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Powered sub with vintage amp?

riverrat

riverrat

professional camper
I'm having a hard time finding good info about options for running a powered sub with a vintage amp. Never had a sub of any kind so I am clueless.

Most places tell you to hook it to the sub outputs on the receiver, which of course vintage amps do not have.

Sooo, how should I hook up a powered sub with a vintage amp? (Or pre-amp?)
 
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if the sub has speaker level inputs(which most do) you need to run your speakers to the sub amp and then the sub to the speaker inputs on your receiver/amp. You can use the subs built in crossover to set the levels you desire. I actually have a similar setup with 2 powered subs and it is quite nice.
 
If you're using seperates you can use a "Y" cable to run the signal to your main amp and the sub amp. You'll be able to use the sub's built in XO to tailor the sound on that side but not the main speakers. You may have to add something like Fmods (inline filters) to work with the mains. Or you may not depending on where the mains roll off.

If you're using a receiver or integrated amp with out a pre-out then what Jayczar says is the way to go. A lot of sub amps have a speaker level input for that very purpose.

Ray
 
Thanks for the replies folks. I actually think I follow you.

The specific set-up I'm looking at is adding a Totem Dreamcatcher sub to my Totem Sttaf 2-way towers. Totem's website is pretty lame regarding info on inputs and outputs for the Dreamcatcher. I think most people buy that unit as part of the Dreamcatcher HT speaker kit, but it is also available as a standalone unit.

I'm not looking to shake the house, just provide a bit more substance to the bottom end. The Sttafs have pretty amazing bass for such a small driver, but even with their design savvy and a ported design, a 5" driver has its limits.

I'll contact Totem directly and see what they have to say. Looks like some long lengths of Home Depot low-voltage landscape light wire, and some time in the crawlspace are in my future...
 
Talking to them will get the answer. I just wanted to say that that is a beautiful piece of woodwork.

Ray
 
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