Subwoofer connection problem...no composite input

[JobeJoe]

Hello All - noobie Home Theater guy here.

I recently acquired a home theater set, that included a sub, 4 satellites, and a center channel.

Here is the question I am having:

The back panel of the subwoofer has two high level inputs (speaker wire clasps) instead of the usual composite/rca cable that would normally connect to the 'Subwoofer Preout' on the Receiver.

Do I actually have to go and buy another amp, to plug this sub preout into, then route that amp's speaker outputs into the Sub? It sounds like a lot of extra purchasing just to run a subwoofer on this current system. Is there a simple connect that turns that sub preout into a R/L speaker outputs?

I would post the specs on the Surround Receiver, but it isnt mine, its borrowed for testing until I know what I need to purchase. The speakers are Theater Research 5140 (yes I realize the white van scandals) but I want to salvage what I spent and make this work.

If anyone can recommend how to hook up this sub to a sub pre-out on a everyday garden-variety surround receiver I would greatly appreciate it.

thanks!

 

[j_garcia]

Does the sub have an amp or is it completely passive (no amp)? If it is passive, yes your best bet is to buy another amp and use that to power the sub, then connect that amp to the receiver via the sub's preamp out.

 

[JobeJoe]

It's totally passive. Wow, that's what I was afraid of, having to buy another amp to plug into this rig. Not only is it the cost issue (for having to buy another amp just to run this sub...) but also an issue of remotes, now I will volume for the satellites, and a seperate remote just for the sub then...egads.

Can you recommend a simple yet sturdy amp for this?

 

[j_garcia]

If you pick up a separate amp with signal sensing "auto on" capability, you can have it turn on and off without the need for a remote.

Technically you could run this sub off the receiver's speaker level outputs, but that will draw much more current from the receiver (bass uses the most power) which is why a separate amp is best for the sub.

What is the price range?

 

[JobeJoe]

Yeah you are right. I would definately not like to push the receiver so hard, plus it wouldn't be that low pass signal that I am looking for going to the sub. If I say under $200 usd, would that encite laughter or what?

 

[gmichael]

Yeah you are right. I would definately not like to push the receiver so hard, plus it wouldn't be that low pass signal that I am looking for going to the sub. If I say under $200 usd, would that encite laughter or what?

I wouldn't laugh:

BASH DIGITAL SUB AMPLIFIER 500W

Part Number 300-752
List Price: $399.99 EA
Price: $228.58 EA (1-1)
Quantity Price: $199.66 EA (2 +)
Quantity:
Need a large quantity?
In Stock? No, due 4/6/2007
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Weight: 6.00 lbs.
Catalog Page: 143 (PDF)
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BASH patented amplifier technology was developed to offer extreme amounts of power without the wasted heat and energy of traditional amplifier designs. Add to this an intelligent circuit design, and you get benefits such as extremely low distortion and high signal to noise ratios. The combination of clean output and high power makes the BASH amplifiers some of the best sounding subwoofer amplifiers on the market.

Features: 50 to 150 Hz low-pass crossover, 0 degree or 180 degree phase, line level inputs, speaker level inputs, line outputs, master on/off switch, auto on.

Specifications: 500 watts RMS @ .5%THD into 4 ohm load. Signal to noise ratio 105 dB A-weighted, Dimensions: 12" W x 8" H x 3-1/2" D.
High power output in a compact, lightweight design
Speaker and line level inputs for connection to any stereo
Limiting circuit prevents audible clipping and protects woofers
Auto On/Off and phase reversal switch

 

[j_garcia]

That amp is out of stock until April unfortunately....but it would be a good choice (273w @ 8 Ohms). You can pick up one of the other Dayton amps for less than $200 also, the 100W being only $149 and the 240w being $199. These are all internal sub amps, meant to be mounted in the enclosure, so be aware of that. You don't have to actually mount it inside the sub itself, but you will want someplace safe for it to sit at least. I use a plate amp like that for my sub right now and it is sitting in a separate box.

 

[JobeJoe]

Nice recommendation, thanks. A little too high end I am afraid. This is my first home theater rig, I dont even have the TV that I really want yet. I just across the speakers, and opened a can worms apparently. Is there something a step or two down from this BASH beast?

Update*- thanks j, that's more along the lines of what I was looking for. I am on ebay now seeing what I can see hehe.

Thanks you guys, I guess I have but one road to go with these speakers.

 

[j_garcia]

http://www.daytonaudio.com/loudspeaker/amp_sa.html You can find them all at Parts Express.com

 

[gmichael]

I like the Dayton subs also. Have one myself.

How'd you get the link to work? I can never get Parts Express links to work here.

Edit: Oops, nevermind.

 

[JobeJoe]

Ok that's some real helpful information. Like I said this is my first semi serious attempt at true Surround for my home theater.

So these amps, they are usually rack mounted? I am working with minimal entertainment center space, any ideas? The sub enclosure is pretty tight, I dont think I want to try to pop one of those amps in there, but as long as they are pretty stable, it should be ok right? I am thinking of maybe mounting one of those amps in a drawer that has plenty of ventilation....

 

[j_garcia]

The BASH amps will generate a lot less heat than the SA (traditional AB) amps. None of these amps are intended for rack mounting, they are intended to be mounted in the sub enclosure, though as I mentioned, you don't have to do that. The PE amps do have covers over the electronics though, so they are at least safe from accidental shorting. PE only offers one rack mount sub amp AFAIK, and that is the HPSA1000-R at $400, but there are other "Pro Audio" amps that are intended for rack mounting that may work as well (QSC, Berhinger, Crown, etc...) but which lack some basic sub features that may be handy.

 

[JobeJoe]

It's almost scary how much you know about this stuff! I think one of these SA amps will work, I will just have to be careful. I kind of want to stay away from the whole rack idea, like I said, space is a factor, and having a rack with one small item in it doesnt appeal much. I think I can make it all work from here. I am also looking into some console (i guess thats how you term it ) amps that will just sit in there with the rest of the components. Either way I really dont want to invest too much into this system until I know a little more of what I am doing and what I am after....

Thanks again.

 

[j_garcia]

$180 for the Berhinger A-500 amp - bridge it to use for sub. Only issue is it doesn't turn on and off by itself, you'd have to add some kind of trigger to do that (or do it by hand).

LOL, I spend way too much time on the forums, so I (and many of the people on here) know a thing or two I went through this process for my sub too.

 

[JobeJoe]

$180 not bad...If I end up investing on this stuff. Now I'm at those crossroads, spend big now and hope for the best- or - just pick up piece by piece and slap it together, and know better what to do next time around...

San Jose eh? I think with your system you ought to be crank it up loud enough for me to hear in Crockett!

 

[Seth=L]

You would be better off buy a Onix X-sub for $200, it will blow that TR crap away. Another sub to consider would be the Acoustec 12" for around $250 or so. Don't waste a penny on the TR stuff, definitly not worth it. you could still use the satelite speakers with any receiver you happen to buy. Get a truck and run the TR sub over and have someone film it, then put it on youtube and give us a link.

If you got the A-500 you still need a crossover and volume control, which could be handled by the receiver, but getting an amp for that thing is steal not an ideal plan.

 

[j_garcia]

I agree that putting a quality amp with a lesser sub isn't the greatest idea, but he can scrap the sub down the road and build a kit and already have the amp. The A-500 can be used for other things as well, but it doesn't have a phase control or subsonic filter (it has gain control AFAIK).

 

[JobeJoe]

J- that's pretty much the current thinking on my project. In fact the equipment I am collecting now, will probably remain a trial basis. When I get to the point for serious upgrades, I will know a little more, (and will definately stop in here to get some brand advice before I buy...)

I think this current set up will eventually find its way to my PC...