Injecting one sub to Benchmark system…


Noob here and just hooked up my new Benchmark AHB2 and DAC3 HGC with pair of Totem1 bookshelf speakers.

I have a Velodyne SPL-R series subwoofer and would like to connect this. I’m seeing a lot of varied advice on the web on how to do this and thought I would come here for better advice.

Not even sure if the sub would connect to the preamp or the amp….any suggestions?

cheers

thomastrouble

Kota 1 - thanks, but I’m trying to work with what I have here in Brazil and buying more gear and sliding through customs is out of the question for me at this point.

@thomastrouble , you are in trouble. If you have any idea what you are listening too, trying to EQ a sub without it's calibration microphone is a nightmare. Second issue is that one sub is never enough. The minimum is two. But, have at it. It will be a fine learning experience. The sub connects to your preamp then the R/L outputs go to your amp, a very fine one at that. Then, start twisting knobs and listening. With a properly integrated sub woofer system the subs should seem to disappear until a real low note comes along. If you hear the subwoofer as a distinct entity you have more work to do.

If you want to do this right for less get kits from Parts Express, a bass amp and a digital two way crossover with bass management like a MiniDSP. Do not use a plate amp. Get a commercial sound reinforcement amp like a QSC. 

Thanks myjostyn, I’m just finding that out now as I hooked up the sub about a half hour ago. To add to the confusion I’m still trying to really get my room treatment sorted out and get rid of muddiness without the subwoofer. Something just isn’t right there, just way to muddy. It’s getting to the point where I don’t even know if it’s possible to get this system sounding good in an 8x12 room.

quick question….on the Velodyne I’m going into the LFE and not the speaker level inputs. On the outputs on the DAC3 there are two pairs, both pairs are white outputs while on the sub inputs there is a red and a white….how do I tell which of the two whites on the DAC3 go to the red on the sub or does it even matter?

thomas, I love mijostyn. His system is terrifically satisfying. Judging by that system and his unbelievably well appointed wood working shop I'd say he has a financial foot up on most of us here. I know I'm envious.

Yes, you can absolutly have excellent bass reproduction at the listening position with one subwoofer.

To the left of the four white RCA outputs on your HGC. The upper two RCA's are labeled L (Left) and the bottom two are labeled R (right). The bottom R output will connect to the red (Right) input of the subwoofer.

Below is the Velodyne SPL-R series Manual

https://www.velodyneacoustics.com/pdf/spl/SPL-UltraSeriesManual.pdf 

Does the layout on the Front Panel Features of your SPL include the (4) MIC input as in the drawing on page 5 of the SPL-R Series Manual? 

There are two different looking Remote Controls both have the same function buttons as the one pictured on page 11 of the SPL Manual. Do you have the Remote Control? 

Hi M-db, thanks a lot for that!

My remote for the sub doesn’t seem to be working so I popped an email off to Velodyne today to see if they can sell me one as I’m flying back to the US tomorrow for about a week.

Front panel - mine has no switches on the front at all. I’m guessing mine is probably over 15 years old.

re. two subs in my 8x12 room - im wondering if even one is too much!

Anyway guys, thanks a million for all the input, I’m flying for 30 hours tomorrow (with stop-overs), so won’t be checking in here, just don’t want anybody thinking I’m ungrateful.