Speaker Level and LFE Sub?


I need a sub that can combine the high level signal from the output of my 2 channel amp with the LFE of my surround preamplifier. I have a REL B3 right now which can accomplish this task. However, I am not totally happy with REL. I have an NAD M2 amp and the REL doesn't do great with the high level connection. I tried using the REL cable made for digital amps with no significantly different results. The NAD M2 doesn't have a line out for sub. :(

The G928, REL and Thiel's SS1, SS2 etc with the smartsub integrator are the only 3 sub manufacturers I can find that can run speaker level and lfe contemporaneously. Any other subs that can do this? Any external sub eq or dsp that can run both inputs at the same time?
128x128dallasjustice

Showing 6 responses by dallasjustice

I read the manual. I can see that the super cube take speaker level inputs, but nothing in the manual says that the sub can safely take both LFE and high level at the same time. Are you doing this with a supercube? I just wouldn't try it unless the manufacturer has tested it to make sure grounding problems aren't going to destroyed my amp. BTW, most subs that take high level connections cannot do both high level and low level at the same time. REL is one of the few exceptions.
Sorry. Maybe i jumped the gun. I read this on their website:
"Both speaker level and low-level inputs are provided as well as a separate direct-in LFE low-level input (which bypasses the crossover network) which may be used by itself or in combination with left and right channel high- or low-level inputs for the ultimate in subwoofer flexibility and performance."

I called velodyne regarding their DD series subs a few days ago. Rob said that their subs do take speaker level but not at same time as LFE. The SRS looks like the same eq as in their dd subs and I can't find anything in the manual that says it can do this. Maybe I just need 2 subs.
Its a combined system. (NAD M2 for 2 channel via AES/EBU & Parasound P7 surround preamp outputing the .1 to the same sub and the left and right surround to NAD M2 via interconnect) So, technically I don't really need simultaneous use of line and speaker level inputs. However, if the manufacturer won't certify this particular use, I could destroy my amp with conflicting grounding. That is, i would have a connection coming from the NAD and different connection coming from a surround preamp. Also, I don't know how the sub would handle two inputs coming in at the same time. So, you are correct that I don't need to listen to line and speaker level at the same time, but its going to happen anyway when I am using the NAD M2 for my surround fronts and my preamp is sending LFE at the same time.
Thanks. I really like the m2 but it's just a shame NAD couldn't provide a simple line out. NAD has documentation on sub integration but much will depend on the sub itself. I think it's best to contact individual manufacturers. I live in Dallas but I am really an Htown boy.
I narrowed things down to Def Tech's Supercube Reference and Martin Logan's Depth. I will get the reference. ML never responded to my question. However, Def Tech responded with the following answer:
"It would be quite acceptable to connect an LFE cable to our SuperCube subwoofers while connecting a set of high level inputs to the subwoofer. The subwoofers would combine or sum together any bass they receive from the speaker wires with any bass they receive from the LFE cable. The subwoofers would then play any – and all bass they receive."

thanks for all of your help.