Adding a sub to Monitor 4s

4DeadinOhio
4DeadinOhio Posts: 15
in Vintage Speakers
Hey guys, I love the sound of these but I would love to add a little bit to cover the low end and let them really sing!
I'm having trouble finding a 4ohm sub?
Any suggestions? I'm using a Pioneer sx-737 so I think my only choice is to add a powered sub so I'm not drawing too much from my receiver correct?

Thanks for any suggestions!

Ian
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Comments

  • msg
    msg Posts: 10,012
    Yeah, a powered sub is the way to go. With that receiver, you’ll need something with high level/speaker level inputs, I believe.

    Got a budget figure in mind?
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,789
    10730225563_e71aff4c90_c.jpgDSC_1159 by Mark Hardy, on Flickr

    As a (non-snarky) aside: Why would you want a 4-ohm passive subwoofer? That would put a strain on that ol' Pioneer that she likely wouldn't appreciate.
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  • 4DeadinOhio
    4DeadinOhio Posts: 15
    Yes, high level would be only way to hook it up, as far I know. 😬🤔
    I'm thinking I could go up to maybe around $150 for a used one. Wouldn't have to be too big, just something to take the lows off the hands of the monitor 4s and supplement I guess.

    Thanks!
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  • 4DeadinOhio
    4DeadinOhio Posts: 15
    Now that I'm thinking about it, does it really have to be 4 ohm sub? I know the crossover will be tied to whatever the sub puts out but I mean the frequencies are still the same with what I need, right?
    Or am right in previous thought where it has to be a 4 ohm sub?
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  • 4DeadinOhio
    4DeadinOhio Posts: 15
    I'm not finding very much information on ohm ratings for any powered subs? It seems to be an important spec but it's rarely ever even mentioned. ☹
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  • 4DeadinOhio
    4DeadinOhio Posts: 15

    As a (non-snarky) aside: Why would you want a 4-ohm passive subwoofer? That would put a strain on that ol' Pioneer that she likely wouldn't appreciate.
    [/quote]

    Yeah, definitely looking for powered. I guess I didn't really mean for that to be a question... more or less just explaining my situation.

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  • msg
    msg Posts: 10,012
    You could check your used markets for the commonly recommended brands like SVS, HSU, or Velodyne, but if you wanted to buy something new and on the affordable end for some boom boom, have a look at some of the Monoprice subs. They're not going to get very low, but if all you're looking for is a little fill and fuller sound, there seem to be a couple offered in your range that could get you there. I haven't heard these. Note that they might sound loose, boomy or muddy/congested when the music gets busy.

    You can use this as a starting point and then start doing some other research and searching the used markets.

    Link to Monoprice subs.
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  • 4DeadinOhio
    4DeadinOhio Posts: 15
    Thank you, msg!
    I'll start there and now I'm realizing ohm rating doesn't really matter as much if it's a powered sub then it'll make it alot easier finding what I need. As long as it has both high level inputs and outputs to speakers I should be good. I'll want my 4's coming out of the sub otherwise my receiver will still be sending the full array of frequencies to them.

    Thanks again!
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  • 4DeadinOhio
    4DeadinOhio Posts: 15
    On a side note: my Monitor 11's sound phenomenal with this Sx-737! 🤌
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  • msg
    msg Posts: 10,012
    4DeadinOhio wrote: »
    As long as it has both high level inputs and outputs to speakers I should be good. I'll want my 4's coming out of the sub otherwise my receiver will still be sending the full array of frequencies to them.
    Thanks again!
    You're welcome. This is a good point you make. For the best blending you'll want a crossover in play, but depending on the frequency response of the Monitor 4s it may not make much difference if you wind up with a sub that only has high-level inputs and no outs. Do you know what the frequency response is on the Monitor 4s? I don't.

    As mentioned, some subs have high level inputs, but do not have outputs. In this case, owners run cables to the speakers, then a second set of cables to the sub. I looked earlier at a couple of those Monoprice ones, and I think they're set up for In/Out to work the way you're interested in doing.

    Again, that's just a starting point. Do a little research on other subs. There may be some accessible to you that might be a little better performing than those from Monoprice.

    You'll want to confirm that subs with the speaker level outputs have the crossover in play for that. I thought I read someone post once before that not all subs do, so you'd need to reference the owners manual for that so that you don't get a crummy surprise.
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,539
    From what I can tell all of those Monoprice subs are ported, not what you want for music. Look for sealed subs.

    As for the receiver still sending the full array of frequencies notion. So what!?!
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • 4DeadinOhio
    4DeadinOhio Posts: 15
    F1nut wrote: »
    From what I can tell all of those Monoprice subs are ported, not what you want for music. Look for sealed subs.

    As for the receiver still sending the full array of frequencies notion. So what!?!

    I'll shop and look into sealed subs as well. Thank you.
    Not drawing the low notes away from the Monitor speakers would defeat the whole purpose of wanting a sub...
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,539
    Why, they can't play low frequencies, so they aren't taxing the receiver.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • 4DeadinOhio
    4DeadinOhio Posts: 15
    F1nut wrote: »
    Why, they can't play low frequencies, so they aren't taxing the receiver.

    Your comment got me thinking about that too, in a different way than I have before! They will still only produce the sounds they were meant to produce anyways 🤔
    My original thought was to add the sub, for obvious bass reasons, but also to take some of the stress from the Monitors and allow them to rest so to speak and use the full energy to the mids / highs...
    Either way is a win really as far as the end result.

    I looked at some sealed options, showee most are little out of my price range!
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