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Wiring confusion with JL sub and components

I'm hoping some of you can offer more help than I've been getting from JL Audio. I've had one of their wonderful Fathom 113 subwoofer for a few years now and don't believe I've ever had it correctly connected to my designated 2-channel system.
I have an older Jolida 801 integrated tube amp which, because I am running a Jolida JD9 phono preamp, new SACD player (just scored on one of the new Marantz SA 11s'), along with a tuner, doesn't have any remaining RCA connections to be able to connect the JL sub to my Tape connection (have seen this as being one of the suggested methods of connecting). I had purchased this power source used around 6 yrs ago. The previous owner had an additional set of RCA connectors installed for running some sort of sub within his system. I've come to find out that these 2 connectors won't work with my JL Sub, so this is why I'm posting a question out to you folks.
Other than purchasing a new amp/preamp setup or running this sub off of my "normal" speaker "outs" is there a better way to connect the Fathom to my Jolida? I'm starting to see where I'm pushing myself beyond the usable parameters this Jolida offers, but can't afford to chew off 8grand until next year. Would like to see what correct methods of integrating the system together might be. The Jolida does have both 4 and 8 ohm speaker connectors on the rear. Not sure if these connectors would be worthwhile or not.
By the way, my main speakers are Klipsch La Scala IIIs which, in a larger room really need the extra "punch" a good sub can offer. Will send out my thanks in advance. I know this topic has been covered over and over again.
oldrider
almarg's avatar
almarg
9,670 posts
 
How on Earth do other people wire a sub like this into a 2-channel system?
Since the sub has only line-level inputs, and not speaker-level inputs, it would normally be used either in systems having a separate preamp and power amp, or having an integrated amp that has jacks providing the outputs of its preamp section.
Was told by Galen Carol in Texas (after having paid a few hundred to ship down and then back to Alaska) that the connections were "passive" and wouldn't have enough voltage to drive the Fathom i have.
What are the symptoms you are perceiving? Inadequate volume from the sub?

Using a passive output may or may not provide adequate volume depending on the input impedance and the voltage sensitivity of the sub (both of which appear to be unspecified), and the output impedance of the passive output (which I presume is unknown).

If that is in fact the problem, a solution would be to connect those passive outputs to the inputs of a simple, no frills (but decent quality) preamplifier, and connect the preamp's outputs to the sub. The preamp would present a high input impedance to the passive outputs of your amp, so it would be easy to drive, while driving the sub from a low output impedance and providing adjustable voltage gain.

Hope that helps. Regards,
-- Al
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,704 posts
 
Surely, someone makes an inexpensive buffer/line driver these days. All it takes is a chip or two with connectors. Easy for DIY but I could not find one assembled from a quick Google except for car audio (http://www.hifisoundconnection.com/Shop/Control/fp/tcat/28019/SFV/30046) or (http://www.crutchfield.com/S-HM6eCZQhSQ3/p_136CLRLC/JL-Audio-CL-RLC.html) or this: http://store.arcaudio.com/p/ald?pp=8&pp=8
mcpherson
174 posts
 
Not sure about Jolida service or techs...but I had my Thor TA-1000 upgraded (caps, etc). Anyways while it was there, they changed the tape to another line out in case i want to run two amps or sub in the future. Dont think it was much of a process as they didnt charge me any extra to do it. Just a thought.
oldrider OP
5 posts
 
All of these "possible" corrections sound plausible. However, just wondering why it's such a "dark-science" to hook up a state of the art subwoofer to an integrated amp that "doesn't" have subwoofer outs.....
Think i'll just call this Barry guy tomorrow a.m. to see what he's come up with...Next after that will be to call JL Audio and try to speak with someone higher up the ladder....
Agh!!
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,704 posts
 
Simple answer.

1. The manufacturer of the integrated amp has not chosen to accommodate a sub as an option because his market analysis told him that it was not cost effective.

2. The manufacturer of the subwoofer has not chosen to accommodate speaker level input from an integrated amp as an option because his market analysis told him that it was not cost effective.

The HT market (which is the dominant market for subs) and the audiophile small integrated amp market have almost no overlap.
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