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In Search of a Passive Subwoofer Amplifier

My speaker builder Van L Speakerworks in Chicago recommends Bash amplifiers for a pair of passive subwoofers of his design. They consist of two active 7" drivers. Each driver is in its own enclosure within the same cabinet. One is vented and one is sealed.

I am not convinced Bash is the route to take and would like some feedback on other choices. Other than Bash & Dayton on the low end and Lipinski on the high end (these are all I've been able to find data on), what other manufacturers are available for a home (not auto) passive subwoofer applications? As a parallel question, is the topology - e.g. digital, A/B, etc. - less critical (as critical-?) as the main amplifier? For clarity, this will be for my "everyday" system, but I am not willing to skimp with lower end gear either nor do I want to go with something too crazy either. My 'other' (main) system for serious dedicated listening employs a pair of REL G-1 subs employing onboard 700W digital amplifiers.

Thanks in advance for any information.

Scott Wolff
scott_wolff
rep4ever
15 posts
 
Parts Express has the SA-1000 amp which is a sleeper without audiophile credentials making it easy to miss. It has lots of power, high damping factor, is NOT digital, but does produce lots of power with almost non-existent heat. It is licensed technology from Sunfire. You can see in the description the down-tracking converter, the secret to the high power low heat in all of the Sunfire amps. I think about $400. You could drive both subs mono or at your budget, the better choice would be to get two, run in stereo for dramatic soundstage improvement on those recordings with true stereo bass.
miklorsmith
146 posts
 
Behringer a500:

http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/A500.aspx

I've used two of these to power the sub modules of my Zu Definition 2's for the last few years and they've been perfect. Real transformers, about 500 watts into mono, very little heat, great power and control. And pretty sure I got the pair delivered for under $350. Too good to be true, but actually true. I haven't had one thought of replacing them for any reason other than a potential future failure.
scott_wolff OP
19 posts
 
Roscoeiii,

Sorry for the long delay in responding. Blame it on that double-u O R K thing.
Yes - I live in Chicago - Downtown. My speaker builder is John Van L (Van L Speakerworks). Damn genius, this guy. I am going there Saturday 24 March to retrieve a pair of repaired speaker cables.
I've asked him to start on the amp-build (on-board) portion of a pair of bass towers for his 'Duet' speakers. The bass towers for these employ a pair of Canadian-manufactured 7" bass drivers. One is in a sealed enclosure and the other is vented. Both are active (no passive radiator - not that those are bad, or anything).
John seems sold on the digital amps provided by Bash which manufacture amps specifically intended for use as bass amps. He's got an incredible fine ear - no question. Says he's listened to other configurations and still stands by the digital choice. I have a pair of REL G-1 subs for my main system which employ on-board 700W A/B amps. These are wickedly fast, although I believe the drivers and other aspects of its design bring much to the quick response party. This is why I'm curious about other subwoofer amp designs/choices other than Class D. That said, I do have a lot of faith in John's designs as he's built the best pair of speakers (my bias, of course) in an over-the-top pair of his Quartets I got last year. If you know of John, ask him about them. There truly isn't anything like them.

By all means, please feel free to reach me offline @ scott_wolff1@hotmail.com

I'll look forward to anything you can suggest.

Cheers,

Scott
tube_boob's avatar
tube_boob
7 posts
 
Class D is not "digital". 
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