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Class D Amplifier(s) for SWARM Subwoofer System

Hi All.  I've got a SWARM subwoofer system (4 8ohm passive subs powered by two Class A/B Dayton Audio sub amps, each amp powering a pair in series).  I've recently purchased a JL Audio CR-1 crossover, which is a true swiss army knife for integrating satellites and subs.  I am considering using the settings on the CR-1 to control the subs and using Class D amplification for the subwoofers. I'm looking for recommendations and advice on questions such as:

1) Would it be better to wire two subs in series (effective impedance 4 ohms) and drive with a single Class D channel or using four separate Class D channels and powering each sub individually?

2) The passive subs themselves do not seem to be all that efficient. So how much power should I shoot for?  (Sorry, I don't have a spec)

3) Looking for suggestions on manufactured products.  I can envision anything from a four-channel design, two stereo amps.... OR if I keep the subs in series - a single stereo amp or two monoblocks.  I know that I can get a custom 4-channel amp from D-sonic (for instance) - but I'm not up on other reasonably priced options. 

4) Am I better off building my own?  It seems like hypex is as simple as buying the components and stuffing them in a case.  (But I'm pretty busy these days, so......)

BTW - I don't want to go wild spending $$$ on subwoofer amps!  Preferably I'd like to keep the expense b/t $1k and $3k.

Thanks in advance for helpful thoughts.

peter_s
peter_s OP
1,317 posts
 

@audiokinesis Hi Duke. I’ll reach out to you offline to discuss troubleshooting on the Daytons. I should have reached out earlier to you about this concern. I am running two balanced outputs from my VAC Signature 2se preamp, one to a pair of VAC Phi200 monoblocks and the other to the Jensen ISO-MAX PC-2XR, which converts the balanced to SE signal (and +4 to -10 db conversion). I am guessing that Ralph is doing the same, but require confirmation. I will report back on this thread as more is known. I can definitely try the LFE inputs on the Daytons.

It looks like there is no way to bridge the Daytons to get more power (since I am only using one channel per amp) - but another option would be to use both channels and run one sub per channel.

audiokinesis
2,723 posts
 

@peter_s , it's not apparent to me where the lack of gain is coming from.

With the JL Audio CR-1, do you have plenty of gain?

The Dayton amp just has a single channel.  The two sets of output terminals on the back are both connected in parallel to that single channel. 

Duke

peter_s OP
1,317 posts
 

@audiokinesis Thanks for clearing that up about the Daytons!  I will get back when I set up the CR-1. 

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,629 posts
 

Jensen ISO-MAX PC-2XR, which converts the balanced to SE signal (and +4 to -10 db conversion). I am guessing that Ralph is doing the same, but require confirmation.

@peter_s I run the same configuration and it works fine. You might test your balanced input cables for continuity and also that they are wired exactly the same. If they are out of phase you would get really low output since all that would pass would be out of phase bass information.

peter_s OP
1,317 posts
 

@atmasphere For continuity testing, you are just saying make sure that there is continuity for each of the three pin/socket pairs, correct?  If not, I have a broken cable.  I can test, but I would be surprised to have two broken cables (2 Dayton amps, 2 XLR cable runs).  How about the possibility of a different pin layout b/t my VAC preamp and the Jensen PC-2XR?  I see there are dip switches on the Jensen for grounding.....?  Thanks!

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