This is my first post, I hope it is in the right place. I want to make some changes to my setup, but cannot figure out how to best connect a subwoofer to the setup I have in mind.
My current setup is an AVR as pre amp for stereo (Denon X4400H), and the Denon also processes the home theater stuff and drives the center, surrounds and height speakers. The stereo speakers (front L+R in HT) are driven by a Crown XLS power amp, throught the Denons pre out.
I would like to add a proper stereo pre amp with balanced in- and outputs in the chain. The reasons are many, it will improve the sound by using both a better dac and dedicated stereo circuitry, I can finally use the balanced out on my phone stage, I do not need to power on the AVR to listen to music all day, and like most of you, I love getting new gear.
I am therefore looking at a few stereo pre amps that have Home Theater Bypass. This lets you do exactly what I want, put a stereo pre amp between your AVR and power amp. I will link a list and more info about HT bypass for those interested.
Now my problem: how would I connect the subwoofer in this new system? It is currently connected from sub out 1 on the Denon to the LFE input on the sub. In the Denon settings, this sub out sends the low end of stereo via crossover to the sub, and the LFE signal, and all the low end of the surrounds. Simple, 1 rca connection does it all.
But if I use another pre amp for stereo, the subwoofer also needs to be connected to that 'stereo only' part of the system, which would not use the AVR. One option I considered would be to get a REL, connect the AVR to its LFE input, remove the crossover for the 'front' speakers, and tap into the speaker outs on the power amp using their Neutrik connection. From what I can read in their information, this is what they recommend anyway, so that could work. Except that their Neutrik input does not like class D switching amplifiers. Which is what I use. And which I want to continue using, for its low energy consumption, low heat, and great power and sound for the price.
Does anyone have an idea how I could do this, without using a different sub just for HT and another one for stereo?
My current setup is an AVR as pre amp for stereo (Denon X4400H), and the Denon also processes the home theater stuff and drives the center, surrounds and height speakers. The stereo speakers (front L+R in HT) are driven by a Crown XLS power amp, throught the Denons pre out.
I would like to add a proper stereo pre amp with balanced in- and outputs in the chain. The reasons are many, it will improve the sound by using both a better dac and dedicated stereo circuitry, I can finally use the balanced out on my phone stage, I do not need to power on the AVR to listen to music all day, and like most of you, I love getting new gear.
I am therefore looking at a few stereo pre amps that have Home Theater Bypass. This lets you do exactly what I want, put a stereo pre amp between your AVR and power amp. I will link a list and more info about HT bypass for those interested.
Now my problem: how would I connect the subwoofer in this new system? It is currently connected from sub out 1 on the Denon to the LFE input on the sub. In the Denon settings, this sub out sends the low end of stereo via crossover to the sub, and the LFE signal, and all the low end of the surrounds. Simple, 1 rca connection does it all.
But if I use another pre amp for stereo, the subwoofer also needs to be connected to that 'stereo only' part of the system, which would not use the AVR. One option I considered would be to get a REL, connect the AVR to its LFE input, remove the crossover for the 'front' speakers, and tap into the speaker outs on the power amp using their Neutrik connection. From what I can read in their information, this is what they recommend anyway, so that could work. Except that their Neutrik input does not like class D switching amplifiers. Which is what I use. And which I want to continue using, for its low energy consumption, low heat, and great power and sound for the price.
Does anyone have an idea how I could do this, without using a different sub just for HT and another one for stereo?