2. amps-preamps
  3. 1260293112

how to include the subwoofer?

I have power amps (Kharma MP150s) that only have balanced inputs.

I have a preamp (Nagra PL-L) that only has selectable outputs (balanced or single ended), and only one set of balanced outputs. It does have a pair of unblanced.

I have speakers (Wilson Benesch Curve) that go down to about 35 Hz.

I have a subwoofer (Velodyne DD12) that I would like to use to round out the bottom octave and help with some room nodes.

What is the best compromise:

> to use the pair of unbalanced outputs on the preamp and use RCA-->XLR adapters at the amp end, and regular RCA cables to the subwoofer;

> to use XLR y-cables out of the preamp balanced outputs

> use an electronic crossover that has both balanced inputs and both balanced and unbalanced inputs (expensive solution, but offers added capability of not running the speakers full range).

None of these seem very good to me. Any other thoughts? As always your insights are most apprecited
dgaylin

Showing 1 response by levy03

levy03
442 posts
 
looks like you already know the dd12 has a great interface allowing for some fantastic dialing in of the bottom end. if you take the time (many hours in my case), it can end up sounding pretty darn good.

i'm in an similar situation as you and chose the rca amp to dd12 route. didn't want to complicate/add stuff to the system/path of separates i just upgraded to. i actually tried to go without a pre altogether but my system sounds better with one. regardless... got the results i wanted while keeping it simple with the dd12.

i think the key here for me(us?) is the sub's background use and wanting to "round out the bottom octave". my 3 painstakingly customized pre-sets vary in volume from 16 too 22. this on a scale of 100 or 150 i believe, so i'm barely using the thing. just a little bottom end fill for the most part. i'm not using mine to "create" bottom end. just giving it a little bump instead.

Martykl: you're spot on regarding the 80-120 hot spots. mine was at about 85-100. set the dd12 x-over to 93 and it helped flatten it out fine (along with some other fine adjustments).

i'd try simple first and see how it goes. you can always add gear later. good luck.

cheers
Lev
More to discover