Alternate sub approach for a simple 2.1 system

[KEW]

I thought this was an interesting product:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ZFXKJGM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1156102-REG/samson_resolv_rxa10s_active.html

It is a $300 Samson pro audio 10" sub, but the unique feature is the remote control.
This sub is designed to be used in a recording studio with active monitors, but there is no reason it can't be used with any integrated amp or stereo receiver as it provides line level RCA outputs.

The specs state a low-pass filter at 80-160Hz and a 100 Hz 12 db/oct Linkwitz Riley crossover which seems confusing (to me, anyway).

Ideally, I am hoping this might be a way to incorporate decent bass management into an otherwise old school stereo system.
Quite honestly, a remote control adjustment of sub volume and system volume (if using an older amplifier) are the most desirable controls I would want in such a system. The remote for this sub provides both!

Any thoughts or comments?

 

[WaynePflughaupt]

I’ve always thought remote control of the subs was a cool feature. I’ve been using an outboard unit for that function for over 20 years, the Chase Technologies RLC-1. The beauty of this little gizmo is that you can use it with any subwoofer. If you’re patient you should be able to pick one up on ebay for under $100.

http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/home-audio-subwoofers/2237-options-remote-controlling-your-subwoofer.html

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

 

[shadyJ]

I don't think sub remotes are really necessary, but they don't hurt either. Subs are mostly a set them up and leave them alone affair. For most people they should be. For someone like me, who likes to tinker with subs, its different, but very few are like me, so they don't really serve much of a purpose. If you want to adjust the subwoofer volume, that should be done on the AVR, obviously, otherwise you mess up the calibration. There are exceptions like the new 16 Ultra subs from SVS, which have presets where you can always go back to calibrated settings.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I like the idea behind Elac Debut EQ models subs - i think it's pretty cool, maybe a tad pricier than I would like it to be

 

[lovinthehd]

My old Klipsch RW12d works with my Harmony remote, but rarely adjust it that way but I have bass management in the avr where I use it....

 

[KEW]

I suspect that my tolerance for this is lower than many peoples, but I know I am not alone!
Some recordings are recorded with the bottom end too hot!
An excellent example is Eric Clapton - Unplugged. Aside from the exaggerated bass, this is a wonderfully recorded album!
My best assumption is that the recording engineer saw that this was an "acoustic" album and since the acoustic string bass bottoms out at 40Hz, the engineer figured there was no good reason to use subwoofers. Unfortunately, Mr. Clapton is tapping his foot and the resonant frequency of the stage is very low and somehow, this is being communicated through one (or more) of the microphones, such that it makes for a heavy distraction from an otherwise stellar performance/recording!
There are also plenty of other artists who have recordings which simply have the low bass too loud (for my tastes). I don't know if it is because they assume the listener will want it for more of a club sound or to set off the resonance frequencies of their car, or what. A good example of this is Katy Perry's acoustic version of "I Kissed a Girl". The bass blurs the details of the other instruments:
(unfortunately, the quality of the YouTube version is not as good as the CD, but I think you still get the idea).

 

[KEW]

The specs state a low-pass filter at 80-160Hz and a 100 Hz 12 db/oct Linkwitz Riley crossover which seems confusing (to me, anyway).

My interpretation of this is that there is a variable low pass filter to determine the frequency the sub takes over the bass and there is also a fixed high pass filter at 100Hz to remove the bass from the mains. This may be wishful thinking.

Here is the specs from Samson's website.
Woofer.............................................. 10” coated paper woofer with butyl surround
Enclosure Type................................. Bass reflex system
Enclosure......................................... Vinyl wrapped MDF cabinet Grill.................................................. Mesh
Frequency Response........................ 35Hz–160Hz ±3dB
Crossover Frequency........................ 100Hz 12db/oct Linkwitz Riley
Low Pass Filter................................. 80Hz–160Hz
Output Power................................... 250 watts RMS <1%
Input Connectors............................. Balanced female XLR, unbalanced RCA
Output Connectors .......................... Balanced male XLR, unbalanced RCA Controls........................................... System Volume, Bass Volume, LPF, Phase
Power Consumption......................... 200W
Fuse................................................. AC 100V–120V 6.3A/250V AC 220V–240V 4.0A/250V
Product Weight ................................ 27.3lb (12.4kg)
Gift Box Dimensions........................ 21” x 17.75” x 16.5” (533mm x 451mm x 419mm)
Gift Box Weight................................ 35.5lb (16.1kg)
Master Carton Quantity................... 1
UPC (US only)................................... 809164017783
SKU (US only)................................... SARXA10S

http://www.samsontech.com/samson/products/studio-monitors/resolv/resolvrxa10s/

 

[KEW]

Samson’s Resolv RXA10S 250-watt active studio subwoofer delivers extended low frequency reference and convenient wireless remote control over your monitoring setup. Its front-firing 10” butyl surround copolymer woofer offers tight, accurate bass while a variable low-pass filter control, dedicated high-pass outputs and a compact design provide seamless studio and home theater integration.

Honestly, this should be called a woofer as opposed to a sub-woofer!

The Pros are:
Bass management relieves loads below fixed 100Hz crossover from mains
Allows volume and mute control for sub
Adds volume control for system (useful if you have vintage electronics or pro audio monitors)
Balanced and RCA inputs and outputs

The Cons are:
-3 dB at 35Hz will not provide complete bass, but still useful with bookshelf/satellite spkrs.
Cheesy Credit Card remote
Don't believe you can add a sub for dual subs without getting into confounding issues w.r.t. remote control operation.