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In Search of a Passive Subwoofer Amplifier

My speaker builder Van L Speakerworks in Chicago recommends Bash amplifiers for a pair of passive subwoofers of his design. They consist of two active 7" drivers. Each driver is in its own enclosure within the same cabinet. One is vented and one is sealed.

I am not convinced Bash is the route to take and would like some feedback on other choices. Other than Bash & Dayton on the low end and Lipinski on the high end (these are all I've been able to find data on), what other manufacturers are available for a home (not auto) passive subwoofer applications? As a parallel question, is the topology - e.g. digital, A/B, etc. - less critical (as critical-?) as the main amplifier? For clarity, this will be for my "everyday" system, but I am not willing to skimp with lower end gear either nor do I want to go with something too crazy either. My 'other' (main) system for serious dedicated listening employs a pair of REL G-1 subs employing onboard 700W digital amplifiers.

Thanks in advance for any information.

Scott Wolff
scott_wolff
scott_wolff OP
19 posts
 
Johnnyb - thanks for responding - and good question. Budget I'd like to stay in is around $1000, possibly a little more. In response to Roscoeiii - sub impedance is 8 ohms.
Optimally sub amp should have an on-board crossover, but if not, I'll consider one with an external x-over.

Scott
roscoeiii's avatar
roscoeiii
1,155 posts
 
Scott,

Are you here in Chicago or just your sub builder? Shoot me an email if you are local (if you can't do that thru A'gon I use the same user name on AudioCircle & AudioAsylum)
tellefsen
73 posts
 
I throw in a vote for the Crown XTI series of pro amps. It has a built in DSP that let you configure all kinds or parameters via software on your laptop...such as crossover frequency, crossover slope, notch filters, gain, delay, etc...Very flexible and a variety of models with varying power. I have an XTI-2000 on a pair of 15 inch passive subs and have been pretty happy with it..
rep4ever
15 posts
 
Parts Express has the SA-1000 amp which is a sleeper without audiophile credentials making it easy to miss. It has lots of power, high damping factor, is NOT digital, but does produce lots of power with almost non-existent heat. It is licensed technology from Sunfire. You can see in the description the down-tracking converter, the secret to the high power low heat in all of the Sunfire amps. I think about $400. You could drive both subs mono or at your budget, the better choice would be to get two, run in stereo for dramatic soundstage improvement on those recordings with true stereo bass.
miklorsmith
146 posts
 
Behringer a500:

http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/A500.aspx

I've used two of these to power the sub modules of my Zu Definition 2's for the last few years and they've been perfect. Real transformers, about 500 watts into mono, very little heat, great power and control. And pretty sure I got the pair delivered for under $350. Too good to be true, but actually true. I haven't had one thought of replacing them for any reason other than a potential future failure.
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