need help with connecting sub+Amp+AVR

[loneshark]

I needed some assistance with setting up some audio equipment.

I have a 5.1 in ceiling/wall setup.

(5) 300W 2-way Ceiling speakers
(1) 12" DVC Sub (in Wall) 200W RMS, 400W Peak (8ohms) Passive

The speakers are wired traditionally to a Sony STRDH520. I understand that since my sub is passive, it needs to be connected to a power amp. I wanted to get a recommendation on which power amp to purchase (don't want to get plate amp). Budget is under $200 (I know, not much). And second, how to wire it from amp to receiver. I am leaning towards running the sub wires in series, if that is optimal or not.

 

[j_garcia]

You wouldn't run speaker wires to the amp, you would run a single analog (RCA) cable to the amp from the receiver's sub preamp output. In your price range, I'd probably look at this one since it will run in bridged mode and has a built in low pass filter if needed. Basically, it is intended to be configurable for use with a sub:
Dayton Audio APA150 150W Power Amplifier 300-812

 

[loneshark]

thansks for the info. Whats the difference between a power amp and sub amp? If the rating on my sub is 200W RMS and 400 peak, with 8ohm, should I wire it in a parallel or series configuration? Or does it even matter..

 

[j_garcia]

That is letting you know the continuous and maximum power levels that sub will handle before something fails.

I am not sure the best method to wire that one? I would run the amp in normal mode (not bridged) and run one channel to each side (it is a stereo amp), giving you the same effective results as bridging the amp if it was a single voice coil.

The difference between a "regular" amp and a sub amp will usually be that a sub amp has a few more controls to make adjustments for the sub (crossover, volume, phase) and more expensive sub amps may have additional features. When using the preamp out from the receiver, the receiver handles the crossover, but it is still a good thing to have; this amp has one. It also has volume control so you can adjust it separate from the receiver (can be important for calibrating the sub). Phase is the only thing you wouldn't have with this one, but your sub is in-wall, so hopefully phase isn't an issue. Reversing the +/- would be your only option if it is; only giving you the two choices of 0 or 180.

 

[loneshark]

Thanks for the recommendation, I think that amp is perfect. Last question. . .I have also seen "hybrid" amps (power + preamp) built in one, are those even worth the time to take a look at?

 

[j_garcia]

Thanks for the recommendation, I think that amp is perfect. Last question. . .I have also seen "hybrid" amps (power + preamp) built in one, are those even worth the time to take a look at?

That would be considered an integrated amp, which the APA more or less is, except it only supports one input compared to a "normal" integrated that would also have inputs for multiple sources To use it in the stereo configuration as mentioned, you will also need a Y-splitter to go to both the R&L inputs on the amp.