Best way to integrate a subwoofer into Luxman Preamp + L-509X Integrated system?
I have the Luxman L-509X and it is an incredible sounding integrated amp, particularly once you give it a little volume. And when you get to higher volumes, it really starts to sing. I’m currently running dual SVS subs out of the pre-out on the back of the L-509X and everything works great (setting crossovers at the subs). Main speakers are Klipsch La Scala IIs.
At lower volumes when I am listening at night, the L-509X loses a little bit of its sparkle and depth, and I’ve found I can replace this by using my vintage Luxman CL40 as a preamp, and using the L-509X’s "Separate" setting (basically HT Bypass).
This bypasses the preamp and volume control in the L-509X, and allows me to use the CL40 into the "Main In" input as a tube preamp. At lower levels on jazz and acoustic music particularly, this adds incredible dimension and sparkle to the music.
Really a "best of both worlds" solution here, because the CL40 adds a good bit of distortion and grain at higher levels, and the L-509X excels at clarity, power, and dynamics at higher levels.
But the problem I’m running into is that if I’m running the subs out of the pre-outs on the L-509X, they are volume-independent from the CL40 preamp volume. So I have to manually adjust the subwoofer volume on the integrated volumen knob to roughly match where the volume level is on the CL40.
Running the subs from the CL40 Output 2 is not an option as it removes the subs from the L-509X for daytime listening and movie content, etc.
Running an alternate out from my Hegel HD30 DAC to the subs could be an option, but I’ve run out of outputs since I’m using the balanced XLRs out to the L-509X and the unbalanced RCAs to the CL40.
Is there any solution outside of using some post-analog DSP such as a Mini-DSP on the outputs that can give me subwoofer control tied to the main volume control regardless of whether I’m using the CL40 preamp or the L-509X as a standalone integrated?
Worst case scenario is I’m turning two volume knobs for matching between mains and subs when I’m using the CL40, but that isn’t ideal.
@atownkeep, ha, that’s how I was told my 509X went on the market (upgrade to 900u). Maybe I have your old 509X.
I’m running the left out of the pre-out to an SB2000 and the right out to an SB16 Ultra. Neither sub takes speaker inputs... So my mains are running ”full range,” but they are La Scala IIs, not capable of much bass below 58hz. I have the subs crossed over at 90hz and the integration sounds seamless.
Hi @atownkeepand @jsqt. Interesting solutions. I was just looking at the Luxman+AVR+Subs integration for both music and movies, etc. I am thinking about the Luxman integrated. I also have an SVS Micro 3000 sub. (city/small place).
@atownkeepI have 4ohm 87db speakers and I probably shouldn't use A+B since the label says speakers 8-16ohm (unfortunately). But I still wonder did you get integration of the home theater into your setup and were you able to use the subs for both use cases ?
@jsqt the way you described your integration did it seamlessly work for your home theater system too ?
The "line straight" feature removes coloration of the tone control section. On the off chance that you haven't, give it a try. It's a much clearer signal at low volume on my L-505uxii. Also, the 509x reportedly needs an hour warm up, as does my 505.
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