2 Questions re: Adjusting balance and "Sub Out" output

[macco]

These are distinct and otherwise unrelated questions:

1) Is it possible to adjust balance (L/R speaker balance) using ONLY the remote control?

2) While I understand why both channels might be summed if there was a single Sub Out connection, anyone know why BOTH Sub Outs are summed to mono (thereby disallowing 2 true stereo subs)?

Thanks in advance for your answers.

[leonski]

The VAST MAJORITY of music is 'mixed' to mono below a certain frequency, anyway.

The effect heard even with a Single Sub of the image getting 'wider' is due to the overtones from any given event. Like a drum strike or movie effect.
You can 'tell' where this stuff is coming from, but only because of the overtones, not the primary frequency.

My panels dont do much below maybe 40hz. I think Magnepan says they're good to 36 or whatever. But when I restrict lows TO the panels and use a sub?
Image gets wider and fuller. Even though I use a single sub, I cross low enough that you would NEVER find it by ear, at least from the sitting position or movie watching sofa.

The advantage of 'stereo' subs is NOT improving the stereo 'image' or stage, but rather dealing with room nodes and standing waves.

[macco]

Jun 15, 2018 16:16:59 GMT -5 leonski said:

The VAST MAJORITY of music is 'mixed' to mono below a certain frequency, anyway.

The effect heard even with a Single Sub of the image getting 'wider' is due to the overtones from any given event. Like a drum strike or movie effect.
You can 'tell' where this stuff is coming from, but only because of the overtones, not the primary frequency.

My panels dont do much below maybe 40hz. I think Magnepan says they're good to 36 or whatever. But when I restrict lows TO the panels and use a sub?
Image gets wider and fuller. Even though I use a single sub, I cross low enough that you would NEVER find it by ear, at least from the sitting position or movie watching sofa.

The advantage of 'stereo' subs is NOT improving the stereo 'image' or stage, but rather dealing with room nodes and standing waves.

Fair points all.  But would you agree that, ultimately, offering 2 summed output connections effectively only saves you the trouble of buying some manner of "Y" patch cord to convert a single Sub Out for use with 2 subwoofers...?

[leonski]

Since the output is mono / summed below maybe 80hz, it makes no difference if sub outputs are L/R 'stereo'.

[macco]

Jun 15, 2018 19:17:58 GMT -5 leonski said:

Since the output is mono / summed below maybe 80hz, it makes no difference if sub outputs are L/R 'stereo'.

I do understand the point you’re making but, with respect, while that may be true in some types of music, it is less so in others. In any event, still struggling as to the reasoning for this approach rather than a traditional “pre-out”.

Any answers to my more pressing question - can balance be adjusted solely by using the remote control on this model? Would appreciate knowing. Thanks!

[leonski]

My preamp, a Parasound P5 has standard L/R outputs in balanced and single ended.
But it also has sub outs which are assignable as full range or (select) crossover frequency.
The main outs ALSO can be low-cut which is what I do for my panels.
The output impedance is low enough that I wouldn't hesitate to 'split' the sub-out to multiple subs, $$$ permitting, of course.

As for balance? If you can find an online manual? Or ask an owner? For my Parasound, the answer is no, but the pre Does have sub LEVEL control which is unusual.
And the remote will enable / disable the TONE control circuits, which I customarily leave OFF. Maybe on Late At Night where I apply a little bass boost and treble boost to make up for the
natural problems with human hearing. Like an old-school 'Loudness Contour'.

I wish a recording engineer and mastering type would chime in on Summed bass on recordings. Some MIGHT be stereo, but I don't know for a fact which ones may be so. If anyone KNOWS a recording which is
actually stereo to the lower limit, I'd like to compare that to other stuff. With sub ON and OFF.

[macco]

I have looked at the online/downloadable manual. It’s not clear (to me, at least) on this point. And I thought the best way to ask owners might be this forum.

As to the sub-out / bass issue, wouldn’t any live recording in the jazz and classical fields, of which there are many, potentially have left/right dimensionality?

Anyway, I do appreciate your time and thoughts.