One sub, a two channel system ,one HT reciever ??

I am currently running Spendor SP-1/2s with a REL stadium 11 sub. I am using the speaker level inputs to the sub rather than the line level which would allow me to roll off the bass. Why. First, this is what REL recommends. Second , I have never had an active crossover I couldn't hear. Such may exist but they would be very expensive. A custom passive crossover would be the way I would go if I was inclined to use one. For me the critical factor it that running the main speakers full range is what they were designed for. Rolling off their bass may enable them to play louder but when I have tried it I found the benefits mostly theoretical and the drawbacks obvious. BUT, if I have learned anything in 45 wears in audio it is we all hear differently and listen to different things in music so it a personal choice.

Tcatman,

I agree with Shadorne's suggestion re high quality HT pre amp. Even my vintage Proceed PAV/PDSD pre/pro combination does a fine job managing the interface of my KEF 104/2s and Velodyne HGS-15, whether stereo or 5.1. I take the balanced LFE output from the PDSD to a Velodyne SMS-1 room-correction manager, then to the balanced input of the HGS-15. Crossover is set at the pre/pro to 80 Hz, the Velodyne crossover is switched out, and the speakers are set to small. I can adjust the level of any speaker with the PAV/PDSD remote, and I set them with a RS SPL meter using the white noise generated by the PAV.

I've tried variations of this setup, but this is the one I prefer. Experienced listeners tell me they are unaware of the sub as a separate source of sound.

db

Running the mains full range as Rel suggests, either works, or doesn't work...it has a lot to do with whats going on with the main speakers. The Kef's may work great...many smaller ported speakers may not, again....it depends.

No amount of gibberish by Rel, or anyone else, can change the facts.

If it works...thats great. If it doesn't work (and it won't always work)....you will need to fix it, or you won't be happy.

Dave

Running the mains full range as Rel suggests, either works, or doesn't work...it has a lot to do with whats going on with the main speakers. The Kef's may work great...many smaller ported speakers may not, again....it depends.

Well said. I could not agree more.

FWIW: The safest approach is to NOT run the speakers full range. Although the best possible approach may be to run the main speakers full range with the sub just filling the bottom octave - this option is however restriced to equipment that is designed to work together and with mains that have woofers as big as a subwoofer to begin with. The same manufacturer and same design philosophy in the bass is required, IMHO - otherwise there is a fair risk of a "dog's breakfast" when just randomly pairing up gear...