2. amps-preamps
  3. 170195-161963

Subwoofers going into standby with low volume listening (New Integrated Amplifier).

Hello,

Just got a new Integrated amplifier (Technics SU-R1000) and have dual stereo subwoofers connected via the amplifiers preout R/L RCA connections (RCA Y-splitter at each Line In R/L connection) on my KEF 12b sub's.

While listening at low volume my subwoofers keep going into standby mode and turn off. The subwoofers also don't sound very lively at all. I have the crossover and volume at "Max" just to try to hear them and they don't sound loud or overly bass heavy at all, which at max volume would've sounded very over the top with my previous integrated amplifier. I've adjusted the crossover and volume numerous times and the subwoofers are just extremely soft and quiet. I've also adjusted the volume control on my Innuous sense (volume down) and upped the volume on the i-amplifier with no effect at low volume listening.

Wondering what could be causing this, and how to potentially fix it? Would the amps volume attenuator have anything to do with it? Also before I was running my sub's of my power amp loop outputs, which I'm not using now. Then again the technics is rated at 150w@8ohm/300w@4ohm where my power amp was 200w@8ohm/350w@4ohm, so I figured I wouldn't need the power amps yet.

Speakers are JBL L100 Classic 75th Anniversary. And cables are RCA SVS subwoofer cables with a y-splitter off each R/L RCA cable to then you nnect in to both line level R/L ports on my subwoofers.

But dually concerning is that even when I crank up the volume on the subwoofer, they sound extremely tame and subdued.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!
ja_kub_sz
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,070 posts
 
But dually concerning is that even when I crank up the volume on the subwoofer, they sound extremely tame and subdued.
It sounds like the volume controls on the subs are set too low. This will help them sound less subdued and also stay on more.

BTW unless they are aligned well with your main speakers, keep the crossover point well below 80Hz. Otherwise they will attract attention to themselves.


If they seem anemic, try moving them closer to a wall. The room boundary effect will give you about a 3dB per octave boost. If you have them against the wall, for that reason they may become boomy. 
ja_kub_sz's avatar
ja_kub_sz OP
275 posts
 
@atmasphere I have one sub in the exact same spot it was with my old system (didn't have this issue), also volume is cranked to max just to even hear anything from the sub.

What I'm doing different...

I am running a single RCA off the R out of the pre out of the amp to the right sub, and a single RCA off the L out of the pre out to the left sub. I have a Y splitter to then plug the single RCA into both my R/L line In inputs on the subwoofer.

Should I ditch the Y splitter (not use the line inputs) and just run the single RCA to each sub's LFE port, setting the crossover to "LFE" on the subs? I wanted stereo subs and thought LFE connections were for surround sound receivers with single RCA "sub out" ports and would not be stereo?

Someone suggested that using only a single side of the amp preout (R or L) sent to each sub might cut the power in half being fed to the sub, and might be causing the standby mode issues and low volume.

That a possibility?
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
You put a left and right signal into a left and right signal. Put the left into the left NOT the right too. You need to send the left and right signal to the plate, not a single wire and split it. The bass has a left, right (and center mix sometimes). 

Have you tried both left and right from the pre out to a single sub plate? If that works split the signal at the pre out and get a second L,R dual RCA. Use your splitters at the pre out and split the L,R. That is how I do it anyways.
LTE is different, a single cable in from a LTE signal can really make a difference. usually there is a 20-40hz bump (shelf) but you have to plug into the correct side and sometimes there is a switch.

Just thinkin'

Regards
imhififan's avatar
imhififan
2,218 posts
 
Did you check if the pre-out of the Technics SU-R1000 is enabled?

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/2016995/Technics-Su-R1000.html?page=21


ja_kub_sz's avatar
ja_kub_sz OP
275 posts
 
@imhififan I did check the pre out being "on" in the settings, but haven't messed with the volume attenuation settings.

I'm getting sound, but just really quiet and underwhelming (not normal) compared to what I had before.
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