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Home Theater 101 - Subwoofer question?

I will bet this is as basic as it gets in my first H/T 101 Subwoofer class, so anyone with a decent HT system should be able to advise me.

I have a very basic and simple 2 channel system for TV and movies (music playback is performed on another system). I don't want to change anything but add a cheap, decent subwoofer to what I already have.

[SYSTEM: Pioneer Elite A35 amp (45wpc), Denon 1930 DVD, JBL HLS610 monitors, Kimber cabling]

There is a slight problem, my integrated amp does not have a preamp or sub output. I have read that it is not such a bad thing to use speaker wire from amp to sub to monitors, and better subwoofer integration is possible. I don't know if this is true but I nave no other option than this hook-up. I'm keeping this amp and would rather not add a sub if adding a sub is ill-advised.

Now that the stage is set, what cheap good quality power subwoofer will you recommend?
128x128mjcmt
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mjcmt OP
710 posts
 
Stevecuss,
Yes I'm looking used, mostly on Craigslist, to save shipping costs. Something will show up eventually.
firedrums
84 posts
 
I would check out REL Subs - First they are excellent and second, they have a Neutrik connection which hooks up directly to your speaker outlets on your amp - they also have a LFE if you did have a sub out on a different receiver - both connections can be used simultaneously and have their own volume controls - makes it easy to integrate 2 channel with surround if you ever went that route - But the speakes conection is what you can use - also makes it easier to integrate with your main speakers because the sub gets the same info as the speakers - Very Cool
mjcmt's avatar
mjcmt OP
710 posts
 
Looks like the REL subs get the best recommendations, but are out of my price. Plus they are much better than the rest of my system, so it may shame the rest of what I have. Mirage and Definitive Tech are probably closer to a better match.

Thanks
paulsax
275 posts
 
actually I would think that the better the sub the better it can be blended with the rest of your system. a donkey sub is just a boom box and is more noticeable in my opinion. I have a JLF112 and its a great sub that I often forget its there. It just goes about it's business when I have it in 2.1 music. Of course it goofs up my house in HT mode for action flicks but thats a different operating mode. Everyone says REL is good and they are likely right. I know JL is good but they are also expensive. I have heard that HSU, outlaw audio, and velodyne are also good to a varying degree and have products at many price points. Consider if you can get a good sub for your budget even if it performs better than your current stuff you will still be happy and won't have to upgrade it anytime soon.
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