Integrating a sub with an oldschool 2-channel reciever setup

[Big_I]

-I have 2 PSB B25s and a Marantz 2230 amplifier (30wpc rms)
-The PSBs aren't handling the low end freq well enough for my liking
-My source is an <a href=http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/Audiophile2496-main.html> M-Audio Audiophile 2496</a> sound card


Is it possible to integrate a powered sub with my setup and relieve the PSBs of some strain?

ALSO:
I have a Marantz EQ-10 equalizer sitting around. Should I utilize this?
<img src=http://www.oaktreeent.com/web_photos/Stereo_Signal_Proc/Marantz_EQ-10_Stereo_Graphic_EQ_collage3.jpg>

 

[mike c]

what sub are you looking at?

 

[Big_I]

which sub?

I'm open to suggestions!

Saturday Audio has the MA ASW100 for $300. So far 3db has recommended looking at SVS, HSU, or Outlaw subs. I'd be happy to keep it around $300.
BTW:The Marantz 2230 has a low-pass filter that could be used.
BTW2:My room is small (7'x11')

 

[mike c]

is that a brickwall budget?

eD has some 325-375 buck subwoofers (shipping included), but there's a 6-8 week wait time now.

http://www.edesignaudio.com/edv2/index.php?cPath=2_41

I would recommend the A2-300.

the eD subs all have speaker level and line level inputs for your 2 channel setup. but they don't have highpass outputs, which means unless you have other ways of highpassing your bookshelves, they won't be relieved of the bass frequencies.

 

[Big_I]

no brick wall

I could go up near $400

 

[mike c]

I could go up near $400

that's great. i'm using bookshelves and a sub right now on my PC, and my bookshelves are still playing full range ... no problems, even though there's no highpass.

 

[markw]

You should have no trouble connecting a sub. I'd suggest you insert it between the preamp and the power amp. Just remove the jumers on the back. You might want to store them safely away, They may come in handy in the future.

As for the eq, you would connect it to a tape monitor, but if the speakers can't handle what's being put out now this ain't gonna help. You might be able to kerfutz with the overall "tonal balance" to some degree but it'll effect more than that lowest octave and you might not want that.

 

[Big_I]

You should have no trouble connecting a sub. I'd suggest you insert it between the preamp and the power amp. Just remove the jumers on the back. You might want to store them safely away, They may come in handy in the future.

As for the eq, you would connect it to a tape monitor, but if the speakers can't handle what's being put out now this ain't gonna help. You might be able to kerfutz with the overall "tonal balance" to some degree but it'll effect more than that lowest octave and you might not want that.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ok, so what about: M-Audio card channel 1-->1 pair RCA-->EQ, cutting out the low freq--> reciever-->PSB B25x2
then M-Audio card channel 2-->subwoofer (powered subwoofers have a freq adjustment right? ie: they can reject high frequencies)
this card will send signal through both channels simultaneously right???

also, I'm not sure what you mean by this: "Just remove the jumers on the back"
I know what jumpers are, but are you talking about on the receiver or the sub???
Bear with me here... I have alot to learn.

 

[Big_I]

Sub Choices

So far:

1. Elemental Designs A2 - 300 Subwoofer
375$ Shipped, 6-8 week wait

Driver Size 12"
Driver Excursion 15.1mm 1-Way Linear
Total Driver Linear Displacement 1645.92cm^3
Room Tuning- 20Hz
Frequency Response (+/-3dB) 18-100Hz
Amplifier RMS Power 200w
Crossover Frequencies 40~160Hz
Phase Switch Yes
Line Level Input Yes
RCA Level Input Yes
Level Control Yes

2. HSU VTF-1 Subwoofer
430$ shipped

Continuous Amp Power- 200 Watts
Frequency Response (maxiumum extension mode)- 25 Hz
Frequency Response (maxiumum output mode)- 32 Hz
Woofer Size- 10 Inches
Crossover Bypassable 24 dB/Oct, continuously variable 30 - 90 Hz low pass filter
Phase 0/180°
Magnetically shielded- Yes


3. Outlaw LFM-2 Subwoofer
350$ shipped

Driver Type: Down Firing, 8" Long-throw Woofer
Amplifier Power Rating: 150WRMS; 800W peak
Frequency Response: 28Hz. -180Hz. +/- 2 dB
Crossover Type: Linkwitz-Reilly 4th Order Low Pass Network
Crossover Frequency: 30Hz to 90Hz and Bypass
Phase: 0 to 180 Degrees
SPL: 110dB (subject to placement and room gain)


4. SVS PB10-NSD
480$ shipped

# Proprietary, SVS long-throw 10" NSD woofer
# 300 watt BASH digital switching amp
# Patented 3" ID, wide-flare port fittings
# Contemporary, "seamless" cabinet styling
# +/- 3dB from 20-100 Hz anechoic (in room extension will be 2-5 Hz deeper)




-So far the elemental designs sub seems like the best deal with a 12" woofer and 200 watts rms. I'd have to wait 2 months though damnit.
-Can anyone direct me to a good wiring resource for 2 channel systems? I am still clueless how to set this up.
-I neglected to state the my receiver has low pass AND high pass filters on it

 

[markw]

jumpers

I have no idea what this "soundcard" thing is you're talking about' but his is the way you connect s powered sub to a 2230.

If your 2230 is like mine, on the back there are two pairs of jacks, one labelled "pre out" and the other marked "main in"

There should be plastic "jumpers" connecting the two pairs two pairs of "pre out" jacks to the corrosponding "main in" jacks.

If they are not there, I expect the 2230 ain't workin'.

anyhow, remove and save these jumpers.

Connect a stereo pair of interconnects from the "pre out" jacks on the 2230 to the line level inputs on the subwoofer.

Now connect a another stereo pair of interconnects from the line level outputs on the subwoofer and run them to the "main in" jacks on the 2230.

Your sub is now hooked up.

 

[Big_I]

Thanks!!!

OK, you set me straight now.
<img src=http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ZtlCVEzh3E-1IM:http://www.aperfectworld.org/clipart/household/lightbulb.gif>

The speakers can handle the music but they "omit" some of the low end freqs. I also figured that I could safely push a higher spl out of them if they weren't taking a full signal.

So hopefully now someone will sell me a used A2-300, so I don't have to wait 2 months.

 

[Big_I]

After further research I'm also considering the x-sub and the Dayton sub-120 (recommended by mazer in another thread). I can imagine that these subs are plenty for my 7x11 room but the possibility of a larger location for this setup down the line lurks, and is definitely a factor.