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Vintage Audio Research subwoofer connect.

I am thinking about a powered subwoofer for my vintage system. Just mulling it over primarily because the room is somewhat restricted in terms of positioning. I don't hear any problems but you know how audiophiles are.

I am wondering if it is reasonably possible to even connect a subwoofer.

The system is this: Audio Research LS-16 tube pre-amp via balanced cables into Proceed Madrigal HPA2 (Levinson) amp (500w into 4 ohms) via Transparent Cables bi-wired to Aerial Acoustics 7B towers.

There is an Oppo blu-ray player that I use for CD transport and DAC.

I'm assuming the preferred route to the subwoofer is through the AR LS-16 but I'm not very sophisticated with this stuff. Output sets on the back of the LS-16 include "Main 1" which are RCA and "Main 2" and "Main 3" which are balanced. Only "Main 2" is in use. There is also a "Record" output set which is RCA.

I'm hoping it is possible just run L and R RCA cables from "Main 1" to the L and R line level inputs on the sub.

Is that right?

There are no output selection switches on the front of the LS-16 so I'm assuming all 3 of the "Main" outputs are always 'on'?

 

 

n80
n80 OP
2,133 posts
 

@whart Thanks. That is very helpful. In all probability I am not going to put a sub or subs in this system but I just wanted to look into feasibility. It is in a fairly small room and the Aerial Acoustics 7Bs seem pretty solid in terms of bass to my ear.

However, I have decided to put a modestly priced sub in the living room where I have a pair of Aerial Acoustic 6T speakers driven by a Sonos Amp (don't ask, its a long story). These are well positioned in the room but still seem like they could use a little more bass. Fortunately the Sonos AMP has a dedicated LFE output for a sub and the sub I'm looking at has LFE input so that will be simple. I will also get my wife to help with tuning it up. (Sometimes I think her ears are better than mine so I might be the one doing the tweaking).

 

 

kr4's avatar
kr4
3,693 posts
 

I think the OP (and others) should consider an active crossover and EQ in order to integrate the sub(s) with the main speakers.  Adjusting just the level ain't enough.

docknow
316 posts
 

@n80 I have an ARC REF6 (now an SE).  Around 2018, I found a doc on the ARC website blog that talked about impedance matching of ARC preamps and main/subwoofer systems (since removed from website).  Apparently, adding a sub can make the impedance too high, or too low, I forget.  I got the values for my equipment and calculated the apparent impedance of the speaker system and it was off for a single-end connection and just made it for a balanced connection.  So I replaced my RCA interconnects with balanced (Morrow Audio SUB3 Reference Subwoofer Cable Pair).  I don't recall it being a huge change in sound, maybe a little, and maybe that was placebo.  Just saying that there can be issues.  You might want to talk with ARC.  IF you do, suggest they re-instate their blog, and repost the old articles for all.

n80 OP
2,133 posts
 

Thanks @docknow . I have pretty much decided not to add a subwoofer to this system.

After suppressing the urge to fix a problem that probably isn't there I have done  some critical listening and really don't think I even need one. Thanks to all who replied.

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