2. home-theater
  3. 1374588702

Setting up dual subwoofers to a two channel amp.

Any advice would be really great:

I am currently running a dual-mono 300B SET amp into two back-loaded horn single driver speakers. A very simple setup. I have two subwoofers on the way... This complicates things. They will be active subs with either Keiga or Dayton SPA plate amps. I would like to use the high level in/out on each sub. The problem is that I am using one dual mono amp to feed two "stereo" (two in/out each) plate amps which will power each sub and then send the signal to the horns. Basically I am using these two subwoofer amps that are designed have two channels in and out, but I am only feeding one signal into each. Anyone know the proper way to set something like this up without bridging my main amp?

Also, how badly is the signal going to the main speakers going to be degraded by putting a sub in between?

Again, any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
tjkurita

Showing 8 responses by tjkurita

tjkurita OP
47 posts
 
Absolutely! Thanks again to you and everyone for your help. It is very useful.
tjkurita OP
47 posts
 
Thanks for the response. This makes sense. It doesn't sound like you are having a lot of luck with integrating your subs. Another option I am looking into is using Y cables at the sub from the main amp to the sub and the the Y cable continues to the full range speaker. Nothing from the high level out of the sub at all. I don't know what kind of load this will present to the amp, though.
tjkurita OP
47 posts
 
Thanks jj! Yes. The Emm labs dcc2 is a pre amp in addition to being a DAC. This line out method is most likely the way I will go. It was my understanding that using high level speaker connections was the best way. But the line level seems to make the most sense as long as the preamp is up to snuff. Thanks for your help in this.
tjkurita OP
47 posts
 
You are exactly right and articulated my previous statement much better than I could. One question: you mentioned that none of your bass augmentation has been satisfying. Including this method of adding the sub on top of the full range? Does this method we are talking about have a bad effect on the full range sound? Also, does adding a sub in the manner we are describing make the main amp work harder than if there were no subs at all? Thanks for your help in this!
tjkurita OP
47 posts
 
In addition, would I be correct in describing the alternative method you mentioned as having two sets of wires running from one set of speaker posts on my SET? One set to the full rangers and one set to the speaker input of the sub amp?
tjkurita OP
47 posts
 
This is all great info. Thanks so much!
tjkurita OP
47 posts
 
An interesting solution kelvin. I can do this with my Emm labs pre amp. Please forgive then ignorant question but I connect it to the volume out right? Rather than the line out? In order for the bass response to match the volume of the system as a whole?
tjkurita OP
47 posts
 
Thanks for the advice, rodge but I think i am going to try to find as simple a solution as possible. As it is, my system is very simple and the components are as high quality I can get. Adding an additional component as complicated as the dual core you describe would not work for me. I am also using double backloaded horn full rangers and would prefer to stay with those and replacing my DAC/transport combination to anything other than the new playback designs stuff would be an automatic step back as what I have is the best I could find and afford.
More to discover