Vintage Audio Research subwoofer connect.


I am thinking about a powered subwoofer for my vintage system. Just mulling it over primarily because the room is somewhat restricted in terms of positioning. I don't hear any problems but you know how audiophiles are.

I am wondering if it is reasonably possible to even connect a subwoofer.

The system is this: Audio Research LS-16 tube pre-amp via balanced cables into Proceed Madrigal HPA2 (Levinson) amp (500w into 4 ohms) via Transparent Cables bi-wired to Aerial Acoustics 7B towers.

There is an Oppo blu-ray player that I use for CD transport and DAC.

I'm assuming the preferred route to the subwoofer is through the AR LS-16 but I'm not very sophisticated with this stuff. Output sets on the back of the LS-16 include "Main 1" which are RCA and "Main 2" and "Main 3" which are balanced. Only "Main 2" is in use. There is also a "Record" output set which is RCA.

I'm hoping it is possible just run L and R RCA cables from "Main 1" to the L and R line level inputs on the sub.

Is that right?

There are no output selection switches on the front of the LS-16 so I'm assuming all 3 of the "Main" outputs are always 'on'?

 

 

n80

Hi, @n80. Based on your description, that’s pretty much the same way I have subs connected in my main system. The line stage connects to the basic amps powering the main speakers using XLR outputs and I run the subs via additional outputs (RCA type) on the line stage. I did this deliberately for a couple reasons- one, I did not want to run my main system through the crossover in the subs; I also wanted to run DSP on the subs (simple, so that those RCA outputs go into the DSP unit, which in turn connects to the subs).

There are a bunch of threads here about swarm subs- that is, using multiple subs to even out response. If you haven’t bought a subwoofer or two yet, look for the ability to change the phase of the subs- it will help in integrating them with your main speaker system. I use horns which have an integrated conventional woofer system, and a combination of physical positioning, crossover point -usually adjustable, as well as slope- the degree of roll off of the subs, along with that phase control, which is variable- allowed the mating of the subwoofers to the main speakers (which are running full range) pretty seamless. I’m running a pair of 15" subs that roll off at 55hz on a 24db/octave slope so the subs are really just doing deep bass, which is what the main speakers needed. Good luck, time consuming to dial in, my wife helped tweak the settings while I sat in the sweet spot, but the outcome was a significant improvement on a very good system that was somewhat bass shy.

@whart Thanks. That is very helpful. In all probability I am not going to put a sub or subs in this system but I just wanted to look into feasibility. It is in a fairly small room and the Aerial Acoustics 7Bs seem pretty solid in terms of bass to my ear.

However, I have decided to put a modestly priced sub in the living room where I have a pair of Aerial Acoustic 6T speakers driven by a Sonos Amp (don't ask, its a long story). These are well positioned in the room but still seem like they could use a little more bass. Fortunately the Sonos AMP has a dedicated LFE output for a sub and the sub I'm looking at has LFE input so that will be simple. I will also get my wife to help with tuning it up. (Sometimes I think her ears are better than mine so I might be the one doing the tweaking).

 

 

I think the OP (and others) should consider an active crossover and EQ in order to integrate the sub(s) with the main speakers.  Adjusting just the level ain't enough.