Subwoofer plus...

[mck22mck]

Hi all. I would like to add an inexpensive subwoofer to my 2 channel system but I have a few questions. While I am new to subwoofers, I have had stereos for many years. The main speakers are Ascend Acoustics Sierra LXs. I have a near antique (but I'm first owner) Classe Seventy amp and currently an equally old, entry level Parasound pre-amp (more about that later).

I live in a Manhattan apartment, so I won't be playing the sub very loud, and for size considerations I need a sealed or compact sub. I'm considering a Veri-Fi Vanguard Caldera 10" Active Subwoofer ($199 before the announced to be coming tariff increase) that has received some positive reviews. Has anyone had any experience with this speaker, or brand? Another possibility would be a compact Monoprice sub for around $300. Likewise, I'd appreciate any other recommendations or accounts of experiences.

My pre-amp doesn't have a sub-out. Most inexpensive subs seem to have L and R RCA input jacks. Can I use the tape out from the preamp to connect the sub?

About the pre-amp...At the very beginning of the pandemic, while out of town, I purchased an Outlaw 976 AV processor that, when I was able to get home, turned out to be DOA. Possibly, a bad capacitor, which they repaired under warranty. After using it for a few months, I remodeled the apartment and packed the 976 away for about a year. When I tried turning it on again, it had the same burnt-electronics smell and lack of all functions as the day I first unboxed it. I've kept it in a closet, but can't get a repair estimate until I pay $200 to have it evaluated. It was the last pre-pro that I would consider affordable. I would really like to use it now, and if it worked, I would add 5.1 surround amps and speakers. However, the past experiences make me wonder if it is worth repairing. Otherwise, I'm also considering buying a relatively cheap AV receiver with front pre out capacity.

Would anyone have any thoughts on repair of an obsolete, discontinued but (when last available) well regarded pre-pro, or purchase of a new, cheap receiver?

Thanks, in advance, for anyone who might have something to say about either cheap subs or the repairability of an out of warranty Outlaw product.

 

[ryanosaur]

Hi all. I would like to add an inexpensive subwoofer to my 2 channel system but I have a few questions. While I am new to subwoofers, I have had stereos for many years. The main speakers are Ascend Acoustics Sierra LXs. I have a near antique (but I'm first owner) Classe Seventy amp and currently an equally old, entry level Parasound pre-amp (more about that later).

I live in a Manhattan apartment, so I won't be playing the sub very loud, and for size considerations I need a sealed or compact sub. I'm considering a Veri-Fi Vanguard Caldera 10" Active Subwoofer ($199 before the announced to be coming tariff increase) that has received some positive reviews. Has anyone had any experience with this speaker, or brand? Another possibility would be a compact Monoprice sub for around $300. Likewise, I'd appreciate any other recommendations or accounts of experiences.

My pre-amp doesn't have a sub-out. Most inexpensive subs seem to have L and R RCA input jacks. Can I use the tape out from the preamp to connect the sub?

About the pre-amp...At the very beginning of the pandemic, while out of town, I purchased an Outlaw 976 AV processor that, when I was able to get home, turned out to be DOA. Possibly, a bad capacitor, which they repaired under warranty. After using it for a few months, I remodeled the apartment and packed the 976 away for about a year. When I tried turning it on again, it had the same burnt-electronics smell and lack of all functions as the day I first unboxed it. I've kept it in a closet, but can't get a repair estimate until I pay $200 to have it evaluated. It was the last pre-pro that I would consider affordable. I would really like to use it now, and if it worked, I would add 5.1 surround amps and speakers. However, the past experiences make me wonder if it is worth repairing. Otherwise, I'm also considering buying a relatively cheap AV receiver with front pre out capacity.

Would anyone have any thoughts on repair of an obsolete, discontinued but (when last available) well regarded pre-pro, or purchase of a new, cheap receiver?

Thanks, in advance, for anyone who might have something to say about either cheap subs or the repairability of an out of warranty Outlaw product.

Don’t do it. Screams white van gimmick.

Save up a little and at least buy an RSL Speedwoofer. They are, at the very least, an honest and respected company whose Subs actually review well.

In other words, “buy once, cry once.” Spend on something better.

 

[lovinthehd]

You don't want to use the tape out as that won't have volume control. You can split the pre-outs from the pre-amp to the two amps.....

Never heard of the sub or brand you mention and at that price not likely to be very good. I like the RSL reco....

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

Yep. Agree with these guys. It is more than the other sub. But I, and I believe most here have never heard of it. RSL is a known entity here and is absolutely worthy of consideration. The customer service alone is worth it lol.

Speedwoofer 10E

RSL Speakers - A division of Rogersound Labs - is a factory direct loudspeaker manufacturer, since 1970, based in Los Angeles, California. Family owned and operated.

rslspeakers.com

This is their baby sub, but checks many boxes.

 

[TLS Guy]

Hi all. I would like to add an inexpensive subwoofer to my 2 channel system but I have a few questions. While I am new to subwoofers, I have had stereos for many years. The main speakers are Ascend Acoustics Sierra LXs. I have a near antique (but I'm first owner) Classe Seventy amp and currently an equally old, entry level Parasound pre-amp (more about that later).

I live in a Manhattan apartment, so I won't be playing the sub very loud, and for size considerations I need a sealed or compact sub. I'm considering a Veri-Fi Vanguard Caldera 10" Active Subwoofer ($199 before the announced to be coming tariff increase) that has received some positive reviews. Has anyone had any experience with this speaker, or brand? Another possibility would be a compact Monoprice sub for around $300. Likewise, I'd appreciate any other recommendations or accounts of experiences.

My pre-amp doesn't have a sub-out. Most inexpensive subs seem to have L and R RCA input jacks. Can I use the tape out from the preamp to connect the sub?

About the pre-amp...At the very beginning of the pandemic, while out of town, I purchased an Outlaw 976 AV processor that, when I was able to get home, turned out to be DOA. Possibly, a bad capacitor, which they repaired under warranty. After using it for a few months, I remodeled the apartment and packed the 976 away for about a year. When I tried turning it on again, it had the same burnt-electronics smell and lack of all functions as the day I first unboxed it. I've kept it in a closet, but can't get a repair estimate until I pay $200 to have it evaluated. It was the last pre-pro that I would consider affordable. I would really like to use it now, and if it worked, I would add 5.1 surround amps and speakers. However, the past experiences make me wonder if it is worth repairing. Otherwise, I'm also considering buying a relatively cheap AV receiver with front pre out capacity.

Would anyone have any thoughts on repair of an obsolete, discontinued but (when last available) well regarded pre-pro, or purchase of a new, cheap receiver?

Thanks, in advance, for anyone who might have something to say about either cheap subs or the repairability of an out of warranty Outlaw product.

You can't use a sub with what you have unless it has jumpers between pre-amp and power amp.

There is no service manual available for your Outlaw that I can find. So there is no point in paying money to a service center. You can't service anything without a service manual and as far as I can tell none was ever released. So only Outlaw can fix it. That unit was not on the market long, so I suspect they were a problem prone unit.

Don't buy that sub it will be junk.

 

[Wardog555]

If you want 5.1 or more. It's a no Brainer to have a avr.