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Interaction between Sub XO and Amp?

I want to use my sub's crossover to cut off the lowest frequencies from my main (bookshelf) speakers. The concern I have is that the sub's amp will process the frequencies above the filter, resulting in a degredation of the sound quality.

Optimally, I'd like to use the line-level in/outs to run preamp out1 to the sub, then the line-level outs on the sub to the amp (and amp to the main speakers.) If the crossover works "before" the amp, and simply passes the frequencies above the cut-off to the amp, life is good. But if the amp gets involved and "corrupts" the clean, accurate signal my preamp is sending I need to decide whether to buy a sub whose amp won't degrade the signal (much) or just go with floorstanders despite a fairly small room (12x17).

Thanks for your help!

Howard

aggielaw

Showing 1 response by aggielaw

aggielaw OP
267 posts
 
Nsgarch: thanks for your thoughts. The way you describe is how I had my system set up. A friend told me that cutting the lowest frequencies from my mains would provide better clarity in the mids. I tried it (reluctantly) and was very surprised at how much more "slam" my system had, and how much better it sounded in general. It also helped my mains "get right" on piano and some male vocals, and removed a "haze" or slight midrange glare that exists when I have the mains reproduce the full range of sound.

I'm looking at upgrading my sub (currently a Velodyne CT-120, originally purchased more movies) and my speakers are nOrh mini 9.0's (website claims it reaches 45Hz at -3dB, but that's a stretch in my room based on measurements with my Radio Shack tester.)
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