Seems tough to ensure only subwoofer is playing bass frequencies (& not the main speakers)


Given that the bass from main speakers will be qualitatively different than the bass from a subwoofer...  I do not want  them both playing the bass frequencies. Seeking help in this quest of mine to ensure only the sub plays the bass. 

**My Setup:**
- Source: Oppo UDP 205
- DAC : Black Ice Audio  Glass FX  (fyi: it has volume control)
- Integrated amp: Primaluna Dialogue Premium HP.  (no pre-outs, but has high level mono out and also HT bypass mode)
- Subwoofer: Velodyne DD+ 10 inch.  

Without the DAC in the picture, its pretty easy. The Oppo has bass management & dedicated sub output. This allows using the oppo for master volume control.

How can I use an external DAC (instead of whats built into the oppo) for both the  and continue to send bass frequencies to the sub but not the main speakers ? 

one thought i have is.. it will need introducing an external digital cross over as follows :

Oppo -> DAC -> Cross over -> Subwoofer & Integrated amp

In which case i suppose I would have to use the volume control on the DAC ?
roxito

Showing 1 response by elliottbnewcombjr

that sub has ’output high pass’

https://www.velodyneacoustics.com/digital-drive-plus-series/

the sub grabs the bass, and crosses over at either 80hz or 100hz as you choose.

you send full range separate left and right signals to sub first, then it sends separate left and right signals without the low bass back to the preamp/integrated amp/tape loop, lots of options, then to your mains.

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Self-powered Subs: two advantages

1. amp does not need to amplify bass, so a lower power amp can be used, an important consideration regarding cost, weight, heat, and especially allows you to try less powerful tube amps.

2. mains do not try to produce bass that they can only do 'moderately', so you get the main’s mids and highs mixed with the sub’s bass capability.

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2 channel system, sub always on presumably, low bass always to the self powered sub, high pass to mains.

in addition to above, my old velodyne also allows speaker wires from the amp, thru it’s variable equalizer, then speaker wires without the low bass to the speakers. mains drivers do not have to try and do bass they cannot do well. no advantage to the amp, it still gets full signal from the preamp, amplify s the bass prior to sub.

I am in favor of a stereo pair of subs, forward firing, located next to the mains, producing primary bass notes and all the overtones of those notes, thus the bass is directional and improves imaging, i.e. where is the jazz bassist standing?

also, I am no fan of ports, passive radiators, .... again, to preserve bass imaging
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multi-channel/home theater, a single self powered sub is often enough, just to add the dinosaur stomps, black hawk down heliocopters ...

you want your full range signal going to the mains, then, in the av receiver, you tell it what size mains you have. multi-channel it equalizes what it sends hither and thither, however

often 2 channel, or direct sounds better than multi-channel, without the sub. In those cases you want your mains to receive all the bass, and do the best they can without the sub.