Sub / Satellite levels mismatch - Suggestions?

[Boomzilla]

I'm driving my R/L power amps & satellite speakers with the volume-controlled, balanced outputs of a Stealth DC-1. The two subs are hooked up to the volume-controlled, unbalanced outputs of the same DC-1.

The unbalanced outputs have less voltage than the balanced ones at the same volume-level setting. Normally, one would compensate for this by turning up the volume on the subwoofer plate amplifiers, but even with the sub volumes are maxed out, the sub output is still insufficient.

To my knowledge, there's no convenient way to reduce the balanced output levels relative to the unbalanced ones, so the simplest solution that I see is to run a "Y-splitter" off the unbalanced jacks and run both the subs and the satellite power amps in unbalanced mode.

Any other ideas?

Thanks - Boom

[AudioHTIT]

Here’s a reasonably cheap balanced attenuator, this one’s minimum is -10dB which is probably too much, but a solution like this would also work.

www.fullcompass.com/prod/219739-vu-vu-atten-adjustable-in-line-attenuator?gclid=Cj0KCQjwjbveBRDVARIsAKxH7vmCIypSnI-oB0Pt9Zwr0ZNDp1sLh2-zuQmD6iLrAM4lBqEErO7urCYaAt77EALw_wcB

[DYohn]

PREAMP
(how many times have I posted that on one of your threads?)

[annjones13]

I have the same situation. In my case though the balanced amp used for the mains has level controls. So I just need to adjust the mains and plate amps to find the right balance. XMC does overall volume control
Ann

[Boomzilla]

Oct 23, 2018 12:21:28 GMT -5 DYohn said:

PREAMP
(how many times have I posted that on one of your threads?)

Many, many times. BUT - The vast majority of stereo preamps that even offer bass management (themselves but a handful out of the constellation of available stereo preamps) do NOT allow individual level adjustment of the main / subwoofer output levels. Crossover frequency adjustment, yes. Independent level adjustment, no.

The ONLY devices (that I know of) that DO offer independent main and sub level adjustment are AV processors / receivers (and my Oppo UDP-205).

You already know this.

[DYohn]

You still need a preamp. Parasound makes a nice 2.1 preamp.

Now to your question about level adjustment, did you calibrate the volume setting on your sub amp(s) to the output of your preamp (or whatever the heck you are trying to use as a preamp)? You can't just set those anywhere and expect good results.

-edit - ah, I see you are trying to use both the balanced and the single ended outs from your DAC to drive the different amplifiers. I suggest this is your mistake. You need Y-cables. Drive them from the same output if you want to have any chance of creating a system that sounds good.

But you really need a proper preamp.

[Boomzilla]

Hi DYohn -

Thanks, that's what I'd concluded also. Y-cables for short-term fix, preamp soon. Currently considering Schiit Freya. Your thoughts?

[DYohn]

Oct 23, 2018 15:36:50 GMT -5 Boomzilla said:

Hi DYohn -

Thanks, that's what I'd concluded also. Y-cables for short-term fix, preamp soon. Currently considering Schiit Freya. Your thoughts?

I have not heard Freya but it gets high marks from many who have. It is a 2 channel only preamp, so it will not do bass management.

[Boomzilla]

I'm thinking that I can probably do without an actual high-pass filter for the satellites. I've properly phased the subs to the satellites, and the bass is tight, tuneful, and extended. Depending on where I set the crossover on the plate amp of the sub, the crossover is more or less audible, but when set properly, you can't tell where one leaves off and the other kicks in.

Theoretically, having both a high and low-pass filter is a cleaner transition, but in practice (my room & my ears), I can get by without the high pass.

[DYohn]

If you can set the sub Xover so that it's roll-off approximates the opposite of the mains low-end roll-off, you can achieve fabulous results. I did that when I added a sub to my DeVores in the main 2-channel system. It took me three weeks of on and off adjustments, measurements, listening sessions and pulling my hair out to get it right, but after is was right it was wonderful to have that bottom octave present in the room. Even for acoustic music.

[Boomzilla]

Wow, David - You weren't kidding about the pulling your hair out! You look like me.

[DYohn]

Oct 24, 2018 9:41:14 GMT -5 Boomzilla said:

Wow, David - You weren't kidding about the pulling your hair out! You look like me.

I like to remind my daughter that when she was 16 I had a full head of hair but by the time she turned 20 I was bald.