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December 4, 2011 - 1:16pm
#1
Subwoofer for Cremona 2 channel system
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How are you deriving/managing the signal for the sub(s)? What devices do you have for balance/EQ?
Kal
Hi Kal,
I use the high level inputs to the SVS sub, and then use the subs control to balance it to my speakers. I use an analog decibel meter to dial in the sub - mainly to reduce the mountainous bass around 40 to 100hzhz.
The sub does work okay, but I believe that I can do better.
Is there a better device out there to assit with balancing the system?
Elemental Designs eQ.2, or Velodyne SMS-1 for addressing room peak and null frequencies.
I would use the line level output from the Simaudio MOON i-7 to provide the signal to the subwoofer(s).
A pair of Rel R-505s would likely integrate better with your Cremonas than a single SVS PB12+, and still provide sub-20Hz performance.
I've located a used REL505, so if the seller and I can come to an agreement, I will also buy the SMS-1 to equalize the two subs. The SMS-1 looks to have a lot of good features for a reasonable price. This should be fun!
If I go ahead with this I'll let you know how it turns out.
Thanks
Mike
jackfish's suggestions are pretty good at reasonable prices. You should also consider that the low end of the Cremona's should be rolled off, partly to increase power-handling but, also, to minimize interaction with the bass from the subs.
Kal
Thanks Kal - Is the SMS-1 the tool that I should be using to roll-off the low end - or is there a better device? I'm concerned that passing the audio signal through the SMS-1 would degrade it, before going to the Cremonas. Also - I have an integrated amp, a Simaudio i7, so I'm not clear as to how to connect an SMS-1 to roll off the lower end of the Cremonas. The connection diagram using separate components would be:
Preamp => SMS-1 => amplifier => speakers
For my integrated amp, the connection is not obvious to me.
BR,
Mike
The type/shape of the room is critical and has not been addressed; that is of tremendous importance, if you ask me. Placement is also critical.
My experience over the years is that it is more difficult to integrate 2 subs than one (although my room is so big that I HAD to use two Vandersteen subs with my Vandersteen 3A speakers to get enough very low bass; to 20 Hz).
I am guesing that the critical thing, in your case, is to get a subwoofer with its own setup software and microphone and get the room placement exactly right.
The best one I know of offhand is the Velodyne Optimum 12, which is superb in all those respects at $1500. It has selections for rolloff filters, gain, phase, and the software to optimize it.
By the way, a great test track for low bass is "Rain over the Quaker Graveyard" from the Delos CD 3503 , "King of Instruments". It has sustained notes below 20 Hz (those will make your curtains flap...lol).
Well, I've purchased a Velodyne SMS-1, should have it sometime this coming week - if UPS isn't buried by Christmas packages....
Will be fun to see how the SMS-1 helps to integrate the SVS subwoofer into my system. I may have to spring for 2 Velodyne Optimum 12's, but I have another project in mind before I do that...
Thanks for all of your suggestions!