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crossover newb with passive subwoofer questions

I am considering purchasing a stand alone crossover for my system.
My system is comprised of the following, source to speakers:
MacMini to DAC to tube line preamp to tube amplifier to *passive* subwoofers (one per channel) with monitor satellites wired off their respective channel subwoofer.
The crossover devices that I've seen all seem to have RCA outputs (rather than speaker outs) which would imply to me that that the subwoofer and satellites would need their own amplifier.
Is there a device, or way to avoid the need for another amplifier,using a crossover "seperate" with my passive subwoofer/satellite setup? I'm assuming that such an animal would allow for wiring the speakers for each channel in more of a parallel arrangement, as opposed to a series arrangement as I have them now....
rabco
rabco OP
47 posts
 
I've assumed the passive subs have no crossover for themselves. I haven't gone to the length of contacting the manufacturer at this point.
As always, I'm trying to proceed to get the most for my audio dollar. I'm assuming a nice self powered sub could set me back, well, more than a good used crossover.
I could press a nice Onkyo ss amp into service to power the subs.
Opinions regarding the benefit I might realize by buying a used crossover & employing a seperate amp, vs the addition of several active devices are welcome.
If anyone cares to share their experience doing this, I'm all ears.
rabco OP
47 posts
 
Tpsonic, no my equalizer isn't fine enough for me to hazard a guess about what frequency should be used for a crossover point. The passive subs have no level control. When discussing the impedance of the speakers with the manufacturer of my amp, he felt that setting the amp up for a 4 ohm load would be best. I know, a guestimate at best, for gear that's been matched piece meal without any formal measurement. I've been using it this way for years, but thought I might try this process as an upgrade.
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,424 posts
 
First, you need a real crossover for both the main speakers and the sub. Second, you need a level control for the sub. Third, you need something to power the sub.

It appears that you are very "price sensitive" so I must tell you that I know of no mainstream affordable products that will suit your needs, new or used.

What will work and is inexpensive is a plate amp from sources like:
http://www.parts-express.com/wizards/searchResults.cfm?srchExt=CAT&srchCat=505&CFID=5871862&CFTOKEN=96349160
http://www.mcmelectronics.com/search.aspx?C=&K=subwoofer%20amp

Kal
rabco OP
47 posts
 
Kal, if I had my way, I'd be part of a 3 Corvette household, but the reality is.....reality! I manage to get unsolicited compliments on my system as it stands, and I steadily try to improve it over time.
Thanks for the links. I'll check them out.
tpsonic
1,092 posts
 
I've used the Parts-Express plate-amps and they are a reasonably priced fix.They are mono units.Since you are using two subs-two are required.
Onkyo for subs:You will need a crossover.Maybe a Dahlquist LP-1 or the NHT X-1.The LP-1 is passive (capacitor) on top and active on the bottom.If you have two outputs on your pre,you might run the monitors full-range and use the LP-1s' bottom (variable freq/gain) to control/balance the subs.This will allow you to adjust the subs and not introduce more circuitry into the monitors.
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