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Separate subs for music and HT/surround

My stereo setup is comprised of Ayre 5/20 series digital hub, preamp and amp that drive KEF Ref 1s through a passive Marchand high-pass filter. For HT and surround, LR side and rear surround from an SP3 go to NAD Class D amps that drive LS50s. The SP3 receives HDMI from an Ayre DX-5 DSD, and its front LR output goes to a balanced by-pass input of the KX-5/20. I have two Velodyne SMS-1 bass managers that provide acoustic room correction, two HGS-10 subs, and two HGS-15 subs.

Question: Should I use one SMS-1 with the two HGS-10s for stereo and the other SMS-1 with the two HGS-15s for HT and surround music? I realize there are advocates for using 4 subs, and I could daisy-chain the SMS-1s, but separating the SMS-1s seems a neat way to keep stereo separate from HT.

db
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dbphd OP
1,630 posts
 
Tim,

Of course I don't know what I'm doing.  I'm vacillating with the idea of using daisy-chained Velodyne SMS-1s for both bass management and acoustic room correction.
db
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noble100
2,419 posts
 
Hello DB,

     My suggestion is to try out both alternatives to help you decide.  It takes more time and effort but you're ultimately making a more informed decision.  I can state with confidence that a properly positioned and configured 4-sub DBA system requires no room correction software or hardware.  
     I don't  believe running room correction will have any negative effects but, since I've never utilized room control on my 4-sub DBA, I can't be certain.

Later,
Tim
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dbphd OP
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I've grown suspicious of inserting anything between the Ayre preamp and amp.  Even the Marchand fully balanced passive high-pass reduced the sense of openness and air that was quite noticeable.  I removed it.  That the Bryston SP3 provides 2nd order high-pass filtering made me realize I'd be inserting it between the preamp and amp, so I'll use the Velodyne SMS-1 for both bass management and acoustic room correction.

Surround is via HDMI, so the SP3 will pass front LR to a by-pass input of the Ayre preamp.
noble100's avatar
noble100
2,419 posts
 
Hello DB,

      I understand, connecting the surround front LR main speakers outputs from the SP3 to a LR designated input on your Ayre preamp is functionally the same thing as having a HT/Bypass Switch on the Ayre preamp.  All resulting in you having a convenient method of switching between music and HT use/listening on your unified system.  
     Well done!  And you accomplished this all without taking my original advice of using your Oppo 205.   I meant it when I stated  I trust you know what you're doing.
     BTW, if everything functions up to your expectations, I'm willing to purchase your Oppo 205 at a reasonably premium price along with the shipping costs if you no longer need it.


Thanks and congratulations,
              Tim
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dbphd OP
1,630 posts
 
Tim,

The HGS-10 is ready for pickup, but I'm waiting for the HGS-15 that I hope may be available next week.  Using the setup I described above works well, and an input of the KX-5/20 preamp can be set to by-pass so the SP3 controls level for surround.

I'm always amazed by how the addition of subs enhances depth of soundstage.  I look forward using four subs.  I dreaming about a way to use the big Ref 204/2C other than as a center speaker.

db  
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