Adding two JL Audio F110's to my 2 channel system


I am running Focal Diablo Utopia's with my BAT vk-300x integrated.  As good as the Diablo's sound they need a little help in my 2800+ cf room.  Hence, adding two F110's.  What is the best way to hook these up?  The f110's have a balanced Neutrik receptacle as well as line level inputs.  I would like to use the balanced preamp out on my BAT.  So, do I need a balanced cable with Neutrik connector on one end for the sub and standard XLR connector on other end for the BAT?

BTW, tried getting a hold of JL audio but customer service never answers phone or returns messages.  Any guidence would be appreciated.  


128x128freddy50
With speakers that nice the only way to do it right is with a active crossover. I would add JL audio's own crossover. I run 2 e112s and they are the best upgrade I ever made but they are lacking without the active highpass crossover. No other way to do it write. 
i have 2 F110s supplementing my Magico S3s, running without a x-over (just dial the xover on the sub low). not sure what you're referring to w/ Neutrik vs XLRs, a simple balanced cable from my preamp main out (i have 2, one to my amp, 2nd to my subs) suffices nicely. 
The balanced input connectors on the F110, at least on the v2 version, are combo connectors that can accept either XLR’s or 1/4 inch TRS plugs.  So as Rhyno stated a cable having XLR’s at both ends will work.

However, I’d suggest checking with BAT and asking them what the output impedance is of the pre-outs of your amp, **especially at 20 Hz.**  The output impedance of at least some of their preamplifiers rises substantially in the bottom octave, reaching several thousand ohms at 20 Hz, due to the specific values of the output coupling capacitors used in those designs (the impedance of a capacitor rises as frequency decreases).  If the pre-outs of your amp are similar in that respect, given that the balanced inputs of the F110v2 have an input impedance of only 10K perceptible rolloff of the deep bass content of the signals received by the subs would result.

Good luck.  Regards,
-- Al
 
Freddy, I also have 2 JL f110's.  They put a solid floor under my Wilsons Sophia 3's.  I'd also like to go the JL crossover route as James suggests, but it's not cheap and will to wait for now.  Until then, here's your confusion; the Neutrik connections on the subs double as balanced XLR connections.  I run balanced out from my McIntosh pre amp, left and right channels into the subs.  I used a test tone disc, a sound pressure meter and the subs own room correction to dial them in.  Although not as good or precise as the JL active crossover, it will get you close.  You're going to be very happy with these two subs. Good luck and let me know if I can be of more help.
Mark
James633,
The Jl audio e-112 comes equipped with its own active high pass crossover.  Here is a quote from their website "The E-Sub’s active crossover is a true two-way, 4th order Linkwitz-Riley design, with a low-pass filter feeding the subwoofer's amplifier and a high-pass filtered signal exiting its line outputs."
Ernie
Thank you all for your comments.  Somehow I feel better.  Yes, I'm afraid the only way to get close to holy grail sound is with JL audio's own expensive crossover unit.  Unfortunately, I don't think this crossover can be used with my BAT vk300x.  I think I have some ideas of my next upgrade.

 Thanks everyone again!

F

I'm using two of the same subs, and I have to agree with James633.

The only correct way to do it, is with the active crossover.

That was actually suggested to me by JL tech people.

I'm using Pass Labs XVR1, but if it too expensive for you now, you could use one o the MArchand's designs, or JL own crossover.

My problem now is I don't think I can use a crossover unit with my BAT 300x integrated.  Don't think it has appropriate connections on rear panel.
"James633,
The Jl audio e-112 comes equipped with its own active high pass crossover. Here is a quote from their website "The E-Sub’s active crossover is a true two-way, 4th order Linkwitz-Riley design, with a low-pass filter feeding the subwoofer’s amplifier and a high-pass filtered signal exiting its line outputs.

Ernie"

yes that this is the way I run it. It seems transparent to me. I tried it with out the crossovers and it was not near as well integrated.