2. home-theater
  3. 1374588702

Setting up dual subwoofers to a two channel amp.

Any advice would be really great:

I am currently running a dual-mono 300B SET amp into two back-loaded horn single driver speakers. A very simple setup. I have two subwoofers on the way... This complicates things. They will be active subs with either Keiga or Dayton SPA plate amps. I would like to use the high level in/out on each sub. The problem is that I am using one dual mono amp to feed two "stereo" (two in/out each) plate amps which will power each sub and then send the signal to the horns. Basically I am using these two subwoofer amps that are designed have two channels in and out, but I am only feeding one signal into each. Anyone know the proper way to set something like this up without bridging my main amp?

Also, how badly is the signal going to the main speakers going to be degraded by putting a sub in between?

Again, any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
tjkurita
kelvinwsy
3 posts
 
Use an active pre-amp (SS is better than SET for bass response) with 2 RCA outputs to split the signal from the CD player/Media player/TT two ways - one direct to your 300B and then the Horns, 2nd using Y splitter further to drive each plate amp/subwoofer

My system is now PWD DAC II (has XLR and RCA both with active signal) - XLR to main preamp - 45 tube active and to my AN300 B monoblocks; RCA with splitter ie 2 lefts to left subwoofer bridged amp and 2 rights to right bridged subwoofer amp. Separate volume on PWD DAC, Tube Main Preamp, and adjustable X-over frequency and Volume on Subwoofer amps makes adjustment and blending seamless.
tjkurita OP
47 posts
 
An interesting solution kelvin. I can do this with my Emm labs pre amp. Please forgive then ignorant question but I connect it to the volume out right? Rather than the line out? In order for the bass response to match the volume of the system as a whole?
tjkurita OP
47 posts
 
Thanks for the advice, rodge but I think i am going to try to find as simple a solution as possible. As it is, my system is very simple and the components are as high quality I can get. Adding an additional component as complicated as the dual core you describe would not work for me. I am also using double backloaded horn full rangers and would prefer to stay with those and replacing my DAC/transport combination to anything other than the new playback designs stuff would be an automatic step back as what I have is the best I could find and afford.
jjrenman
279 posts
 
Kelvinswy's hook up and mine are very similar. IMO, Going line level (main output on the preamp)instead of speaker level is better and will give you the added flexibility needed to match the horns to the subs.

I did not mention it earlier as you do not show that preamp in your "system".
tjkurita OP
47 posts
 
Thanks jj! Yes. The Emm labs dcc2 is a pre amp in addition to being a DAC. This line out method is most likely the way I will go. It was my understanding that using high level speaker connections was the best way. But the line level seems to make the most sense as long as the preamp is up to snuff. Thanks for your help in this.
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