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Where are the passive subs?

I can't seem to find a passive sub. They all have those Class D amps in them. I don't want to pay for an amp I don't need.
Also, these powered amps appear to have speaker terminals. Does that mean even if I go with a sub that has an amp, I can bypass the amp using the speaker terminals, or is that some form of input to the amp?

Any ideas?
rail2rail
rail2rail OP
5 posts
 
OK, so I'm not insane. This seems like a gap to me. It's been a LONG time since I have considered a sub, so had to catch up. I don't need one, per se, but it would be fun. Well, unless they pick the amp for me, make it Class D, and stick it in the box!
kenjit
1,771 posts
 

Does that mean even if I go with a sub that has an amp, I can bypass the amp using the speaker terminals, or is that some form of input to the amp? 

the terminals are high level inputs which you connect to your stereo amp.
It doesnt bypass the sub amp. but you could always change the sub amp or convert to passive.

I dont know how much EQ if any is applied to these active subs. If the response is equalised then you cant remove the class d amp and connect a different amp and expect the same response.
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islandmandan
1,260 posts
 
If your main focus is music, check out the 15" Tannoy Sub 15i. It's not great for home theater, but for music it's one of the best I've heard, and not too expensive.
Post removed 
audiokinesis
2,733 posts
 

I build a subwoofer system called The Swarm that consists of four small passive subs and a separate amplifier that drives all four.  On occasion I have sold the subs without the amp, but I don't sell the subs in ones and twos - only four at a time.   

Imo there are two significant advantages to not having amps inside the subs.  First, in this day and age of lead-free solder, electronic components like subwoofer amps are significantly more susceptible to failure if they are subjected to vibrations.  Second, if the amp does fail, it's much easier to repair or replace an outboard amp than to repair or replace an amp that's built into a sub.

Parts Express sells subwoofer boxes that you can install a driver in and end up with a pretty darn good sealed-box passive subwoofer. 

Duke


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