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Jeremycw1
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What to do if a integrated amplifier lacks a sub out line?

Alright so I'm working on putting together my first attempt at a "hi-fi" system and I've run into a snag; the amp I want to use for my system (Marantz PM5004) does not have a sub out line.  I want to put Audioengine P4's with this amp and I fear that they might be lacking in the low end, so I planned to add an Audioengine S8 sub to help balance out my system.  

SO: Is there a way I can get enough low end sound by using the Marantz, or should I switch to something that DOES have a dedicated sub output like the Harman Kardon 3490?

Do I even need a sub, or would that be over doing it?  I'm obviously a little new to the hi-fi life (I'm upgrading from this),  so I would appreciate any help I can get! (Also, if you have any better suggestions for speakers or an amp within the same price range, I would be glad to hear them.)

Thanks for your time!

jackfish
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If you want real bass

then yes, you should use a subwoofer. For $350 you might want to consider an Elemental Designs A3S-250 which has speaker level inputs and should perform better than the AE S8, which only has line level inputs.

You can use the Marantz PM5004 System B speaker outputs to connect the subwoofer to the speaker level inputs of the subwoofer.

The Harman Kardon HK3490 is a pretty good unit which offers more power and much configuration flexibility.

kager
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subs

While subs are very popular, do YOU need a sub? How big is the room your using? A sub is not very easy to integrate with speakers in a small room. Try setting up your speakers properly in the room first. More bass doesn't always equal good bass.

Jeremycw1
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Re:

I'll take your input into consideration, thanks for the help guys!!

dbowker
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No Sub Out, but...

...it DOES have a Tape out, which should work just fine,a ssuming you aren't planning on usning those RCAs. It's better than using the Speakers B becasue you are letting the sub do the amplification and should be better able to tune it to your other speakers output via ithe sub's levels.

Kal Rubinson
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Tape output?

...it DOES have a Tape out, which should work just fine,a ssuming you aren't planning on usning those RCAs. It's better than using the Speakers B becasue you are letting the sub do the amplification and should be better able to tune it to your other speakers output via ithe sub's levels.

 

Tape outputs are not volume-controlled.

Kal Rubinson
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If you want to go with

If you want to go with Audioengine speakers and sub, why not get a preamp instead of an amp?  Get a Parasound 2100 which has a sub output and switch over to Audioengine A5.

Kal

dbowker
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Good point

Forgot about that aspect- was thinking it was the same as a pre-amp out. Kal's idea is a good one.

Glotz
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REL, REL, REL

Check out the T series line.. and it solves the 'no line out' problem very well.  Speaker out connections.

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