub handle ONLY the low end. I decided to put my Musical Fidelity up for sale and have ordered an Outlaw RR2160 that has integrated bass management. I plan on using a standard unbalanced RCA cable from the Outlaw to the REL. The problem is REL makes this very difficult. Unlike another sub I have where there is a switch that lets you use a filter in the sub or amp, the REL provides no such option. They demand you use play your speakers full range. The knobs on the back of the sub are LO/HI Level (volume I think), Crossover (30hz to 120hz), and .1LFE level (im not plugging into that input anyway).

I assume what I need to do is set the crossover frequency on my Outlaw to 80hz (where I want it), and then plug the Outlaw into the REL through the low level input, then crank the crossover on the sub to 120hz. The sub should only be receiving the low frequencies anyway so by cranking the subs crossover up all the way I shouldn’t be attenuating any frequencies. Does this sound right to you guys? THANKS!
EDIT: After thinking about it, is there any reason not to use the LFE input and bypass the subs filtering? As I understand it, all LFE content is 120hz or below so the sub designers took that into account.
collingraff

Showing 3 responses by tutetibiimperes

tutetibiimperes
202 posts
 
You are correct that you don’t want to run your speakers through the sub if you can avoid it.  Hook the LS50s directly to the RR2160 and the sub directly to the RR2160 via the LFE or RCA low level input, set the crossover on the sub to its highest value, and then use the crossover dials on the RR2160 to set the actual crossover point you want.  

@avanti1960 is right in that the REL doesn’t seem to have a phase or polarity switch.  That may or may not be an issue depending on where it’s placed and your room.  Try it out and see how it works first.  
tutetibiimperes
202 posts
 
Another option would be to get an integrated amp with the smarts to automatically adjust phase and polarity.  The Yamaha R-N803 or the Elac Element EA101EQ would both be great choices, and both cost around the same as the RR2160.  They both also have room correction built in to even better improve your sound. 
tutetibiimperes
202 posts
 
I mentioned it above, but the Elac Element EA101EQ is a great choice for a desktop integrated, I use one myself with a pair of Elac Uni-Fi UB5s and an SVS SB12-NSD for my computer audio.  It has digital and analog inputs, an asynchronous USB DAC, and an auto-blend function to automatically match your bookshelves to your subwoofer.   It's fine with 4ohm loads so the impedance swings of the LS50s won't bother it.
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