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Subwoofer in 2.1 system... HELP

Subwoofer in 2.1 setup... LOTS O' QUESTIONS! Need help. I want to add a subwoofer to my music-only, fairly decent stereo system. I currently have a Counterpoint hybrid sa20 amp, Krell KSL-2 s.s. preamp, Sony C333-ES SACD player, and original Von Shweikert VR4 speakers. I would like more bass end (especially on certain types of music and at lower levels), and seek a relatively inexpensive (maybe $800 used?) sub for this purpose. The question is, how the F#$! do I hook the sub up without using the sub as a crossover to my main speakers, or is this not possible to avoid? I dont want to add coloration or more components in the way of the signal if at all possible. Can I put wires for both at the amp posts, or would this somehow fry the ever so touchy Counterpoint? Should I even worry about my speaker wires coming fromm the sub? Also, any thoughts on the type on sub? A Sunfire (junior) maybe?Any help as to my options would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, N
afh123
szutinglee
91 posts
 
if your preamp has two sets of output, use one for your main amp and the other for the sub.

if your amp has two sets of speaker posts and your sub has such input (some models of REL and Velodyne do), you can use the extra speaker posts for the sub, but that means less power for your mains.

best of luck!
scott
falp
6 posts
 
High level high impedance input! Available for ex in REL, MJ Acoustics and BK subs...

If your amp is not a class D, then no problem.

But for a VR4 you need a really good and powerful sub...

2 (Two) Rel Storm III needed 25 or 30 hz Xover to match a pair of VR2...
dlstephenson
121 posts
 
First off the VR-4s reach down to 20hz. So a sunfire junior will not really help you as it will only reach down to about 28hz. You will have to go to a larger driver 12 inch Sunfire Signature series or a 15 inch or larger driver like bagends.

If you use the same terminals on your amp out to the high in of most powered subwoofers this will work for variable volume. Or use the tape out (non variable volume) if you listen to your music at about the same level every time. Both will work.

The "high in" is a passthrough design in most quality subs. So it really will not draw any significant current from your amp. It just means however that you have to double your speaker cables which might in some cases mean more money than its worth.

You also do not mention the room size, but I would guess large. This will affect how much air you want to displace.

Try looking at a MKV-12 earthquake, they are usually discounted on audiogon and will go down to about 18hz or the MKV-15 (much harder to get) it will go down to about 14hz flat.
afh123 OP
2 posts
 
Thanks guys. Let me elaborate. First, Im looking for more "slam" mostly for rock music and a little more punch on jazz. Not really trying to go to the depths of the spectrum for pedals or pipe organ. Second, Im a complete idiot regarding setup, wiring, etc. Preamp has one set of rca outputs, and one set of XLR outputs. It also has a tape output.
My amp is connected to the rca outputs.
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