2. speakers
  3. 163375-128934

subwoofer advice

I would like to incorporate two or more subwoofers into my stereo setup using one or two powered subs (to be purchased) and a pair of Satterberg passive subwoofers that I already own.  My thought was to use a splitter to connect both my speakers and a powered sub to the speaker out of the amplifier (mc2505). 

Is it then possible to connect the passive subs to the powered subs in such a way that they are being powered by the active sub amplifier, rather than the main stereo amplifier?

If so, is it a good idea, and what features do I need to look for in purchasing the powered sub(s).

Any help/suggestions would be most appreciated. 


snapsnap
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,591 posts
 
No and no.
snapsnap OP
5 posts
 
It was the discussion here about the swarm & distributed bass that got me thinking about it.  I already have the two Satterbergs so I'd like to use them if possible along with 2 new subs.

Bjesien - Thanks for the link to the adapter - I anticipate the new subs will have speaker level input capability but if not it could be useful. 
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
Snapsnap, I think you are going about it the wrong way. What you should do is get another pair of passive subs, a subwoofer crossover like the one JL Audio makes and two commercial stereo amps like QSC PLX 3602's. These amps drive subs way better than any plate amp and they are very reasonably priced. 
You could also get a digital preamp that provides subwoofer crossovers like the DEQX Premate. This is better than any analog crossover and it gives you room control.
 Forget trying to match powered subs with passive subs. It will not work well. You either go all passive or all powered. I personally prefer passive. It gives you a lot more flexibility and the opportunity to make your own subs by either Kits or your own design at way lower prices. 
If you have any questions about doing this feel free to message me.

Mike
audiokinesis
2,737 posts
 
Snapsnap, if I understand correctly, you want to power your passive subs with the amplifiers which are already in your active subs, is that right?  

If so, that's extremely unlikely to be feasible.  The amps in your active subs are matched to the impedance of their woofer, and adding a second woofer in parallel will probably cause your amp to shut down.  And adding that second woofer in series will probably cut your amplifier's power in half.   

I suggest powering your two passive subs with an amplifier dedicated just to them.     

Duke
snapsnap OP
5 posts
 
Thank you all for the advice - seems like I'll have to go either passive or active rather than a combination. 
I will have to do some research on what amp would be suitable for subwoofer duty, and how many are required to drive multiple passive subs. On that point, will the additional amp(s) be connected to the main amp or to the preamp? 
More to discover