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!
128x128freddy50

Showing 1 response by kr4

kr4's avatar
kr4
3,650 posts
 
Unfortunately, your Cary CAI-1 lacks preamp line-level outputs, so you have only one choice.

Connect the second set of speaker output terminals of the Cary CAI-1 to a switch (DPDT on-off) and that switch to the the sub's speaker-level input terminals. Leave the sub out from the AVR connected as-is.

To use this setup for HT, make sure the switch is open (sub not connected).

To use this setup for 2 channel, make sure the AVR is OFF and then close the switch.

The problem is that the level/crossover in the sub must be the same for both operations and that will never be ideal for both. There is no reasonable solution for this but I cannot think of any other way with the equipment you have.
More to discover