how to include the subwoofer?

Hey Marty, no apologies necessary -- I appreciated your additional post. But actually, running the Curves full range and using the Velodyne it is still possible to get some benefit from the DRC in the Velodyne. By setting the low pass in the Velodyne to around 100, it actually reinforces the Curve's bass response below this level (and of course handles the low bass where the Curves drop out). As a result the main system is playing at lower volume to prduce a desired loudness. With the sub producing some part of the loudness, it is possible to tune the bass response of the room using the DRC in the sub. True, I'm not affecting what the Curves are doing at all, but according to the SMS software the response is considerably flatter than just running the Curves full range without the sub. Maybe someone will tell me this is sonically impossible, but I don't think so -- and unless the measurement microphone software (and my ears) are lying, it works.

I may try the external crossover still. But may wait to find a Bryston 10b. Or I may go ahead and try the X2. Still think about it.

Good point. It never occurred to me to try this. That's probably because, IME with measuring system response in room, I've found that almost any speaker with extended bass response will produce significant excess energy somewhere above 80 hz - in most rooms. Taming this can't be done with DRC in your proposed set-up. You could use bassbusters or maybe you don't need to if your room/speaker system is different than any I've measured - which seems to be the case here.

Marty

BTW,

I'm pretty sure that the NHT X-2 is available direct (oand IIRC from AudioAdvisor.com for a few bucks less) with a money back guarantee for a home trial period. There's little at risk if you're tempted to check it out.

Marty

XLR Y-splitter out of the preamp.

Run the speakers full-range, they sound great right?

Tuck the sub underneath, less is more.

Clean and simple solution, takes advantage of what you already have.

Dgaylin,

FYI - someone has just listed a used Museatex active/passive switchable high pass filter for sale at $275. I haven't heard this model first hand, but I knew a guy some years back (generally reliable) who swore by it. Just FYI.

Marty