Hooking up powered sub to stereo receiver.

[maa83]

I am upgrading to a nice 2.1 system for my desktop. Something budget. I'm not trying to compare this to a real A/V system, I'm looking at this like a step up from logitech/creative/klipsch/general PC 2.1's.

I bought some sony bookshelfs (ss-b1000) and a powered sub (sa-w2500). Now the sub has line level and high/speaker level inputs and I believe the low pass filter works on the high/speaker level inputs but not the line level. Not sure about that part.

I already have a "classic" (read: old) stereo receiver, an Onkyo TX-910. I did a lot of research when I bought it in like 2002 (I was a college student and wanted a nice used stereo receiver) and from what I remember from my research it was considered a nice old school model to pick up back then. It's in good shape. some dings and no remote but it works great. It has NO sub out.

Now, I can keep my old onkyo TX and use the high level inputs on the sub and then pass the sound on to the sony bookshelfs. Or I can buy a new receiver with a sub out and use the line level input. However the cheapest receiver I found that can do that is the HK 3390. It's 225 which isn't cheap for me. Furthermore it doesn't actually have bass control or built in crossovers.. and IF I'm right about the line level input on the sony sub bypassing the lp filter then that won't work because the HK will just sent full range sound to my sub. If I'm wrong though and the LP filter is applied regardless of input.. then correct me please!

My question is, is there any discernible difference in SQ between using my onkyo and speaker level passthroughs and the HK and line level input.

If yes... how noticeable. What advantage in SQ am I gaining by buying that HK. Keep in mind this is for light gaming, watching downloaded torrents, and music in a room about.. I would say MAX 10ft x20ft with listening distance 10 ft (the width of the room, wall to wall).

If If there is no audible (AUDIBLE!) difference in SQ, then I have a second question. How does my Onkyo TX910 compare to the Sony STRDH100 stereo receiver. Not so much in terms of feature set, they'll both do what I need them to do I think, more like which one is a better built unit, longer lasting, higher quality components, cleaner sound, etc etc. Like is my old onkyo still better than the new sony, or is the current lowest end sony even better than my ancient onkyo?

Thanks in advance for any help.

And hello.

 

[markw]

First, since you already have a stereo receiver, the sub, and the speakers, connect the sub via the speaker-level inputs and give it a listen. You might be pleasantly surprised.

Then you can see if you "need" a new receiver or simply "want" one.

(Hint: The speakers will be the limiting factor here, not the receiver.)

 

[maa83]

Thanks for the advice. I'm actually waiting for a new desk to be delivered before I set everything up. I've opened them to inspect them but I'll hook them up and give them a listen.

What I'm afraid of is that I already know I only want a new receiver, and don't really need one. But if my receiver is just as good or perhaps better (maybe?) than the existing cheapest sony one, and there's no difference in sound quality between the two types of inputs, then I would be less inclined to buy a new receiver. A remote is the only other reason I could point out here.. but I'm not buying a new receiver just for a new remote of course.

 

[agarwalro]

Welcome to the forum!

I would recommend keeping the Onkyo and getting a good set of headphones. Build up a budget for a good stereo and meanwhile train your ears to descern good/accurate sound reproduction.

As an added bonus, you will always have the headphones. I am still using mine from college days, bought 10 years ago! .