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Subwoofer Out VS Subwoofer Crossover

I have been running a sub for many years now. I string the speaker cables to the sub and then out of the sub to the speakers. The sub maintains a crossover dial/adjuster. I’m now buying a new integrated amp (Yamaha 701). It has a dedicated rca sub out channel. If I use the sub out, I won’t have a crossover control. Should a still string the speaker outs to the sub and ignore the sub out if I want crossover control? Is one better than the other. I like my crossover control.

Thank you.

W

whitneyhengesbach

Showing 2 responses by gdaddy1

gdaddy1
278 posts
 

How low do your main speakers go down to? A sub is for 'sub' low bass that the main speaker can't achieve. If your main speaker has good lower ranger woofers I would let them do what they were designed for. They can add punch and dynamics that you will eliminate if you cross over too high. I run main speakers full range and set the sub crossover to 40hz.  Connection goes from amp high level output to speakers then to sub high level input. This way you pick up the same characteristic tonality and dynamics of the amp.

gdaddy1
278 posts
 

@whitneyhengesbach

Points to consider... Your amp is very capable of powering the mid-base drivers of the main speakers no problem. 220 watts into 4 ohm. Plenty loud.

The Polk XT70’s are capable of going down to 35hz/40hz. Why buy speakers that can go this low if your not going to let them? 2-61/2" mid base drivers with 2 8" passives and then cut them off at 80hz and then hand it off to ONE weak 100 watt subwoofer?? Why do that? Huge mistake IMO. The XT70’s are very capable of adding LOTS of punch and dynamics far better than one, weak 100 watt subwoofer can.

An upgrade you might consider is splurge on a pair of better powered subs like SVS or REL and set them up in stereo and then cross them at 40hz to blend properly with your speakers.

Or...

If you don’t add new subs I’d probably set this system up using the speakers full range and leave that sub out altogether. I bet you’ll be very impressed with the bass extension of the XT70’s all on their own. 35hz IS VERY DEEP BASS! No sub needed. Especially not that sub. No offense but you’ll probably make it sound far worse by adding that sub.

Good luck!

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