Looking for 2 channel preamp w/ bass management
ambiophonics
Posts: 726
Hi Guys,
I'm trying to find a 2 channel preamp that would allow me to set precise crossover points for my mains and subwoofer (mono). I don't need anything with digital ins/outs but would require a phono input. Any ideas on brands/models to consider? Budget is fairly open at this point. New or used would be fine. Any help would be much appreciated.
I'm trying to find a 2 channel preamp that would allow me to set precise crossover points for my mains and subwoofer (mono). I don't need anything with digital ins/outs but would require a phono input. Any ideas on brands/models to consider? Budget is fairly open at this point. New or used would be fine. Any help would be much appreciated.
2 Channel - Polk SDA-2BTL, Carver TFM-35, Peachtree iDAC, Qobuz streamed via Episode Lynk using bubble UPnP server
Post edited by ambiophonics on
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I just picked up a Parasound 2100 (see my review http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=21805318#post21805318). Not sure about the quality of the phono input. I don't spin vinyl
Frank
Polk LSiM 703 mains on Skylan Stands
Polk LSiM 704c center
Polk FX500i surrounds
Parasound 5250 Amp
Oppo BDP-105
SVS PC Ultra tuned to 16hz
Panasonic 65" Viera Plasma -
I dont know if its exactly what you are looking for, But the Carver C1 supposedly has a great phono input. It has individual bass and treble controls for each channel. I dont know if thats what you need or if you want a actual adjustable x-overHT Rig Samsung 64F8500 |Pioneer Elite BDP-52FD|Pioneer Elite VSX-32| Two Carver TFM-15cb Bridged for mains|Polk Audio RTiA5 Cherry|Polk Audio CsiA6 Cherry|Polk Audio T-15 Heights|Polk Audio FXia6 Surround|DIY 8cuft Dayton Ultimax 15" powered with a Crown XLS1000
2Channel Rig Polk Audio LSi9 Cherry| Carver C-1BillD Mod|Carver M1.0t MkII Opt2|Pro-ject RM 1.3|SpeedBox S|AQ King Cobras|AQ Rocket88|
ISF Level 2 Certified Calibrator -
What you would need is a pre-amp that has a sub-out. It would not matter if the Pre had "bass" management because you can set the crossover on the sub itself (on most subs).
Unfortunately this probably means that you need to look at "newer" pre-amps which may cost some?
Most newer pres would have a sub-out, I would assume? It would also be possible to use a pre-amp that had A/B speaker terminals and wire the sub to the B terminals through the High ins terminals on the sub (assuming it has those). Then running the A & B speakers both at the same time. One feeding the speakers the other the sub. I'm assuming that the sub's crossover cut-off control would still function this way (someone "correct" me if I am "wrong", thanks).
cnhCurrently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!
Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
[sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash] -
What you would need is a pre-amp that has a sub-out. It would not matter if the Pre had "bass" management because you can set the crossover on the sub itself (on most subs).
Unfortunately this probably means that you need to look at "newer" pre-amps which may cost some?
Most newer pres would have a sub-out, I would assume? It would also be possible to use a pre-amp that had A/B speaker terminals and wire the sub to the B terminals through the High ins terminals on the sub (assuming it has those). Then running the A & B speakers both at the same time. One feeding the speakers the other the sub. I'm assuming that the sub's crossover cut-off control would still function this way (someone "correct" me if I am "wrong", thanks).
cnh
I think the OP is looking for a 2-channel pre that will do "small/large" high pass xover management for all the scary dangerous bass for music to fronts and let the sub do all the bass.
The Parasound mentioned above does that in the analog domain, but I don't think it will do speaker distance adjustments or any auto eq calibrations as you would find in an AVR (in the digital domain).
I remembers seeing some subs (Martan Logan?) that do have built in features for high pass xovers for fronts when connecting up via speaker cables from amp to sub to fronts....so that might be another option - look for a standard pre with tone controls, then a sub that has high pass capabilities to mains.
H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music. -
Thanks for the quick replies. I'm starting to think that it may be easier to add an electronic crossover to my existing setup rather than replace the preamp. One very economical solution I found is the miniDSP which is a digital platform that will run a number of different plugins (only one at a time). I see they have a few plugins setup specifically for 2-way crossovers and 2.1 systems. Might be worth a try at $125! Anyone have experience with these miniDSP things> http://www.minidsp.com/onlinestore/detail/15-minidsp-in-a-box/flypage/62-minidsp-2x4-reva?sef=hcfp2 Channel - Polk SDA-2BTL, Carver TFM-35, Peachtree iDAC, Qobuz streamed via Episode Lynk using bubble UPnP server
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Could you install a SMS-1 between a pre and amp? I believe the SMS-1 will take a full-range signal and output 80hz high pass out to an amp and push all 80hz and lower to the subs. It may allow for further adjustments but I'm unsure. Maybe the other bass management systems allow for this.
it's something I thought about looking into if I got rid of my AVR for a Pre and wanted to incorporate subs without running multiple sets of speaker cable using high-level inputs on a sub; limited options with this method too. All dependent on sub manufacturer. -
Without knowing the rest of your system, it can be hard to guess what you are looking for. I recently was looking for a similar pre.
A cheaper option than the Parasound is a B&K PT-3 if you want a pre with a crossover.
As far as the external crossover you mentioned, I get a little nervous about the doing the high pass for the main speakers in the digital domain if I am feeding the preamp an analog signal. You can find external analog crossovers (like the NHT X2).
I also think getting one of the older pre/pros that have great musical performance is a good option (the old dolby prologic processosr can be nice because they have analog crossovers). I for a little while used an Adcom GTP-600 (which I know gets no love on here), but I did think it performed above what they often sell for. It does have a fixed crossover of 100 Hz which is not ideal for all speakers.
I am trying out two things right now. I got an Aragon Soundstage for real cheap since it has some memory issues on the DSP board (nothing that affects 2.1 use) and M&K BMC Mini (with an 80 Hz crossover). Since the Aragon does its crossover in the digital domain, I thought I would try the M&K BMC Mini to allow me to allow me to use an external DAC and avoid A/D and D/A conversion in the Aragon when using an analog input. I have not done a lot of comparison between just using the Aragon with a digital input and using both the Aragon and the M&K with an analog input yet, but I have been very impressed with the Aragon for 2 channel use. -
why not get a standard pre and one of those Outlaw ICBM's they used to make? thats what i would do. when I needed improved crossover function thats what I used, and wasnt disappointed.Living Room 2 Channel -
Schiit SYS Passive Pre. Jolida CD player. Songbird streamer. California Audio Labs Sigma II DAC, DIY 300as1/a1 Ice modules Class D amp. LSi15 with MM842 woofer upgrade, Nordost Blue Heaven and Unity interconnects.
Upstairs 2 Channel Rig -
Prometheus Ref. TVC passive pre, SAE A-205 Amp, Wiim pro streamer and Topping E50 DAC, California Audio Labs DX1 CD player, Von Schweikert VR3.5 speakers.
Studio Rig - Scarlett 18i20(Gen3) DAW, Mac Mini, Aiyma A07 Max (BridgedX2), Totem Mites -
why not get a standard pre and one of those Outlaw ICBM's they used to make? thats what i would do. when I needed improved crossover function thats what I used, and wasnt disappointed.
That is a really neat piece of gear! -
why not get a standard pre and one of those Outlaw ICBM's they used to make? thats what i would do. when I needed improved crossover function thats what I used, and wasnt disappointed.
That was going to be my suggestion. Or a Paradigm X-30.
RT-12, CS350-LS, PSW-300, Infinity Overture 1, Monoprice RC-65i
Adcom GFA-545II, GFA-6000, Outlaw Audio 990, Netgear NeoTV
Denon DCM-460, DMD-1000, Sony BDP-360, Bravia KDL-40Z4100/S
Monster AVL-300, HTS-2500 MKII -
wow - thanks for all the suggestions. From what I can tell the Outlaw or the Paradigm models would be best for my application... now to try to find one. The paradigm X30 actually looks just perfect!2 Channel - Polk SDA-2BTL, Carver TFM-35, Peachtree iDAC, Qobuz streamed via Episode Lynk using bubble UPnP server
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The NHT x-2 if you can find one is equally sufficient, if not better.
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Yes I'm using one as part of an active system,slick little device and IMO would suit your purposes nicely.Heres a good tutorial about sub integration and using it in combination with REW to equilize the subs in room response.http://www.hifizine.com/2010/09/subwoofer-equalization-and-integration-with-the-minidsp-2x4/ambiophonics wrote: »Anyone have experience with these miniDSP things?
