Novice Question.

[Gio-G]

I stated in my intro post, that I'm quite out of my depth here and don't know what a lot of the well versed, trained audio folks know. I'm not an engineer, I'm a lover of music and I feel I've been steered into making some decent decisions when it comes to equipment, although my Bryston stuff is expensive and can be done for less I have it and like it. That part is what it is. It measures well, so I'm told and I like the quality, warranty and I'm comfortable with it.

I have Perlisten S7T speakers and I'm considering two Subs.

Perlisten R12s subs (more than I want to spend) or Aredndal 1723 S1 subs. SVS is another option.

The question I have is whether most people feel an external crossover is a must or a MiniDSP?

Both Perlisten and Arendal have told me, I can hook up directly to my Bryston BP-19 via balanced XLRs and use their software and apps to tune the timing of the subs for integration and didn't seem to think running the S7Ts full range was an issue.

I am a two channel listener and really only want the bottom end of the bottom end.

I've read and reread the Audioholics S7T review and the Perlisten bass was viewed as very good. The initial review stated subs were not a must at all. I suppose that it true to a degree.

I previously used my NHT 3.3 speakers that were legendary for bass. I still have them but the Perlisten speakers are better in every area except the deepest bass.

I don't know how to take measurements or anything like that and it sounds overwhelming without help.

What do most here feel is the best route for a CD listener that wants to add some very low end?

I do boundary load (7 1/2" off the front wall) the S7Ts a little for extra bass with good results but I think a couple of subs in a diagonal layout might help out.

I probably won't do anything this year but wanted to see if anyone has tried full range and compared it to using a crossover or MiniDSP.

I'm trying to stay as basic as possible but if going beyond the company's software and apps is the best move, I will do so.

Thanks in advance for any advice, I really appreciate forums like this.

 

[lovinthehd]

Some like the duplication of frequencies with out a proper crossover. If the speakers are capable and it doesn't sound "too much" to you, just use it and be happy with what gear you already have. If you really want multiple sub management or better bass management, then look into gear that can provide that. Personally I prefer better sub/bass management than old 2ch gear generally provides, or what a sub can provide in the way of a low pass filter (altho some subs have a limited option for implementing a crossover).

 

[Gio-G]

Some like the duplication of frequencies with out a proper crossover. If the speakers are capable and it doesn't sound "too much" to you, just use it and be happy with what gear you already have. If you really want multiple sub management or better bass management, then look into gear that can provide that. Personally I prefer better sub/bass management than old 2ch gear generally provides, or what a sub can provide in the way of a low pass filter (altho some subs have a limited option for implementing a crossover).

Thanks for the reply!
I'm pretty set here as far as gear. I'm thrilled with everything but if I add subs, I want to integrate them properly.
The Bryston stuff has recently been upgraded to the newest models of my previous 1999 gear. I won't be messing around with anything else other than whatever I may need for subs should I go that route.

I like your first sentence because it sounds like it is worth an experiment. If I don't like the integration, the next step is the MiniDSP or something similar.

I appreciate your response so, thank you for looking and adding your thoughts!

 

[lovinthehd]

Thanks for the reply!
I'm pretty set here as far as gear. I'm thrilled with everything but if I add subs, I want to integrate them properly.
The Bryston stuff has recently been upgraded to the newest models of my previous 1999 gear. I won't be messing around with anything else other than whatever I may need for subs should I go that route.

I like your first sentence because it sounds like it is worth an experiment. If I don't like the integration, the next step is the MiniDSP or something similar.

I appreciate your response so, thank you for looking and adding your thoughts!

Yep, experimenting is a great start. Properly means different things with different rooms/gear, let alone preferences or budget, etc. Ideally you have speakers that incorporate sufficient subwoofage, but.....

 

[TLS Guy]

I stated in my intro post, that I'm quite out of my depth here and don't know what a lot of the well versed, trained audio folks know. I'm not an engineer, I'm a lover of music and I feel I've been steered into making some decent decisions when it comes to equipment, although my Bryston stuff is expensive and can be done for less I have it and like it. That part is what it is. It measures well, so I'm told and I like the quality, warranty and I'm comfortable with it.

I have Perlisten S7T speakers and I'm considering two Subs.

Perlisten R12s subs (more than I want to spend) or Aredndal 1723 S1 subs. SVS is another option.

The question I have is whether most people feel an external crossover is a must or a MiniDSP?

Both Perlisten and Arendal have told me, I can hook up directly to my Bryston BP-19 via balanced XLRs and use their software and apps to tune the timing of the subs for integration and didn't seem to think running the S7Ts full range was an issue.

I am a two channel listener and really only want the bottom end of the bottom end.

I've read and reread the Audioholics S7T review and the Perlisten bass was viewed as very good. The initial review stated subs were not a must at all. I suppose that it true to a degree.

I previously used my NHT 3.3 speakers that were legendary for bass. I still have them but the Perlisten speakers are better in every area except the deepest bass.

I don't know how to take measurements or anything like that and it sounds overwhelming without help.

What do most here feel is the best route for a CD listener that wants to add some very low end?

I do boundary load (7 1/2" off the front wall) the S7Ts a little for extra bass with good results but I think a couple of subs in a diagonal layout might help out.

I probably won't do anything this year but wanted to see if anyone has tried full range and compared it to using a crossover or MiniDSP.

I'm trying to stay as basic as possible but if going beyond the company's software and apps is the best move, I will do so.

Thanks in advance for any advice, I really appreciate forums like this.

I assume that this is a two channel audio system. Now that Bryston preamp has two XLR outputs, one variable and the other fixed. The same for the two RCA outs.

Now I assume you are using the speaker in the ported mode. Saying a speaker can be both ported and sealed is nonsense, as the enclosure volumes are very different. However the speaker has to have the optimal volume for ported application, and so you should use the speakers in ported mode. As far as I can tell from independent measurements, the frequency at which the speaker is 3 db. down is 50 Hz or close.

Now since the Bryson has no sub out, you will have to be creative. Now you only have one variable volume out, so you will need a splitter. I would use an XLR splitter, like this one. So the input is connected to the variable out on the Bryston. Then you connect one output to your power amp and the other to the XLR input in the sub. I would start be setting the crossover on the sub to 80 Hz. Your speakers will be running full range, and this is fine as they are capable speakers. That splitter I linked will drive up to four subs, but I highly doubt you will need more than two subs. I would use two, and this is not an AV unit that has a sub out. Two subs will capture the bass from left and right channels. I would set the sub volume by ear. I do find that most people turn up their subs too high which is not natural. I would start off putting a sub right next to each speaker. You can experiment with sub volume and crossover frequency, but I think I have given you the best place to start.

You did no say how your power amp is connected to the Bryston, or what it is. If it is connected via XLR then that splitter will drive power amp to the mains, and your two subs. You will need one of those splitters for each channel.

I think this is the best way of going about it.

 

[Gio-G]

I assume that this is a two channel audio system. Now that Bryston preamp has two XLR outputs, one variable and the other fixed. The same for the two RCA outs.

Now I assume you are using the speaker in the ported mode. Saying a speaker can be both ported and sealed is nonsense, as the enclosure volumes are very different. However the speaker has to have the optimal volume for ported application, and so you should use the speakers in ported mode. As far as I can tell from independent measurements, the frequency at which the speaker is 3 db. down is 50 Hz or close.

Now since the Bryson has no sub out, you will have to be creative. Now you only have one variable volume out, so you will need a splitter. I would use an XLR splitter, like this one. So the input is connected to the variable out on the Bryston. Then you connect one output to your power amp and the other to the XLR input in the sub. I would start be setting the crossover on the sub to 80 Hz. Your speakers will be running full range, and this is fine as they are capable speakers. That splitter I linked will drive up to four subs, but I highly doubt you will need more than two subs. I would use two, and this is not an AV unit that has a sub out. Two subs will capture the bass from left and right channels. I would set the sub volume by ear. I do find that most people turn up their subs too high which is not natural. I would start off putting a sub right next to each speaker. You can experiment with sub volume and crossover frequency, but I think I have given you the best place to start.

You did no say how your power amp is connected to the Bryston, or what it is. If it is connected via XLR then that splitter will drive power amp to the mains, and your two subs. You will need one of those splitters for each channel.

I think this is the best way of going about it.

Apologies, I thought I mentioned it was primarily a 2 channels setup.
The Bryston BP-19 has the option of changing the fixed XLRs to variable which is how I'd hook up the subs. The Bryston amps 7B-ST mono blocks, are connect via XLR as well.
I do not have the speakers in sealed mode. They are running with the ports open and will stay that way.

I'm going to audition some subs where I bought my speakers to hear If I'd simply prefer to stick with the current setup. I wouldn't mind a little deeper bass but that issue only presents itself with certain music.

If we ever watch TV over 2 channel, we just consider the stereo a bonus. I have no interest in H-T. We just don't do that many movies.

Thanks for the info, I'll consider any advice here and I appreciate your response.