DC-1 + Sub?

[minthral]

Anyone know how to integrate a sub that has LFE/RCA input after the DC-1? Or recommend a piece of gear to add in between the DAC and amp?

[garbulky]

You will take the unused pair of inputs (I assume the RCA). Or if you are already using the RCA just get an RCA splitter cable also known as a y cable. Then send one pair to the subs. Hopefully it has a left right input. But if not I guess use the left only. Then use the crossover and gain volime knob on sub to blend it in with the speakers. The speakers however will be running full range with this method.

[hemster]

FWIW, I feed my sub from the DC-1 via RCA cables. The amp gets XLR. All outputs are active from the DC-1. 

If your amp doesn't have XLR inputs, you can use XLR->RCA adapters like the one below. Partsexpress carries them for $4. 


Use the LF cutoff on the sub to blend it in with the main speakers. 

[minthral]

Thanks for the fast responses.

Just to confirm...both the XLR and RCA output are active at the same time? So if i'm currently using both RCA outputs to feed an amp, I can simply use one XLR (with above adapter) and connect the sub? This would mean you can technically have 2 subs and 2 speakers going at the same time?

If so that's really awesome and the DC-1 is even more useful than I thought. Going to try it out.

[garbulky]

yes both outputs are active at the same time. Just a note that when I used XLR to RCA cable, due to its higher output I encountered some clipping. But you may not have that issue.

[minthral]

I tried it out and it worked...kind of. The RCA out from the DC-1 will send all frequencies and I found out that this small def tech supercube sub is capable of playing full range, though not too well (muddy mids and highs). This sub has no controls for the crossover frequencies.

I think what's needed is a RCA crossover cable adapter. This will limit only 120hz from passing through to the sub (or you can get another frequency). Also, I suppose its probably a good idea to get a RCA Y cable so that both L and R outputs on the DC-1 go to the sub.

[garbulky]

www.parts-express.com/Search.aspx?keyword=inline%20%20crossover%20pair&sitesearch=true

[minthral]

I got an 100 HZ inline RCA crossover. Works great, but I tried direct to the sub without it and found the sound better overall...this way the sub is playing more freqs...basically acting like a big speaker, blending in really well with the other 4 speakers. Maybe the cutoff should be like 200 Hz+.

Bass is really tight and smooth when fed by the DC-1 compared to using a Def Tech Amp with LFE out and build in crossover (muddy loud mess)...amazing what a sub can do when connected to a good signal. I was able to up the gain on the sub to 75-100% opposed to 25%- previously. It now acts like an extension to the 4 stereo speakers opposed to a boom box.

Received some Outlaw monoblocks. They sound great, but have transformer buzz coming out the unit (none in speakers)...going to try an Emotiva CMX powerline filter device to see if that helps...doubt it though since I placed the outlaws right next to my XPA-2 and XPA-5, plugged into Furman Elite, with no change. Wish Emotiva made a small compact A/B monoblock as my first experience with Outlaw is a bit frustrating due to the transformer buzz...might be just bad luck, but having to spend all day unplugging stuff in the house, removing dimmer switches, flipping breakers, and running around testing different outlets gets old after a while.

[garbulky]

You should know that overr 80hz the cross over can become directional. And the sub can be idenitfied as the place where the bass comes from. If it works for you that's great. Just thought I'd mention it.

[trevordj]

The best way to do this would be to use something like a 2x4 balanced minidsp in between your DAC and your amps. This will give you a ton of flexibility for setting crossovers. It will also give you a bunch of parametric EQ so you can refine things a bit more if you are so inclined.

www.minidsp.com/products/minidsp-in-a-box/minidsp-balanced-2x4

[minthral]

I'm actually going to get a miniDSP DDRC-22D and add that before the DC-1. 2x4 is a noisy cheap DAC with lots of complaints online. It would be waste to get that in the chain IMO.

[trevordj]

The balanced version is fine, it is the unbalanced version that many have issues with IIRC.