Phono Stage upgrade to complement Dohmann Helix One Mk 2

I don't agree with Holmz in some cases, but for me to debate Holmz here would only confuse you further.

Or maybe it would not?

Suffice to say, as I said before, a properly integrated subwoofer will not give you the sensation that the cello is jumping from main speaker to subwoofer and back again.  On that score, Holmz and I agree.

And we both are advocating use of a high pass filter between the preamp and the amp. I just buy mine, and others use a capacitor.

On the other hand, I am not a fan of digital filtering or digital shaping of the response.

People with DACS and streamer, and CD players are alreadily heaving inverted in digital tech…

It is easier to tolerate a DSP on the sub chain side.
And the HPF solutions we are both talking about are on the main L/R channel side,.

I am still trying to figure out the difference other than manufacturers sticker.
It looks like you fancy the Velodyn and I like the Vansdersteen.

Unfortunately, the more I read about HPF, the less inclined I am to use them: everything that I’ve read so far indicates that their use does impact SQ.

Well is there a link to that?
And is it a digital or analogue HPF?

Additionally, here’s a paragraph about higher order HPF influencing signal moreso than lower order HPF (but it is just the internet, which could be wrong):

There is slower transcient response, but if you have a speaker with a crossover, then I am not sure one can be a purist.

Although there is no limit to the order of a filter that can be formed, as the order of the filter increases so to does its size. Also, its accuracy declines, that is the difference between the actual stop band response and the theoretical stop band response also increases.

I think you might be talking about speaker level XOs that have the inductors.

The ones with capacitors are not large, as they are RCA level. The big ones are the size of a couple packs-o-smokes.

@rauliruegas @lewm

Which Velodyne subwoofers would you recommend for best match and highest quality? What about Martin Logan subwoofers, or other brands?  (Velodyne has no photos of the back of their subwoofers and no diagram of connections on their website or downloads; the only Velodyne video on YouTube is 20 years old.  It seems like they're trying to hide something!)

Thanks.

@holmz 

I was just reading multiple reviews about various HPF and they all say that there is a noticeable affect on SQ.  But I suppose it's worth a trial.  The current problem is finding the best ones to initiate this trial with:. Vandersteen, Martin Logan, or Velodyne?  (I suppose Magico would be an option if it weren't a trial, but a definite move.)

Correction: I finally found a diagram of the back of the Velodyne subwoofers under quick start guide on their website. . But it’s a very poor diagram, and doesn’t explain anything about the HPF, LPF, etc. It looks like their target is the home theater crowd. Martin Logan website is more informative, actually has good diagrams, and mentions the difficulty of incorporating subwoofers with ESL, but they only appear to have LPF, which would need an external HPF, etc, which gets into the issue of SQ.

Velodyne DD+, 15 or 18 inches.

ML probably make a good woofer too.

If you are going to draw conclusions by reading websites, you’re likely to do nothing. It is impossible to conceive that a high pass filter would have zero (measurable) effect on the upper frequencies, mostly in terms of phase shift, not distortion so much, unless you use a bad electronic crossover. The question is can you hear it and if you hear it do you like it? The reason for using 6db/octave (passive with just a capacitor or active using an electronic crossover) is to do as little damage as possible to frequencies above the crossover point, in terms of phase shift. If you have questions about the ML subwoofers, it would be best to either look for a good review on line or to call ML and ask. I don’t know how I got into the role of a person urging you to try a subwoofer. In the Velodyne website and elsewhere at sites selling Velodyne, there are usually good photos of the back of the subwoof showing connectivity. I looked at a few last night. For me it was easy to see there are inputs for the preamplifier output, outputs for high frequencies to go to a main amplifier, and of course the low frequencies go to the built in amplifier that drives the woofer. There are many other choices of connectivity also offered; one would not be using every single input and output in any single installation. If you buy a Velodyne, there will be a book explaining in great detail how to install and use. Never fear that.  Better yet, in your case I recommend you get a local dealer to do the install and explain it to you along the way.