no sub out on stereo receivers?

[rolyasm]

I have looked at several stereo receivers and realize that few of them have sub outputs. Does it cost that much to add an output?
Anyway, I was thinking the only way to use a sub with these types of receivers would be to use a sub with "line-in/out" connections. Is that correct? So one could wire from the speaker outputs on the receiver to the sub, then from the sub to the speakers? And use the subs crossover ? I never really though about why subs might have line-levels in/out, but I suppose for this reason.
I know this is kind of a ramble, but I just wanted some support that I might be on the right track. I see the Denon DRA 697 Ci has an output, but it is $600. I can get a much cheaper 5.1 for that price. Strange...

 

[jostenmeat]

You're on the right track. FWIW, subs appear to have better bass mgmt than many receivers. A few believe line-level is the wtg for stereo. I don't have an opinion here.

Only thing to consider is that you cannot get the "LFE", but are just getting 2.0 stereo. You'll need a multi-ch receiver to do so, AFAIK...

The first 2-ch receiver with sub pre out I think of is Outlaw. But there are probably many more:

Integrated Amp with Sub Out
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=980056

 

[markw]

I have looked at several stereo receivers and realize that few of them have sub outputs. Does it cost that much to add an output?

Can you do it yourself? I can't and neither can most of us here. You need to ask a tech for this one. Even so, it would not be a "sub out" since it won't contain bass management. It would just be a line-level (or preamp) output or, more likely, two of them.

Anyway, I was thinking the only way to use a sub with these types of receivers would be to use a sub with "line-in/out" connections. Is that correct?

Now yer using yer head. Just get a sub with right and left line level inputs and you're good to go.

So one could wire from the speaker outputs on the receiver to the sub, then from the sub to the speakers?

Well not so fast. To do this you wound need a sub with speaker level inputs and outputs. Not the same thing as pre-outs.

And use the subs crossover ? I never really though about why subs might have line-levels in/out, but I suppose for this reason.

Yep, use the sub's crossover and you'll be all set

I know this is kind of a ramble, but I just wanted some support that I might be on the right track.

You seem to be. Just slow down and think about what you're gonna do.

I see the Denon DRA 697 Ci has an output, but it is $600. I can get a much cheaper 5.1 for that price. Strange...

Not really. All else being equal, a two-channel playing two channels will offer better performance than a multi-channel unit playing two channels. A lot has to do with power supplies.

 

[TLS Guy]

If it is stereo you are after, you can use a receiver with pre outs, and buffer the outputs , so they don't blend and give you mono and take that to the line level of a sub. You could use a small stereo mixer as your buffer, if you did not want to build one.

 

[MDS]

Anyway, I was thinking the only way to use a sub with these types of receivers would be to use a sub with "line-in/out" connections. Is that correct? So one could wire from the speaker outputs on the receiver to the sub, then from the sub to the speakers? And use the subs crossover ?

That isn't line-level, it is 'high level' or 'speaker level' but yes you could do it that way if the sub has speaker level inputs and outputs.

 

[bandphan]

alot of the newer stereo units are providing sub outs. As tls said you can use the main pre outs to accomplish the same

 

[MUDSHARK]

Harmon Kardon has sub-outs on their two channel receiver. I believe they can be found for under $300 at BHPhoto and others.

 

[WmAx]

I'll be frank. Don't count on integrated bass management to provide you with the best integration. The good new is that you can find stereo receivers with pre-amp outs and amp-in loops so you can insert external effects. Usually, there is a little short-circuit bar for the L and R channel, connecting the two in normal use. You remove the bars and use this circuit as an effect loop. This is a huge bonus - and not usually found on surround receivers. You can insert a high quality pro audio DSP xover/EQ unit such as a Behringer DCX2496 in this loop and have the best possible integration ability and extreme precision EQ ability.

-Chris

 

[Exit]

You can always get tower mains with subwoofers built in which makes for the simplest stereo hookup.

 

[fmw]

Just connect the sub to the speaker terminals on the receiver and connect the speakers to the sub. Simple as that.

 

[WmAx]

Just connect the sub to the speaker terminals on the receiver and connect the speakers to the sub. Simple as that.

Simple as that in this case = inevitable sub-optimal results.

-Chris

 

[fmw]

Why, most subs are designed to handle this kind of configuration. This one isn't?