Connecting active crossover to integrated amp

[rossco]

Hi guys I apologise in advance if I posted this in the wrong place , I'm new.

How can I connect my sublime acoustic k231 active crossover to my Denon PMA a110 amp so I can crossover my main speakers with the REL t7x sub.

*Denon has NO preamp output

*It only has preamp in

* Does have line output but pre volume.

After spending a month setting up crossovers and sub on my other system the difference is IMMENSE and there's no turning back to 2.0

Any info would be appreciated.

 

[Ropeburn]

The obvious way is putting the crossover in line. Source -> xover -> amp. Of course that means you can only use one source conveniently, unless you're using an additional switchbox or something. Adds extra clutter and cabling, but works. More disadvantages: no remote input switching, phono input becomes unusable, so do the digital ones.

I don't see a solution without these problems that works without exchanging the amplifier.

 

[staticV3]

The only way to use the PMA-A110 with an external line-level crossover is to do External audio source (CD Player, DAC, Turntable etc.) -> External Crossover -> Satellite output -> PMA-A110 Line input.

This means that you cannot use the Denon's other inputs to connect your sources, nor can you use the Denon's own volume control to control volume, as that would mess up the balance between mains and sub.

To add a crossover to a receiver, but keep the Receiver's functionality as-is (source select, volume control etc), you'd have to find a receiver with a Tape loop/Effect loop.

 

[rossco]

The only way to use the PMA-A110 with an external line-level crossover is to do External audio source (CD Player, DAC, Turntable etc.) -> External Crossover -> Satellite output -> PMA-A110 Line input.

This means that you cannot use the Denon's other inputs to connect your sources, nor can you use the Denon's own volume control to control volume, as that would mess up the balance between mains and sub.

To add a crossover to a receiver, but keep the Receiver's functionality as-is (source select, volume control etc), you'd have to find a receiver with a Tape loop/Effect loop.

This might sound like a stupid question. Why would they sell a 7k AUD amp to have limitation like this. It would be so nice to connect the active crossover to take the load of the main speakers and then route hi level to sub then done.

Is this because people in the high end of things are usually using seperate DAC, preamp, amp?

Surely someone can attest to how amazing a well integrated sub.

 

[Chrispy]

This might sound like a stupid question. Why would they sell a 7k AUD amp to have limitation like this. It would be so nice to connect the active crossover to take the load of the main speakers and then route hi level to sub then done.

Is this because people in the high end of things are usually using seperate DAC, preamp, amp?

Surely someone can attest to how amazing a well integrated sub.

Because stupid people buy limited 2ch integrated amps? Can't imagine one worth that much. High end folk are generally stupid.

 

[rossco]

Because stupid people buy limited 2ch integrated amps? Can't imagine one worth that much. High end folk are generally stupid.

The only way to use the PMA-A110 with an external line-level crossover is to do External audio source (CD Player, DAC, Turntable etc.) -> External Crossover -> Satellite output -> PMA-A110 Line input.

This means that you cannot use the Denon's other inputs to connect your sources, nor can you use the Denon's own volume control to control volume, as that would mess up the balance between mains and sub.

To add a crossover to a receiver, but keep the Receiver's functionality as-is (source select, volume control etc), you'd have to find a receiver with a Tape loop/Effect loop.

The obvious way is putting the crossover in line. Source -> xover -> amp. Of course that means you can only use one source conveniently, unless you're using an additional switchbox or something. Adds extra clutter and cabling, but works. More disadvantages: no remote input switching, phono input becomes unusable, so do the digital ones.

I don't see a solution without these problems that works without exchanging the amplifier.

How would you guys best implement a 2.1 style setup out if curiosity and can Yous recommend a preamp DAC amp or something.

Surely there's a great way of doing all this.i just didn't think of this when buy the amp as I rushed due to discounted price.

 

[Chrispy]

How would you guys best implement a 2.1 style setup out if curiosity and can Yous recommend a preamp DAC amp or something.

Surely there's a great way of doing all this.i just didn't think of this when buy the amp as I rushed due to discounted price.

A unit with bass management and appropriate eq would be a good start. Most 2ch integrated amps don't have such

 

[staticV3]

How would you guys best implement a 2.1 style setup out if curiosity and can Yous recommend a preamp DAC amp or something.

WiiM Amp Pro/Amp Ultra
or
WiiM Ultra + external Amp

Fantastic sub integration suite, fully configurable from your MLP using the WiiM Home App.

 

[rossco]

A unit with bass management and appropriate eq would be a good start. Most 2ch integrated amps don't have such

WiiM Amp Pro/Amp Ultra
or
WiiM Ultra + external Amp

Fantastic sub integration suite, fully configurable from your MLP using the WiiM Home App.

Appreciated everyone tuning into my post . I've only just started getting into actual hi fi for the last 3 years.

Are there others getting a great sound out of a 2.0 system? I'd be keen to know what speakers your using.

At least with my b&W 705 s2 soon as they take the entire audio spectrum the speakers loose detail and clarity.



.

 

[rossco]

A unit with bass management and appropriate eq would be a good start. Most 2ch integrated amps don't have such

maybe I should have consulted the forum first before purchasing lol. We live, we learn.

 

[dfuller]

Are there others getting a great sound out of a 2.0 system? I'd be keen to know what speakers your using.

Yes - I'm running Neumann KH420s. Extension in room is well below 30hz, so no need for sub from a LF extension point of view.

 

[rossco]

Yes - I'm running Neumann KH420s. Extension in room is well below 30hz, so no need for sub from a LF extension point of view.

OK, I've used many microphones from Neumann all very good. Sounds like you chose well.

 

[rossco]

Yes - I'm running Neumann KH420s. Extension in room is well below 30hz, so no need for sub from a LF extension point of view.

Do the speakers still perform well in terms of clarity and detail while the cone excursion is great from strong bass frequencies?

If so I might go demo these Neumann speakers

 

[dfuller]

Do the speakers still perform well in terms of clarity and detail while the cone excursion is great from strong bass frequencies?

If so I might go demo these Neumann speakers

Yes - I'll note, they're kind of utilitarian looking. Plus they're active.

 

[rossco]

Yes - I'll note, they're kind of utilitarian looking. Plus they're active.

Yes - I'll note, they're kind of utilitarian looking. Plus they're active.

This could definitely be a contender, thanks for the tip mate. As good as the Denon is being dual mono differentially balanced, I am over the headaches.

 

[rossco]

The only way to use the PMA-A110 with an external line-level crossover is to do External audio source (CD Player, DAC, Turntable etc.) -> External Crossover -> Satellite output -> PMA-A110 Line input.

This means that you cannot use the Denon's other inputs to connect your sources, nor can you use the Denon's own volume control to control volume, as that would mess up the balance between mains and sub.

To add a crossover to a receiver, but keep the Receiver's functionality as-is (source select, volume control etc), you'd have to find a receiver with a Tape loop/Effect loop.

A unit with bass management and appropriate eq would be a good start. Most 2ch integrated amps don't have such

Yes - I'll note, they're kind of utilitarian looking. Plus they're active.

Just one things guys.



Anyone seen the mini DSP flex, has all your digital processing (crossovers, E q, room correction).



I Want to use the awesome converters in the Denon...



So I'm curious could i run SOURCE (coaxial) to MINI DSP FLEX (this model has coaxial in & out) do the crossover. Then go coaxial or USB to the Denon PMA a110 amp (has USB and coaxial input).



Keeping the conversion inside Denon - I like the ultra AL 32 processing



I'm assuming the coaxial digital output will have the crossover so then amp receives it already crossed over.



* MIni DSP says the coaxial out is post DSP processing and has it's Own volume &remote.

 

[somebodyelse]

You could, but you'll have to be careful never to change volume on the Denon. And you'll need a DAC for the sub too. Given how well the DACs in the flex perform you would probably be better with the analog output version of the flex feeding the power amp inputs of the Denon.

 

[Gibsonian]

It won’t work. You need separate preamp/amp for this. Integrated is no bueno unless it has pre out/ in and then you’d still need another amp to actively bi amp

 

[rossco]

The obvious way is putting the crossover in line. Source -> xover -> amp. Of course that means you can only use one source conveniently, unless you're using an additional switchbox or something. Adds extra clutter and cabling, but works. More disadvantages: no remote input switching, phono input becomes unusable, so do the digital ones.

I don't see a solution without these problems that works without exchanging the amplifier.

You could, but you'll have to be careful never to change volume on the Denon. And you'll need a DAC for the sub too. Given how well the DACs in the flex perform you would probably be better with the analog output version of the flex feeding the power amp inputs of the Denon.

Think I'm just going to go with your last options, unbalanced out. As the Denon 110th anniversary amp does have balanced (engineers were in lunch and forgot about it...lol)

Thanks so much

Problem solved.

 

[rossco]

If you d

You could, but you'll have to be careful never to change volume on the Denon. And you'll need a DAC for the sub too. Given how well the DACs in the flex perform you would probably be better with the analog output version of the flex feeding the power amp inputs of the Denon.

If you don't mind me asking out of curiosity. why would the subwoofer also need.a DAC. Its going from speaker terminals on denon to high level input on sub.

* I'm guessing possible because the mini DSP would be feeding the amp the crossover (low cut HPF) so that's also what's going to the sub.