Subwoofer Amp Recommendations


I've added a stereo pair of VBT Magellan passive subs (fantastic, BTW)to my 2-channel system. VBT recommends using their 200S amp, which I have---and it is good---and I could get another for stereo, but as I'm using a Tact 2.2x, I don't need the crossover/volume functions in their amp, and would rather not have to put the signal through another set of electronics.

My considerations have ranged from the new Carver Pro amps (but I'm not happy about their connections as I'd need new cables or adapters) to used Adcoms/NADs/Aragons. I've also considered PS Audio and Sunfire, but not sure if I need to spend that much just for a bass amp.

A friend suggested the new Panasonic 45 digital receiver which takes a digital input (saving me the expense of a DAC, but I already have an extra anyway).

Your thoughts and experience would be appreciated.
richards

Showing 1 response by alpha_03

Room size determines the true freq. responce of ANY subwoofer. There fore common sence dictates that SPL will rise as power output rises in a given room. While you may be able to "feel" something below 20Hz, you certainly will not be able to hear it- the human ear is not designed to do such a thing.

But is this always true? Not to my taste.

For Subsonic duties I use two AB International 1100A's bridged mono, for "stereo-bass". Seems to me your question is about subsonic truth to as low a point as you can get. This relys on far more than just an amplifier. Room acoustics, driver design and enclosure, and source material all provide various challenges for any music system and the listener. What some here refer to as "muddy", to another, may be considered "truth", it's all dependant upon your ears, and this is obviously subject to your own personal taste.

True bass IMO requires high SPL, why? Because most average listeners room size is not the same as that of a music hall, hence a greatly reduced standing wave must be made to "perform" the same in a much smaller enviroment- resolution- SPL. Efficient drivers and efficient amplification- your ears will thank you for it, and so will your pocket book.

Ask any sound engineer, when your at your next concert about setting up subs- you'll have to buy the coffee, and have a few hours of time on your hands.