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What is the best way to add subs in my system?

Hello fellow audio people!
I have a great sounding system, but want to bring it up a notch. My ATC SCM 19's are the best speakers I've ever owned; extremely transparent with phenomenal dynamics. They also need quite a stout amp. ATC recommends at least 75 watts. I was driving them with a big Parasound A21 and an NAD pre-amp. All in all a nice combo. Then I saw a Luxman L550 ax here on A'gon and had to have it. With 20 watts/channel I'm only using it as a pre-amp for the Parasound. What I'd like to do is run the Lux direct, and add a pair of small sealed subs to take full of advantage of those sublime 20 watts. What is my best bet for a line-level crossover? JL audio has a new one out but it's extremely expensive. With signal purity my top priority, how can I add a pair of subs to my system without breaking the bank? More info on my system in virtual systems,
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jond's avatar
jond
5,657 posts
 
Just for fun have you tried running the Lux direct to your ATC's as is? You might be surprised at how well those 20 watts do running full range. Plus it costs you nothing to give it a try.
martykl
3,578 posts
 
I use Rythmik subs, so I'll second that recommendation. SVS also makes a good value subwoofer at about $1K/pair (and a pair is better than a single sub IMO).

As to the best way to cross the subs, I'm going to go off script here and recommend a pre-pro with Audyssey. I've tried a lot of different approaches using pre-amps from ARC and Joule (among others) as well as some pretty expensive high-end x-overs, including Marchand. My Onkyo pre-pro is IMO far better sounding than any of the high-end set-ups. You may be stripped of your audiophile club card if you follow this advice, but I think it's the best way to go.

YMMV
mekong56
137 posts
 
I have been running the JL CR-1 crossover for almost a year now with a pair of Focal 1007BE monitors and a JL e112 sub. To my ears it is very transparent and works exceptionally well. Lightens the load on the speakers which is what you might, and I say might need to run the Luxman with 20 watts. Yes it is expensive but is very good. I would first do as one of the other posts suggested and just try the Lux as is. It may just surprise you!
maplegrovemusic's avatar
maplegrovemusic
1,113 posts
 
Dont get to hung up on the price of the subs . The size of your room will dictate a lot . I picked up a used Paradigm Seismic 10 sub recently . New retail a dozen years ago was around $1200 . Picked it up for $250 . Bought it for the hell of it , seemed crazy low price . Inserted in my main system with King Sound electrostatic speakers and has completely filled in the 30 hertz range seamlessly . How loud you turn the volume up is the biggest mistake made usually . Keep it really low . I would stay in the pro arena for a sub . Less fancy looking (pay less)
srosenberg's avatar
srosenberg
209 posts
 
lots of great information here:
http://www.soundoctor.com/whitepapers/subs.htm

if you want to use an active XO, jl audio, bryston and marchand are the most common. if you're just looking for a line level high pass filter, Vandersteen makes a decent one (HP-5) but be aware of the slope - I believe it's only first order.

Another consideration is proper time alignment of the sub and mains. I ignored this for a long time, simply high passing my mains with the afore mentioned line level unit from Vandersteen, then a custom built set using V-Caps. Worked well enough, but I found a significant improvement in integration when I properly time aligned the mains and sub. Things really snapped into place perfectly - there is absolutely no differentiation between the sub and mains, just one perfectly cohesive soundfield.
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