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

I'd look at the 701's manual and see what the sub out is doing and whether or not it has a built in high pass for your mains, or a low pass for the sub.

Neither is better, but with luck the 701 includes a high pass filter for your mains that will assist you in getting the most out of your speakers.

I'll look closer. I saw some info that said the amp (yamaha 701) crosses the sub at 90hz, I understand crosses. Is this what is called a low pass filter?

And thank you for your response.

 

Manual states cut off freq at 100. so if i use the sub out, what shall i do with the subs onboard crossover dial/setting? 

 

Giving both the amp and the mains a break, not trying to amplify low bass is what you want.

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Stereo Pair of Self Powered Subs, line in/line out (minus low bass back to amp.)

1. self powered

2. front firing

3. no port, if so, front firing. maker should provide an optional port plug, i.e. avoid distribution to corners/rear/side walls.

4. line in, sub's crossover, line out without low bass back to the amp. Amp now does not need/try to make low bass, thus a lower powered amp can be used.

4a. Of course an external crossover can be used to separate the low bass from the amp instead of the sub’s crossover. Personally, todays technology, a sub’s crossover does a great job.

5. Most Advantageous using tube amp as a lower powered amp can be used successfully when not trying to amplify low bass. 

The easiest way to try lower powered tube amps. More tube amp models available, thus: lower competitive prices, lower weight, lower heat, increased location options (consider remote control signals).

6. Single Sub: works to add enough lower bass that the smaller mains do not sound small.

7. Stereo Pair of Subs. Located adjacent to Front Left and Front Right. Thus earlier front firing recommendation.

Very low bass sound waves are wide enough to be experienced as Mono in the listening space. HOWEVER, each/any frequency has overtones, i.e. fundamental 36hz: overtones 72, 144, 288, 560 …: present while progressively reduced in volume. It is these overtones that become narrow enough to become directional, thus Stereo Bass, blended with the front mains.

Stereo Imaging/Location of a Bass Source: Cannon/Jazz/Chamber/Rock …., is definitely achievable. (assuming proper mic locations/recording/mixing, the excellent engineering we seek).