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Subs
Mar 14, 2016 16:05:50 GMT
Post by starandchlorisse on Mar 14, 2016 16:05:50 GMT
hi Ethan
I visited B and H in New York in search for a subwoofer compatible with my focal CMS 50 and I was told that it is better to buy the focal subwoofer because each brand has a different crossover - therefore combining 2 different brands i in general s not recommended -
Just wanted to verify with you - is this true?
many thanks
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Subs
Mar 14, 2016 18:31:12 GMT
Post by Ethan Winer on Mar 14, 2016 18:31:12 GMT
No, it's not true that you need to match the brand of the subwoofer to the brand of main speakers. I have Mackie 624 speakers in my home theater, and they're coupled with a killer SVS subwoofer with twin 12s that's -3 dB at 18 Hz. This combination is fabulous. But if I had different model main speakers I'd still be very satisfied with this sub. And if I had the same speakers with another highly capable sub, that would be fine too. If you care, here's a recent tour of my living room setup: Ethan's Living Room Home Theater Tour--Ethan
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Post by Ethan Winer on Mar 14, 2016 19:10:48 GMT
I just realize I answered only half of your question. In a home theater or hi-fi setup, a receiver splits the audio between the main two (or five) speakers and a subwoofer. You can use a receiver in a stereo-only studio setting too. But most subs include a crossover that accepts the full-range main input signal, then keeps the bass and sends the rest on to the left and right speakers. So you don't really need a receiver unless you plan to play 5.1 surround audio. Looking at this Focal sub at B&H it seems to do that, though I can't tell if the crossover frequency is variable: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/687636-REG/Focal_Professional_FOPRO_CMSSUB_CMS_SUB_300W_11.htmlThe standard crossover frequency is 80 Hz, though you can go as high as 100 Hz to relieve even more of the burden from the main speakers and move it to the sub. So that Focal sub probably uses one of those frequencies. But either way, the sub provides the crossover, so it still doesn't matter what brands you use. --Ethan
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Subs
Mar 17, 2016 2:08:30 GMT
Post by Hexspa on Mar 17, 2016 2:08:30 GMT
You don't need to "cross over" your mains and sub at the same frequency either. My subs (yamaha HS10W) "high cut" is set at max with is 120Hz and my mains' (yamaha HS50m pair) "low cut" is down at 80Hz. It comes down to measured response in your room at listening position. Remember to have a phase invert option on your sub as this can help.
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Subs
Mar 22, 2016 2:52:34 GMT
Post by starandchlorisse on Mar 22, 2016 2:52:34 GMT
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Post by Ethan Winer on Mar 23, 2016 18:27:52 GMT
The SVS model has better specs and costs $100 less. I can also tell you that my SVS sub is fantastic, and they have an excellent reputation. In all the years SVS has been around I can't recall reading even one complaint about them. So the SVS would be my choice. --Ethan
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Subs
Apr 10, 2016 15:34:31 GMT
Post by starandchlorisse on Apr 10, 2016 15:34:31 GMT
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Subs
Apr 10, 2016 17:00:04 GMT
Post by Ethan Winer on Apr 10, 2016 17:00:04 GMT
If it fits, it's suitable.
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cr
New Member
Posts: 2
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Subs
Apr 16, 2016 17:07:46 GMT
Post by cr on Apr 16, 2016 17:07:46 GMT
No, it's not true that you need to match the brand of the subwoofer to the brand of main speakers. I have Mackie 624 speakers in my home theater, and they're coupled with a killer SVS subwoofer with twin 12s that's -3 dB at 18 Hz. This combination is fabulous. But if I had different model main speakers I'd still be very satisfied with this sub. And if I had the same speakers with another highly capable sub, that would be fine too. If you care, here's a recent tour of my living room setup: Ethan's Living Room Home Theater Tour--Ethan how are the (active combined with passive) speakers connected to the pioneer receiver? (picture?) Plus how do you controle the volume of active and passive?
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Subs
Apr 17, 2016 17:05:52 GMT
Post by Ethan Winer on Apr 17, 2016 17:05:52 GMT
My receiver has RCA line output jacks for all speakers including the sub, and all my speakers and the sub are active with built-in amplifiers. The receiver has controls for crossover frequency, volume for each speaker, and so forth. Not bad for a receiver that cost me only $150!
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cr
New Member
Posts: 2
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Subs
Apr 21, 2016 11:26:14 GMT
Post by cr on Apr 21, 2016 11:26:14 GMT
Ethan I saw the pioneer 912 has just 1 output for a powered sub. -'Problem' is I only have (front) powered speakers.
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Subs
May 9, 2016 14:39:46 GMT
Post by starandchlorisse on May 9, 2016 14:39:46 GMT
Hi Ethan regarding the www.crutchfield.com/p_946SB2KBA/SVS-SB-2000-Black-Ash.html?tp=187 - The focal CMS 50 have 2 inputs each---- 1 xlr and one rca How I connect them with the subwoofer? Do I need a receiver or something else? my sound card has an output a stereo line which can be split into 2 rca left and right channels that I could use to connect with the subwofer and still I can use the xlrs to connect the monitors to the sound card? Correct? Many thanks
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Subs
May 9, 2016 17:50:40 GMT
Post by Ethan Winer on May 9, 2016 17:50:40 GMT
You don't need to split the output of your sound card. Send the stereo signal to the sub's line input, then send the sub's stereo line outputs on to your powered speakers. I'm certain the subwoofer includes a user's manual that shows how to connect it in various situations. I imagine you can even download the manual online before you buy it.
--Ethan
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Subs
May 9, 2016 18:23:46 GMT
Post by starandchlorisse on May 9, 2016 18:23:46 GMT
Thanks Ethan This model www.crutchfield.com/p_946SB13BO/SVS-SB13-Ultra-Black-Oak.html?tp=187 has also XLR connections compared to this www.crutchfield.com/p_946SB2KBA/SVS-SB-2000-Black-Ash.html?tp=187 that has only RCA connections.
(The manual of the cheaper model does not say anything about how to specifically connect with monitors only with a receiver - but I m assuming is the same thing?) Of course there is a big difference in price - is xrl connectivity significant ? besides the other features ? thats why I said that I could use an output a stereo line which can be split into 2 rca left and right channels that I could use to connect the sound card with the sub and still I can use the xlr cables to connect the monitors to the sound card" if xlr connectivity is significant -at least for connecting the studio monitors with a sound card - isn't the above solution better? thanks again
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Subs
May 10, 2016 17:00:23 GMT
Post by Ethan Winer on May 10, 2016 17:00:23 GMT
XLR versus RCA depends on what you have. There's no quality difference, so get the connector type that matches what you have. Or be prepared to spend $20 or so on adapters. In all honesty, you should be asking the people you plan to buy from but connectivity. They should know the products better than I do!
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