2. speakers
  3. 171040-161121

Integrating a subwoofer

I had a 10 inch AR subwoofer I purchase more than 20 years ago.  Condition is still quite good at least cosmetically.  Everything functions as it should.  It has phase switch, crossover frequency and volume adjustments.  My amp is a parasound NC 2125 v2 which has a "high pass" filter (HPF) with two cut off frequencies at 20 and 40 hz.  My main speakers are Wharfedale Linton with the frequency response from 40 hz to 20 khz.  When I integrate the subwoofer (connected through loop out) in without any filtering, the bass from subwoofer is boomy, tempo is off and can not catch up with the bass from the Linton.  I experiment the crossover of the subwoofer from the lowest frequency all the way to 60 hz, no notable improvement is made.  Then I set the HPF (in amp) at 20 hz, bass is cleaner, more defined but is still not as tight or speedy as I desire.  I do not wish to set the HPF at 40 hz because it defeats the purpose of having a subwoofer.  Any advise?  What should I do to make it the integration better, OR do I need a better subwoofer?  Any recommendation?

lanx0003

Showing 1 response by millercarbon

millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 

the subwoofer (connected through loop out)

This is your problem. What you want is pre-out or sub out. Loop is fixed line level. Essentially a bypass, it gives no volume control over the sub. Because of this it is simply playing way too loud.

Your amp does not have pre or sub out. The solution is a $20 Line Out Converter. You might be able to find one at Parts Express for even less. Don't pay more, it does no good. Connect the LOC to your speaker terminals on the amp, then connect your RCA interconnects from the LOC to the sub. 

More to discover