[Kele]

I have an amp running two subwoofers from two of its five channels. The amps channels are 100 watts each (damping factor 1000 per channel). Both formally self-powered subs' panel amps are shot so I am running them as dumb sealed enclosure speakers. My preamp is acting as the low-pass filter to the subs. I have no idea what the sensitivity rating is of each sub speaker, but they are both 8ohm. It sounds great... maybe as good as their original amps.

I have two ways of adjusting the volume for the subs: 1) Via the Pre-amp's calibration level for the Sub+L/R channel, and 2) via potentiometer pots on each channel at the (separates) amplifier. The amp's instruction manual states the "0" position (no attenuation) is normal but provides level reduction pots just incase.

My question has do with wanting to make life as easy as possible for the amplifier driving two subs (+ a center and two rears). Currently I have reduced the preamp's output for the subs by minus 8db, and have the amp volume pots at max (one pot about 20% less to balance that sub's sound in the room). Would it be more beneficial for the amp to work less hard by boosting the sub signal out of the preamp and use the amp's pots to lower the sub levels to mate with mains and the room?

Hope this makes sense...

Kele

[Bob Lombard[_3_]]

On 2/16/2014 9:48 AM, Kele wrote:
I have an amp running two subwoofers from two of its five channels. The amps channels are 100 watts each (damping factor 1000 per channel). Both formally self-powered subs' panel amps are shot so I am running them as dumb sealed enclosure speakers. My preamp is acting as the low-pass filter to the subs. I have no idea what the sensitivity rating is of each sub speaker, but they are both 8ohm. It sounds great... maybe as good as their original amps.

I have two ways of adjusting the volume for the subs: 1) Via the Pre-amp's calibration level for the Sub+L/R channel, and 2) via potentiometer pots on each channel at the (separates) amplifier. The amp's instruction manual states the "0" position (no attenuation) is normal but provides level reduction pots just incase.

My question has do with wanting to make life as easy as possible for the amplifier driving two subs (+ a center and two rears). Currently I have reduced the preamp's output for the subs by minus 8db, and have the amp volume pots at max (one pot about 20% less to balance that sub's sound in the room). Would it be more beneficial for the amp to work less hard by boosting the sub signal out of the preamp and use the amp's pots to lower the sub levels to mate with mains and the room?

Hope this makes sense...

Kele

Ah, an interesting arrangement. Because the energy output to the subs
is the same either way, I think it makes no difference. On the other
hand, if I was ever a hi-fi expert it was in another life.

bob

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[Kele]

I understand that keeping the input signal low (especially bass), there's l=
ess chance of bleed to other channels. But it is also logical that a highe=
r signal need not be boosted by the amp as much for the same end sound leve=
l. Just trying to give the amp a fighting chance. The amp runs a little w=
armer with the two subs now tethered to it, but not hot when cranked for ha=
lf a day. I find it hard to believe that a 100 watt AB-amp channel can dri=
ve a sub that had a 1000 watt, 2000 watt peek, class-D plate amp (8" driver=
). I'm still fiddling with getting the bass balance right: two non-similar=
subs + system + room. Awolnation-Sail is one I've been playing for its lo=
w freqs.

[John Pluta]

On Sunday, February 16, 2014 at 9:48:06 AM UTC-5, Kele wrote:
I have an amp running two subwoofers from two of its five channels. The =
amps channels are 100 watts each (damping factor 1000 per channel). Both f=
ormally self-powered subs' panel amps are shot so I am running them as dumb=
sealed enclosure speakers. My preamp is acting as the low-pass filter to =
the subs. I have no idea what the sensitivity rating is of each sub speake=
r, but they are both 8ohm. It sounds great... maybe as good as their origi=
nal amps.
=20
I have two ways of adjusting the volume for the subs: 1) Via the Pre-amp=
's calibration level for the Sub+L/R channel, and 2) via potentiometer pots=
on each channel at the (separates) amplifier. The amp's instruction manua=
l states the "0" position (no attenuation) is normal but provides level red=
uction pots just incase.
=20
My question has do with wanting to make life as easy as possible for the =
amplifier driving two subs (+ a center and two rears). Currently I have re=
duced the preamp's output for the subs by minus 8db, and have the amp volum=
e pots at max (one pot about 20% less to balance that sub's sound in the ro=
om). Would it be more beneficial for the amp to work less hard by boosting=
the sub signal out of the preamp and use the amp's pots to lower the sub l=
evels to mate with mains and the room?
=20
Hope this makes sense...
=20
Kele

Actually here is the best way to do it. I was in the same boat. I have a 5 =
channel surround amp (a Carver AV-705x). It ran 2 surround speakers and 1 s=
ubwoofer. I have a pair of Quicksilver V4's running the front channels. My =
Carver had rear pots for each channel. I had someone remove them with the i=
dea that less is more as well as a shorter path. It was correct and the sou=
nd improved immediately.

If your preamp has 2 outputs, run your fronts from 1st output and the other=
speakers from the 2nd. BTW, running 2 or 3 channels of a 100 watt surround=
amp should not place much strain on it.=20

Another choice is to get a X-over for the sub amp and run it into a 2nd pre=
amp output as well. Still another way is to get a used/inexpensive surround=
preamp like a Sherbourn or Emotiva. That way you can use the multi-channel=
outputs and run them into your input on your preamp (say video).

John=20

[dolph]

I think keeping the input signal low (especially bass), there's l=
ess chance of bleed to other channels.
192.168.l.2