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Adding Subs to a 2 channel system. Wiring advise

I'm considering adding 2 subs to my existing system. 

Current system is a Innuos Zen Mk3 to a PontusII and Luxman 509X out to a pair of Focal 948's. 

My thinking is that I will run speaker cable out from the Luxman into a pair of PSB 350's then out from the 350's to the Focals, setting the crossover at 80ish, 

Lots of ways to wire in subs, and lots of information and opinions, but IF I'm thinking correctly this wiring method using a pair of subs that have High Level Input and Output allows this type of wiring method to make the most sense in terms of better separation between the subs and the speakers VS wiring them through a Pre-out (Luxman only has one pre-out) 

My question is how much of the Luxman sound character will I lose (if any) by running through the sub and out to the Focals? 

I'm still pretty new at all this, so if I'm wording all of this correctly I would appreciate any advise or feedback. Thanks in advance! 

carzmaguy88

Showing 1 response by m-db

m-db's avatar
m-db
1,016 posts
 

With your amplifier and speakers level of quality I’d run everything full range.

The PSB 350 is invoking low pass as a result of its limited frequency response, -3dB @ 25 Hz and drops significantly to -10dB @ 20HZ. These are only slightly lower than most speaker low frequency specifications.

Using the Luxman Pre RCA outputs bypasses the 509’s amplifier and sends all the source signal to the PSB low level RCA inputs (the PSB preferred method).

Unusual to me, the PSB low level RCA outputs are fixed to process an output 12dB/ Octave below 80Hz. Typically the low level output are used to daisy chain subwoofers. PSB suggests Y connectors at the Pre outputs instead of including a simple switch at the subs RCA outputs. Along with its limited low frequency response and the Y connector connectivity schemes suggests to me a more mid consumer subwoofer, still, better than no subwoofer at all.

High or speaker level connectivity is included by many subwoofers as a convenience for systems that lack Pre Outputs. Your Luxman has two pair.

Consider a manufacture that offers a trial period and pays for shipping both ways.

 

Vandersteen are fabulous products. They are not the only subwoofer to include onboard frequency and filter equalization.

 

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