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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
kirkwallace's avatar
kirkwallace OP
280 posts
 

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).

 

gdaddy1
485 posts
 

"Not all RELs can be stacked due to safety concerns; it takes a lot of weight for a line array to be stable. Therefore, stacking 3 lightweight subwoofers on top of each other is unwise."

REL goes on to explain that only certain models are engineered for stacking and include the necessary hardware to safely create a rigid column.

They specifically state that the T/x series is not approved for REL Line Arrays. In the article "Why You Can't Stack T/x," REL says that their stackable Line Arrays use Serie S and Reference models that were designed from the outset with:

  • Metal couplers
  • Bolted connections
  • Special inserts and rails
  • A structure that effectively turns multiple subs into a single heavy tower

If you put shelf liner between them there is NO WAY they can slide off. Especially when only using 2 subs stacked. Perfectly fine. Why discourage it? Only buy the expensive ones is what they're saying.

kirkwallace's avatar
kirkwallace OP
280 posts
 

#chacun a son gout/caveat emptor, I guess?

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