How can integrate my sub into 2ch AND HT

pugs · « **on:** 6 Feb 2004, 03:43 pm »

Hello,

I have the following equipment:
NHT 2.5i mains
NHT audiocenter 1
NHT 1.5 surrounds
Denon AVR 4800 for HT pre/pro
Odyssey Tempest with AV bypass
Odyssey Stratos monos
Velodyne CHT 150 subwoofer

I would like to use my Velodyne sub with HT and 2ch without switching cables. The Tempest has an AV bypass for the mains, but how can I use the same sub for 2ch and HT? Is it recommended that I even use the sub with full range speakers?

JoshK · « **Reply #1 on:** 6 Feb 2004, 05:47 pm »

Does your sub have two pairs of inputs? This is the simplest and most eloquent way of setting it up. Have you listened to music much with and without the sub? If your speakers have enough bass then you might not need the sub for music.

2nd question is whether the Tempest has another set of outputs.

pugs · « **Reply #2 on:** 6 Feb 2004, 06:01 pm »

The sub only has one pair of inputs. The Tempest has two outputs. I have listened to 2ch with and without the sub. I prefer it with the sub. I just don't want to switch cables everytime.

Thanks

byteme · « **Reply #3 on:** 6 Feb 2004, 06:09 pm »

Since the tempest has two sets of outputs the way that I did it is like this:

Go to radio shack and pick up an RCA A/B switch.

http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=15-1952

You'll also need an extra pair of interconnects.

Run HT outputs to one side and audio to the other, then the sub cable to the sub amp - a single cable is fine from the Denon to the switch, just make sure that you put the cable to the sub on the same L or R as the input from the Denon. The only issue with this is you won't get the bass management of the Denon in 2 channel - the full range signal will be going to your sub, however, if it has crossover adjustment on the sub amp you're all set!

The hardest thing after this is remembering if you've switched it to the right thing! I remember mine by putting HT on the "B" side - as in "B movies".

Quote

Is it recommended that I even use the sub with full range speakers?

It is if you like the sound better!

pugs · « **Reply #4 on:** 6 Feb 2004, 08:32 pm »

Thanks! That sounds like a great solution. Should I just use one cable coming out of the Tempest?

randog · « **Reply #5 on:** 6 Feb 2004, 09:27 pm »

Does your sub have low-level input(s) (RCA) and high-level inputs (speaker binding posts)? If so, I've been curious about this myself... can you hook up the low-level from your HT processor and high level from your 2-channel amp? Can anyone explain the issues with doing so?

Randog

John Casler · « **Reply #6 on:** 6 Feb 2004, 09:47 pm »

Quote

I would like to use my Velodyne sub with HT and 2ch without switching cables. The Tempest has an AV bypass for the mains, but how can I use the same sub for 2ch and HT? Is it recommended that I even use the sub with full range speakers?

Not just 10 minutes ago UPS just dropped off the NHT X-2 crossover which is "SUPPOSED" do do just that and more.

I was looking for the same thing. I even had one of my suppliers (Marchand) make up a circuit which can be added to their x-over to do that too. Bassically a HT pass through so the PrePro does the bass management.

But that makes for a rather expensive unit. The NHT unit is $350. "IF" it does what Jack Hidley claimed it will do, it would be very cool.

ABEX · « **Reply #7 on:** 6 Feb 2004, 10:24 pm »

Does the Pre-Amp have 2 set's of Outputs. You can use a "Y" connectors also to get the signal to the sub.

Lupo · « **Reply #8 on:** 6 Feb 2004, 11:15 pm »

Correct me if I'm wrong but if any XO is on a receiver or pre/pro , doesn't that mean that the signal must be first converted to digital? If ones utilizes the analog outs from an SACD player, digitizing the signal in order to XO kind of defetas the purpose.

pugs · « **Reply #9 on:** 7 Feb 2004, 07:52 pm »

Quote from: byteme

Since the tempest has two sets of outputs the way that I did it is like this:

Go to radio shack and pick up an RCA A/B switch.

http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=15-1952

You'll also need an extra pair of interconnects.

Run HT outputs to one side and audio to the other, then the sub cable to the sub amp - a single cable is fine from the Denon to the switch, just make sure that you put the cable to the sub on the same L or R as the input from the Denon. The o ...

I went to Radio Shack and picked one up. It works like a charm.

Thanks

greve · « **Reply #10 on:** 29 Feb 2004, 01:27 pm »

Quote from: randog

Does your sub have low-level input(s) (RCA) and high-level inputs (speaker binding posts)? If so, I've been curious about this myself... can you hook up the low-level from your HT processor and high level from your 2-channel amp? Can anyone explain the issues with doing so?

Randog

I have a REL Strata III sub with hi and lo inputs. I have successfully used the hi inputs (for speaker level signals) connected to the speaker terminals of my main left and right front. This is supposed to be the "best" way to do it, although many people think that using RCA line level signals in todays ".1 world" is the ultimate. I have heard otherwise myself.

By connecting it up like this, you get sub for both HT and 2-ch from 1 connection. This requires that you set your "SUB=NONE" on your processor, so that LFE is directed to front left and right.

I hope this helps someone, although it may look a bit controversial at first sight.