2. home-theater
  3. 1304964443

Incorporating sub into my 2 channel / HT system

Iv'e been reading many blogs but still can't find exact answer to my question. I have a Marantz SR-18 receiver that I use for my HT. This only runs my center channel and sub......I don't use surround speakers as it's only a 3.1 setup.

I use a Cary CAI-1 integrated for my 2 channel listening. The Cary is also used to run my L/R mains during HT via cinema bypass loop. My mains are JM Lab Electra 926's my sub is a Velodyne SPL-800R which is currently run off my Marantz using the LFE. I want to augment my 926's during 2 channel listening as well. How do I connect my sub so that it performs double duty weather 2 channel listening or HT. Also, I want to add another SPL-800 to augment both L and R sides. I am a babe-in-the-woods when it comes to this stuff. How do I tie everything together? which in/out do I use? Do I need Y-splitters? Help!
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Showing 2 responses by erikt

erikt
256 posts
 
Does you sub have separate inputs for "LFE" (from an AVR or receiver sub output) and Line Level inputs for Left and Right?

And does your Cary integrated amp have Left/Right preouts?

If so, then run a sub cable from your Marantz to the LFE input on your sub and run 2 sub cables from the L/R preouts on the Cary to the Left/Right inputs on your sub.

When you watch movies, the Marantz will send LFE signals to your sub and the Cary will be in HT Bypass (so the preamp section is bypassed and it is nothing more than a power amp in this mode, so no bass signals will be coming out of the preouts). Your Marantz will apply any bass management to the sub.

When you listen to music, turn off the Marantz (or mute it), and select your source device to listen to and the Cary will send signals via the preouts to your sub. You will have to 'manually' adjust the sub's high cut off to get the best integration of sub and mains as you can.
erikt
256 posts
 
Several subs have multiple inputs.

Polk, eD, Velodyne, SVS, Epik...list goes on.

I have my Epik Valor sub hooked up to both my AVR (LFE input) and Musical Fidelity A5 integrated amp w/ HT Bypass(Line line L/R) in my hybrid HT/2-channel rig.

No more cable swapping on the sub, no switches needed.
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