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Adding a sub woofer?

Running a Planar 6 to Icon Audio Ps1 Mk2 to Quicksilver Mid Monos into Klipsch RP8000F speakers. Want more low end, thinking of adding a sub. The mono blocks don't have a dedicated sub output so I was thinking about something like a PSB 250 which has both pre amp and speaker level inputs with speaker level outputs. A couple of questions.

What are the pros and cons of using the sub's preamp level inputs vs the speaker level inputs in this application?

And more importantly, right now my setup is pretty much tube analogue the whole way (and aside from the soft low end, I absolutely love the overall sound) - but does an inline sub like this do any processing, will it color the mids and highs in some way or is it just a clean pass-through in terms of sending the signal along to the speakers? 

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. 
Ryan
spotconlon

Showing 3 responses by wolf_garcia

wolf_garcia
6,751 posts
 
I'm an "astute listener" and years ago added a REL Q150e which transformed my system...the adjustments on that REL are comprehensive for phase, level matching, and "crossover" matching, all easily done for excellent sound. Digital woofer control can add delay that isn't so great so I avoid digital nannies.
wolf_garcia
6,751 posts
 
Regardless of Millercarbon's snarky condescension (per usual), RELs are NOT inherently "lumpy" unless set up badly, and a single one can work. Not everybody has room for a Swarm of four subs and many can get along with one well placed REL or another well designed brand. And there is a big difference between high level power amp driven signal and a single ended preamp signal as ideally the sub should sound like the amp, and the high level REL style works swimmingly. For reasons noted by atmasphere and others, using two subs (I use 2 RELs) can eliminate standing wave issues and get a room in tune easily, but if you can't afford 2 subs, simply get one and add another later if you feel the need.
wolf_garcia
6,751 posts
 
A preamp output can be inconvenient as unless it's truly balanced (into a balanced sub input...sort of rare unless using pro gear) it can require a long run of single ended cable...not so good. Not sure if "many" subs allow for speaker level inputs like REL (I use 2 RELs), but if they do that's great. I use a single ended stereo amp with the REL's high level inputs and it works amazingly well.
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