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!
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 yes! Thank you. And it is helpful to have that warning posted in this thread. My understanding is that you can get Y summer cables built (with resistors built in, apparently), but if you wanted to do this stereo to mono thing safely you should use something like the Radial Mix 2:1 or the Monacor SMC 1 (but the Radial has only an XLR output). |
@kirkwallace I don't understand why REL is against stacking s/550 or any subwoofer in stereo mode?? The s550 is their poster boy in favor of stacking. If they want you to stack only in mono... OK, not a problem to set up. However if most low bass is mixed in mono why would it matter??? The concept is the physics involved in the coupling the two speakers together to create one unified signal. Did they give a reason why? I find it odd. BTW... I read on their site that they don't want you stacking their other subwoofers because of weight concerns. What??? They're suggesting that stacking a 65 lb. sub may not be able to take the weight? That's silly. They seem to want you to buy only the expensive ones that are specifically designed to carry the weight. Most subs you can stack a Buick on them no problem but not the REL ? |
From REL’s Regional Sales Manager: ”We usually don't recommend stacking stereo subs on top of each other, you will typically get better performance if they are each individually set in a different part of your room, which will help smooth out your bass response and allow each sub to utilize the floor's boundary gain.” And i think the point about not stacking the subs that they have not specifically designed for stacking is that the ones designed for it come with hardware that allows you to bolt them together, so the upper one(s) can’t be knocked off the lower one(s) by passersby (be they human or otherwise).
|
