how to include the subwoofer?

Marty -- yes thanks, your thoughts are very similar to mine. And in fact, with my previous pre-amp, I used the Velodyne exaclty as you noted -- by setting the crossover higher and having it reinforce the speakers output below 100 hz, I got better bass, and was able to use the parametric eq in the sub to smooth out the bass response. My problem is that the Nagra is a wonderful piece but for it's lack of output options. I've been pretty happy running the speakers full range, and the SMS unit built into the Velodyne confirms that, properly tweaked, I've got a nice flat response (except for one null at about 165 hz that I can't do anything about). So the crossover, while interesting, is largely a glorified output doubler. I am not convinced the NHT unit will be inaudible (based on some inquiries I've made in this respect) in my system, but it's not all that expensive an experiment to try.

Thanks Lev. Yes my volume settings on the DD12 are right where yours are. From a volume perspective it is "barely being used" but that little bit of volume does great things for the sound (after a lot of time getting the parameters tweaked properly).

Hey Marty, no apologies necessary -- I appreciated your additional post. But actually, running the Curves full range and using the Velodyne it is still possible to get some benefit from the DRC in the Velodyne. By setting the low pass in the Velodyne to around 100, it actually reinforces the Curve's bass response below this level (and of course handles the low bass where the Curves drop out). As a result the main system is playing at lower volume to prduce a desired loudness. With the sub producing some part of the loudness, it is possible to tune the bass response of the room using the DRC in the sub. True, I'm not affecting what the Curves are doing at all, but according to the SMS software the response is considerably flatter than just running the Curves full range without the sub. Maybe someone will tell me this is sonically impossible, but I don't think so -- and unless the measurement microphone software (and my ears) are lying, it works.

I may try the external crossover still. But may wait to find a Bryston 10b. Or I may go ahead and try the X2. Still think about it.

David, Marty, thanks for the additional replies. Your two posts bracket my thinking. So....I'm gonna try both and see which works better. Hey, it's a hobby afterall.

thanks guys.

--dan