How can I control my sub volume from my integrated amp?

[valinote]

I just purchased a new Speedwoofer 10S MKII Subwoofer to supplement my old school Advent 5002 main speakers powered by a Yamaha A-S501 integrated amp. After hooking up the sub, I realized that when I use the suggested line inputs on the Speedwoofer the volume can't be adjusted from Yammy remote or dial. The main speakers change volume, but not the sub. If I switch to the LFE home theater input, then the sub volume tracks with the main speakers, BUT...it sounds awful, because you can't set the crossover frequency on the sub in that mode (non-DSP). So when connected properly in DSP mode, it seems that the only way to change the sub volume is to get down on my hands and knees to reach behind the sub and fumble around with the knobs that I can't see. This is a pita when you're 70 years old! Is there a way that I can control the volume of both my main speakers and the sub directly from my amplifier? Seems simple enough but I haven't been able to figure it out myself. I would appreciate any help or advice

 

[Devnull]

Hook the B speaker output of your amp to the speaker level inputs on the subwoofer.

 

[robh36062]

The line level to the sub is fixed and doesn't track the volume control of the integrated? What output are you using?

That seems odd to me mine does set and forget.

Rob

 

[staticV3]

Hi @valinote! Welcome to ASR.

As is stated in the User Manual, the A-S501's Line outputs are indeed unaffected by changes in volume:


(

The line level to the sub is fixed and doesn't track the volume control of the integrated? What output are you using?
See above
That seems odd to me mine does set and forget.

See above
)

Therefore, your only choices for connecting the Speedwoofer are the A-S501's LFE output and Speaker output.

If I switch to the LFE home theater input, then the sub volume tracks with the main speakers, BUT...it sounds awful, because you can't set the crossover frequency on the sub in that mode (non-DSP).

According to the User Manual, you can absolutely set the crossover frequency on the sub, even when using the LFE input:

 

[valinote]

Hook the B speaker output of your amp to the speaker level inputs on the subwoofer.

So use the speaker wire inputs on the Speedwoofer from Chan B on the Yamaha. And then turn on A and B channels together?

 

[Devnull]

So use the speaker wire inputs on the Speedwoofer from Chan B on the Yamaha. And then turn on A and B channels together?

Exactly

 

[valinote]

Hi @valinote! Welcome to ASR.

As is stated in the User Manual, the A-S501's Line outputs are indeed unaffected by changes in volume:
View attachment 378466

According to the User Manual, you can absolutely set the crossover frequency on the sub, even when using the LFE input:
View attachment 378467

I misinterpreted the line output descriptions to mean only in Pure Direct mode. Appreciate your clarification.

Also, I didn't realize you could set the crossover freq on the LFE input as well. But the Yamaha 501 user manual states, "The SUBWOOFER OUT jack attenuates signals over 90 Hz." So I'm a bit concerned having both the 501 low pass filter and the Speedwoofer's crossover engaged at the same time? I'll give that a try later today though.

Is the single cable LFE "home theater" connection the same level of quality as the dual RCA cable "music" connection?

Why does "home theater" DSP mode on the Speedwoofer (sub crossover disabled; 501 providing 90 Hz low pass) sound so bad for music?

Is there any harm in going with the speaker wire solution? Would I be losing anything? Thank you for your timely reply...

 

[staticV3]

Is there any harm in going with the speaker wire solution? Would I be losing anything?

I doubt it.

You can even connect both the speakers and sub to the A-S501's Speaker A outputs in parallel.

See "Method #3" in the RSL's User Manual

 

[robh36062]

As is stated in the User Manual, the A-S501's Line outputs are indeed unaffected by changes in volume:

It has a dedicated sub out that is independent of fixed tape loop outputs. The sub out should track the volume control?

Rob

 

[Chrispy]

Get a better unit for bass management than the Yamaha integrated....

 

[valinote]

It has a dedicated sub out that is independent of fixed tape loop outputs. The sub out should track the volume control?

Rob

The LFE sub output does track the volume control, but has a 90 Hz low pass applied to it. I'll have to try it again with the Speedwoofer crossover engaged and see how it sounds.

 

[valinote]

Get a better unit for bass management than the Yamaha integrated....

I just purchased the A-S501 recently as an upgrade to my early 80's Sony STR-VX5 Receiver. Unfortunately, at 70 yo I don't think I'll live long enough to rationalize a further upgrade to my lovely wife!

 

[Chrispy]

I purchased the A-S501 recently as an upgrade to my early 80's Sony STR-VX5 Receiver. Unfortunately, at 70 yo I don't think I'll live long enough to rationalize a further upgrade haha!

Just a typical limitation of many 2ch integrateds, with other issues as well.

 

[valinote]

So today I listened back and forth between the LFE single sub input (w/ volume control and 90 Hz low pass) and dual RCA input (fixed volume) on the Speedwoofer. I tried to equalize the volume between the two scenarios so as not to influence my decision. The crossover frequency on the sub was set to 80 Hz. Honestly, I couldn't tell any difference in sound between the two methods of connection. So I guess having back to back low pass filters between the amp and the sub is not an issue as long as one is at a higher freq than the other. I think I'm good to go now. Thanks for all the helpful advice!

 

[Chrispy]

So today I listened back and forth between the LFE single sub input (w/ volume control and 90 Hz low pass) and dual RCA input (fixed volume) on the Speedwoofer. I tried to equalize the volume between the two scenarios so as not to influence my decision. The crossover frequency on the sub was set to 80 Hz. Honestly, I couldn't tell any difference in sound between the two methods of connection. So I guess having back to back low pass filters between the amp and the sub is not an issue as long as one is at a higher freq than the other. I think I'm good to go now. Thanks for all the helpful advice!

All an LFE input on a sub tends to do is automatically take the low pass filter in the sub amp out of the way. Some don't do that, too. Shouldn't be any difference otherwise.