Incorporating sub into my 2 channel / HT system

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.

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.

your sub doesn't accept mutliple inputs, most don't. I will only run from the LFE, line level, or speaker level connections, individually, but not process signals from more than one input at a time.

The only subs that I know of that will take multiple inputs are Definitive Technology or Rel. Both of which make great subs.

I would suggest multiple Rel T1's or Def Tech Supercube I's, running from 2 channel and LFE.

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.

Velodyne and SVS subs absolutely WILL NOT allow mulitple interconnects that work at the same time. I have been through that with the technicians at both companies. Only one of the connections funcitons, in a distinct heirarchy, at any one time.

Specifically what is being asked here is can he use this for LFE and stereo with seperate connections for both, that will both work. That takes a specific set up in the amp/crossover network that not many subs have.

I don't see that Polk does that either. In fact going through the manuals of the DSW's both Micro Pro and Pro it states, " CONNECTING THE SUBWOOFER TO
THE SYSTEM—HOOKUP OPTIONS
IMPORTANT NOTE: USE ONLY ONE OF THESE OPTIONS.
NEVER COMBINE HOOKUP OPTIONS"

I have never seen or heard of Epik, but since their website does not have manuals, and states a manual does not come with the sub (????), I'm not sure how those work. If that sub is not really set up to work that way, and you have it hooked up with multiple interonnects, it potentially could cause competing signals that cold damage the sub.

Be very careful which subs will do this, and what you pay for them. I have owned many a Velodyne, and a couple of SVS (great subs, super musical and great value), JL Audio, Sunfire, Def Tech, Rel (my fav musical sub).......

Only the Def Tech Supercubes and Rel's have had this optoin that I have seen. Call the companies and talk to the Tech's before you buy any sub that you want this optoin on.

Wow, This appears to be more complicated than I first thought. I figured there would be lots of people out there in my situation with simple solution. Didn't think it would be relavent until now but I should mention I plan on upgrading system by end of year. Moving marantz and Velo sub to basement system and selling off the Cary.

Any suggestions on a good integrated amp, AVR and 2 sub combo. Likely by one sub at a time due to budget constraints $4k.......have always bought used from Agon with no regrets.

Thanks for all responses so far.

Hi Freddy50

I have my HT set-up and 2.1 channel set-up in the same room. I have a Velodyne SPL 1500R subwoofer that I was using for the 2 channel part of my system. I took a look at the back of the Velodyne amp and there is a 2 channel inputs and one of the inputs also said LFE only. I took a male RCA to 2 female RCA Y adapter and plugged it into the LFE input jack.

My 2.1 channel preamp doesn't have a subwoofer output just another pair of outputs. My HT Pre Pro has an LFE output. One channel from my 2.1 channel preamp and the HT LFE output is plugged into the Y adapter.

If this doesn't make sense you can e-mail me and I'll send you a picture of the set-up.

Now I was able to use the same subwoofer in both systems BUT it was at different times like others have said above. Another issue I ran into was that I had to keep adjusting the volume and equalization on the sub to match both systems. The Velodyne doesn't have the ability to store 2 separate equalization/volume settings. I have some flexibility with my HT Pre/Pro so I can try to figure something out with the sub.

Good luck with your search.

I find SVS Micro 3000 allows current-time listening through my phone app, and through a Bluesound Node, you can also adjust ALL sub crossover settings,sound settings, etc. ,etc. combining these two jewels in any set up. 

Some of the REL subs allow two separate inputs. Separate level controls for HT and 2 channel. 

This might be a little nutty, but if you’ve got the budget and the space you could buy another sub and hook one up for HT and the other for stereo.  The added benefit is you have the ability to optimize each sub for its specific purpose.  You can get an SVS SB1000 Pro that has a small footprint yet still gets down to an honest 20Hz (-3dB), and it also comes with integration software you can adjust from your chair that is really convenient and helpful and all this for $599 with a 45-day, risk-free trial and free shipping both ways.  Just a different thought outta left field FWIW, and best of luck. 
https://www.svsound.com/products/sb-1000-pro-subwoofer