subwoofer advice

snapsnap, I use two QSC PLX 3602 amps to drive 4 subwoofers. They put out 1800 watts/ch into two ohms. Each channel has a gain control and there are balanced inputs. They are AB amps with switching power supplies. They are $1500 each. They make smaller versions of the same amp for less money.  The only possible problem is that they do have internal cooling fans. Mine are on a shelf under the floor in the basement so I do not hear them at all but they might bother some people. Theoretically, driving 4 or 8 ohm subwoofers you probably do not need the fans. You could disconnect them keeping an eye on the temp. If the amps continue to run cool than the fans are not necessary. You can always hook them back up.
Dayton also makes a line of Class D plate amps. One even has DSP.
I do not like installing electronics in Subs and I prefer AB amps with very low output impedance (high damping) 

Snapsnap wrote:  "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."   

I use the Dayton Audio SA-1000 for the Swarm.   Assuming your passive subs are 4 ohms each, the SA-1000 would put out almost 500 watts into the 8 ohm load of your two subs in series.  If your subs are 8 ohms each, you can connect them in parallel for a 4 ohm load, into which the SA-1000 puts out a little less than a kilowatt.  

Snapsnap:  "On that point, will the additional amp(s) be connected to the main amp or to the preamp?"   

It depends on what kind of inputs the subwoofer amp has.  You can find subwoofer amps with either and with both.   

Duke

mijostyn, I use two QSC PLX 3602 amps to drive 4 subwoofers.

I have a PLX 2402 that I purchased new. I've used it solely to power two Bag End Bass cabinets for instrument amplification.
From day one what I thought to be noise from a power supply is actually a noticeable fan noise upon powering up.

Bag End informed me there are surface mounted thermal sensors for each channel. Since PLX has reached legacy status they no longer supply or support the product.
I'm thinking a low noise fan replacement with a similar air flow.

Your experience or any thoughts?