Can we start a thread for folks who run a SET amp with a subwoofer or two?


I moved down a pathway that was an offshoot from the mainstream of this hobby-a single end triode 300b amp.  So what I got with a SET was more than I gave up.  But bass lacking can be tough to live with. A brought in a couple of subs that took CONSIDERABLE tuning experiments, measurements, and ultimately following my ear.  

Who has experimented or uses a subwoofer or sub bass condiment with a low powered SET amp? 
128x128jbhiller

Showing 1 response by rodge827

Years ago I had a pair of Omega Alnico 8 XRS with a pair of Omega Deep hemp subs. My amp was a highly modified 8w 300b Antique Sound Labs AQ1005 and ANK M3 preamp. I wired the subs using a second pair of speaker cables for the amp to the speaker inputs on the sub amps .

It took a while but I was able to get the sound pretty well balanced at my listening chair. Then I purchased a Dspeaker Antimode 8033s (dual sub version) and the bass improved dramatically but still had some integration issues since I had to split the signal from the preamp and use the RCA outs and ins on the 8033s. Later I purchased the Dspeaker Antimode Dual Core which did a better job with the bass and integration, but still not perfect. I have a friend who purchased the latest Dspeaker X4 and integrated his horns with subs seamlessly. The X4 will is an amazing product but comes at a high cost in the $4000.00 range.

Since then I sold the Omega XRS and subs and now have a pair of Charney Audio Horns with ANK 8w Interstage Monos and ANK L4 modified preamp. Charney uses the Tractrix theory to build his rear loaded horns. I have listened to his complete line and can say that no sub is needed! The six inch Companion with Omega, Lowther, or Voxativ drivers are magical with bass that’s pure and low. Move up the line and the results increase exponentially.

Don’t want to hijack the thread but I found that pure engaging sound can be had in the SET amp category with the right speaker. No need to augment the low end and use a lot of expensive high tech gear to do it.

https://www.underwoodhifi.com/products/dspeaker
http://charneyaudio.com/