How to add a subwoofer to a 2 channel stereo


Hi, I run into a strange issue here. I have purchased an used Mcintosh HT2 subwoofer. It is a great passive sub. However, If I run this sub together with my tower from same amplifier, this sub sounds great, but not that powerful. However, if I run as bi-amp, and power this sub with a dedicated sub amp, I can hear and feel all the punch, but the sound is not that solid. Did I do anything wrong? Help! 

carolinaboy2

I believe the HT2 may have been designed to be used with McIntosh amplifiers/receivers that use their autoformer output stage which has 8 and 4 ohm positive and negative speaker binding posts. 

If your amplifier only has left and right + and - binding posts and your stacking both your tower speakers and the subwoofer cables, this may be responsible for the lower output your hearing.

Refer to the McIntosh HT2 manual as well as a McIntosh amplifier manual or contact McIntosh directly for assistance. 

this is why a good powered sub or 2 makes life (and the music) better and easier

This old Mcintosh HT2 has two 12 inch subwoofers. Can I add another binding post and turn this mono due subwoofer to a stereo subwoofer? By this way, I may resolve the issue. Any suggestions?

Thanks for the reply. My issue is, the sub sounds less clear if I use dedicated sub amp and split the signal from preamp to amp. However, if I just use one amp, and bi-wire to speaker and this passive subwoofer, the subwoofer is clearer but has lower volume, ie lossed the "punch". 

If the sound is similar at the same volume levels when using either amp, the problem is the subwoofer.  If the sound is poor out of the dedicated at the same volume levels, the problem is the subwoofer amp.

Location and phase are also issues, but I assume those are the same with both amps.

Also keep in mind, depending on how the subwoofer is constructed, if you place a cinder block or two on top (wrapped in a towel or some material), it will tighten up the sound quite a bit.  Cinder blocks only cost a few dollars to try it.