Thanks to the wealth of information on this forum, I have been introduced to the benefits of using pro sound reinforcement amps (as opposed to plate amps) to drive DIY subwoofers. This solution would seem to demand a certain level of flexibility in the receiver/processor's bass management system that unfortunately isn't always there - especially if one wishes to use the sub for both HT and stereo music with a minimum of fiddling.
The main issue as I see it is that many HT front ends seem to do one of the following, depending on how they are set up:
- route only the LFE signal to the sub (fine for HT, useless for stereo music since there is no dedicated LFE channel in stereo)
- route the LFE + the full-range L/R to the sub (works for HT and music, but presumes the presence of a low-pass filter on the sub since it will be seeing a full range signal - therefore it won't work with a sub driven by a full range pro amplifier)
Now I have to think that the people using subs with pro amplifiers must be in one of the following situations:
- own front end electronics with more comprehensive bass management options, with the option to route not only LFE and LFE+L/R, but also LFE + a low-passed L/R signal with adjustable crossover frequency etc.
- use an outboard crossover
- don't feel a sub is necessary for their music listening, or don't listen to music on their systems
So all this leads to my question: what are you folks (you know who you are ) doing? What front end electronics offer the flexibility I have in mind? Are there certain brands of processors that do this better than others, or are there any resources available to help me make an informed decision when it comes to buying a new front end?
Any input would be appreciated.
Moderators, I apologize if this seems better suited to the HT/front-end subforum, but I feel my question is really only relevant to people who have built their own subs with pro amps to power them.
The main issue as I see it is that many HT front ends seem to do one of the following, depending on how they are set up:
- route only the LFE signal to the sub (fine for HT, useless for stereo music since there is no dedicated LFE channel in stereo)
- route the LFE + the full-range L/R to the sub (works for HT and music, but presumes the presence of a low-pass filter on the sub since it will be seeing a full range signal - therefore it won't work with a sub driven by a full range pro amplifier)
Now I have to think that the people using subs with pro amplifiers must be in one of the following situations:
- own front end electronics with more comprehensive bass management options, with the option to route not only LFE and LFE+L/R, but also LFE + a low-passed L/R signal with adjustable crossover frequency etc.
- use an outboard crossover
- don't feel a sub is necessary for their music listening, or don't listen to music on their systems
So all this leads to my question: what are you folks (you know who you are ) doing? What front end electronics offer the flexibility I have in mind? Are there certain brands of processors that do this better than others, or are there any resources available to help me make an informed decision when it comes to buying a new front end?
Any input would be appreciated.
Moderators, I apologize if this seems better suited to the HT/front-end subforum, but I feel my question is really only relevant to people who have built their own subs with pro amps to power them.
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