1. Home
  2. speakers
  3. 198596-202224

Subwooofer with Monoblocks set up question

A recent post by @patrickalston got me to thinking about my own potential monoblock situation.

In a few days, I plan to start testing out replacing my CODA CSiB (V2) integrated for a pair of Gato PWR-222 monoblocks with the Spatial Lab Raven preamp.  The Raven has one set of XLR outputs and one set of RCAs, and they can be used simultaneously.  In that room i have 1 REL T/9x and no room for a 2d sub. Gato and REL are quite clear that you cannot connect 2 monoblocks to a single subwoofer.

My plan is to connect the Raven to the PWR-222s via XLRs and to use the single-ended outputs to connect the Raven to a Schiit GJALLARHORN F and connect the REL T/9x to the stereo speaker outputs of the GJALLARHORN F. My theory is that this will avoid the potential shorting of the Gatos and allow both right and left channel bass signals to get to the REL. (The Schiit will actually be connected to the REL Arrow transmitter, so the T/9x is electrically safe in any case, i think.).

As the GJALLARHORN F is Class AB non-differential, I can connect the REL high-level cable in the normal/simple way without needing to float the ground cable or ground it to the amp chassis.

Gemini agrees that this approach is technically sound.

Does anybody on here think i am about to do something very bad or stupid?  I really don’t want to damage the Gatos.

Thanks!

kirkwallace
erik_squires
17,574 posts
 

OP:  Roon’s DSP capabilities are REALLY good, but what they won’t do is help you with the sub to speaker integration.   If your speakers are ported, plug them, then use the DSP to carefully integrate the sub to the mains and let it deal with peaks.  If you also use bass traps you can also weaken nulls. 

So, I am really now bringing up two separate issues.  One is how well the sub integrates with the room, and the other is with the main speakers.  A separate DSP for the sub (or a multi-way DSP) let's you finesse that.  Roon can only apply global EQ to try to hammer down what's broken elsewhere. 

Having said all that, you may not have any issues which this solves, so if you have good measurement software, you may be able to do a very good job using just the sub's settings (like LP filter Hz) and Roon. 

kirkwallace's avatar
kirkwallace OP
349 posts
 

Thank you, @erik_squires  I never have tried Roon’s DSP functions, but i have a UMIK mic and the REW software on an old laptop; I’ve taken a few readings, but i need to do more and then see what I can do with some basic adjustments. 

gdaddy1
524 posts
 

@kirkwallace  At first glance I thought the PL-2 was a new design using a 'planar' magnetic driver. It's not. It's a conventional 'single' 8" driver with a passive radiator. Designed to couple with the wall to reinforce bass.

If saving space is a premium then this would work. However, for pure low frequency performance the larger cabinet will generally have the advantage. 

It seems like a lot of money for a single 8" driver. 

kirkwallace's avatar
kirkwallace OP
349 posts
 

Exactly my thoughts as well, @gdaddy.  It’s designed to be more “decor friendly”, but that’s not reason enough for me to replace my T/9x with 2 of these new PL-2s.

I’m gonna try it with just the existing T/9x connected to one monoblock, and if that is unsatisfactory, I will get a 2d T/9x for the other monoblock; i can just fit a second one in elsewhere in that room (along the same wall as the current T/9x).

REL definitely recommended against stacking stereo s/550s. 

audio_guy_uofw
74 posts
 

Just a note on the y cable summer suggestion - not a good idea. An RCA y cable is a splitter- one output into 2 inputs and not a summer - two outputs into one input. Whe used as a summer you are effectively shorting the two outputs together. Never a good idea.

More to discover