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 2 responses by m-db

Have you tried using an RCA cable between the integrated’s single subwoofer output to the Plus’ RCA (Right) LFE Input and using the Plus’ Line level control to adjust the subwoofers volume? Or to the RCA (Left) Input?

I use L/R XLR preamplifier outputs to a DD Plus which is connected to a second Plus using the RS 232 terminal.


roxio, yes you understood me correctly. Looking at the Primaluna manuals somewhat poor back panel image I mistook that subwoofer output to be an RCA, my bad.

 elliottbnewcombjr is correct. The plus does have XLR and RCA Inputs that can be switched to route the signal through a high pass crossover. 
The manual doesn't mention that flexibility using the High Level Inputs.

Nor does it mention the use or result of a single high (speaker) level connection. I'm hesitant to suggest connecting one high (speaker) level cable from the integrated to any of the +/- subwoofers inputs since the manual shows only all four high level (speaker) cables connected.

Possibly someone can comment on using a second set of speaker cables coming from the integrated amplifiers speaker outputs to the Velodyne's High Level Inputs (page 17 Velodyne User's Manual)?

Unless the Integrated amplifier is having a noticeable undesirable affect driving your main speakers to there potential there may little or no advantage by using a high pass filter.
In my opinion the ability to use the Velodyne's on board Auto/Manual Equalization, Room Optimization, and Remote settings, would be far more desirable.

Consider the effort it would take to have a proper set of XLR or RCA outputs installed on the Integrated amplifier instead of a single high level output.
The Velodyne Plus possesses outstandingly useful abilities not found in most other subwoofer despite its design being being over a decade old. The Frequency Response and Parameters Screen (page 10,11 Velodyne User Interface Manual) is a huge advancement that should be made familiar to its user.