Subwoofer: should we even use them at all?

Marty,

I certainly agree with you on simplicity being preferable. Further looking into these units I came across the DEQX HDP-4, and the QOL, amongst others, but these appear to be most endorsed. What's your thought on these, as an experienced DRC user?

I think the approach proposed by miniDSP is a non starter for me. As much as I love my Lamm pre, I think I will need to decide if I'd rather keep it or do the mains/sub crossover and integration thing. Much to consider!

Lewinski,

The DEQX has always looked interesting to me, but the local dealer (possibly also the national distributor) isn't very accommodating, so - even tho I tried to stop in for a demo - I never got a chance to check it out and can't really comment. It's gotten some good press, tho.

I know zero about the QOL and never thought it was designed for this application, tho I'm not sure what it IS designed for.

If you decide to keep the Lamm, my guess is that you'd be best off passing on subs unless you want to run separate 2 systems (or dual front ends). I don't mean to spend your money, but...

The good news is that +/- $2700 buys an Onkyo 5509 with Audyssey xt32 and a pair of 12" subs from SVS. That's a set-up that I'd be happy with and it's a modest investment relative to the LAMM. It would allow you to swap the amp and sources between the pre-amps on the fly (once you've attached the subs and set-up the DRC on the Onkyo), but you have to be the type that wants to repeatedly rewire the system.

I was that guy at one time, but not anymore - and I certainly can't speak for you.

Hey Marty; go for Audyssey Pro with your 5509. You will go to a much higher endresult.

Marty,

You are right: after further reading about the QOL, I realized it doesn't do what I need. So that one's out.

Switching cables between the Lamm and an Onkyo doesn't sound like me. I'd rather spend the time I have for listening to music just listening to music rather than swapping cables. We are likely alike along these lines.

About the Lamm: this is not their reference preamp; it's their entry pre, in Lamm terms. So it's not a huge investment compared to the other components, and is similar to the ARC and Joule pres you replaced with the Onkyo+Audyssey. BTW, at the time I was looking for a pre I did consider that Joule pre.
The problem is I cannot listen to any of these options beforehand, so it comes down to a leap of faith.

But the two Rythmik subs I already have and I'm sold on using them.

I'm also ditching the path proposed by miniDSP. Too complex to implement and cumbersome to operate, especially the latter.

So it looks like I need a DEQX, or Onkyo 5509, or HK 990 to replace my DAC and pre, and using Dirac or another DRC software at the server, and call it a day. I can't see other practical alternatives as of now.
I might start with the DRC software and a cheap crossover between pre and amp, knowing it's a temporary setup, and finally settle on replacing the DAC and pre with a digital processor.

Lewinski,

If you need an inexpensive, sand-alone active x-over, see if you can find an NHT x-2. It's now discontinued and hard to find (probably because it's pretty widely sought after and used offers tend to get snapped up quickly), but it's a very good sounding unit, quite flexible, and a steal for the $.

Good luck with the project.

Bo:

I've thought about Audyssey Pro and looked into buying the calibration pack, but I haven't yet pulled the trigger. Knowing myself, I might get sucked into another year or two of compulsive tweaking and I'm not sure I want to do that. But, either way, thanks for the recommendation.