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In Search of a Passive Subwoofer Amplifier

My speaker builder Van L Speakerworks in Chicago recommends Bash amplifiers for a pair of passive subwoofers of his design. They consist of two active 7" drivers. Each driver is in its own enclosure within the same cabinet. One is vented and one is sealed.

I am not convinced Bash is the route to take and would like some feedback on other choices. Other than Bash & Dayton on the low end and Lipinski on the high end (these are all I've been able to find data on), what other manufacturers are available for a home (not auto) passive subwoofer applications? As a parallel question, is the topology - e.g. digital, A/B, etc. - less critical (as critical-?) as the main amplifier? For clarity, this will be for my "everyday" system, but I am not willing to skimp with lower end gear either nor do I want to go with something too crazy either. My 'other' (main) system for serious dedicated listening employs a pair of REL G-1 subs employing onboard 700W digital amplifiers.

Thanks in advance for any information.

Scott Wolff
scott_wolff
johnnyb53
3,490 posts
 
You didn't mention a budget.

Off the top of my head it seems that a Red Dragon M-1000 would be a powerful, economic choice that would deliver lots of speed, power, current, and clarity.
roscoeiii's avatar
roscoeiii
1,155 posts
 
What is the impedance of your subs and what kind of power do you need? I use a pair of Emotiva BPA-1s, each bridged for my two dual NHT SW2 subs. If you want more conamtrol for fine tuning, maybe grab something like an NHT X2.
johsti's avatar
johsti
102 posts
 
Anthony Gallo sub amp?
scott_wolff OP
19 posts
 
Johnnyb - thanks for responding - and good question. Budget I'd like to stay in is around $1000, possibly a little more. In response to Roscoeiii - sub impedance is 8 ohms.
Optimally sub amp should have an on-board crossover, but if not, I'll consider one with an external x-over.

Scott
roscoeiii's avatar
roscoeiii
1,155 posts
 
Scott,

Are you here in Chicago or just your sub builder? Shoot me an email if you are local (if you can't do that thru A'gon I use the same user name on AudioCircle & AudioAsylum)
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