Stereo receiver LFE?

cdn5003
cdn5003 Posts: 144
edited September 2008 in Electronics
Why don't new stereo receivers have an LFE output?
I can't find one that has one. I just bought a Velodyne VRP-1200 for my basement stereo setup and would rather use LFE than running speaker wire in and out.

Any suggestions on a stereo receiver to drive Boston Acoustics CR7's and probably this subwoofer due to no LFE?
HT Setup: Onkyo 706; Rotel RB-1075; Rti A3; Csi A6; Fxi3's

2 CH: Squeezebox Touch; Dared SL-2000a; GoldenEar Triton 5 or Lsi9's; Parasound 2125; SVS SB12-NSD; Music Hall DAC 25.2
Post edited by cdn5003 on
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  • tugboat
    tugboat Posts: 393
    edited September 2008
    cdn5003 wrote: »
    Why don't new stereo receivers have an LFE output?
    I can't find one that has one. I just bought a Velodyne VRP-1200 for my basement stereo setup and would rather use LFE than running speaker wire in and out.

    Any suggestions on a stereo receiver to drive Boston Acoustics CR7's and probably this subwoofer due to no LFE?

    Most AVRs have a sub out connection, which is the LFE as well.
    Driver carries only 20 dollars in ammunition

    Pedestrians have the right of way, unless they are in the way
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  • Erik Tracy
    Erik Tracy Posts: 4,673
    edited September 2008
    cdn5003 wrote: »
    Why don't new stereo receivers have an LFE output?
    I can't find one that has one. I just bought a Velodyne VRP-1200 for my basement stereo setup and would rather use LFE than running speaker wire in and out.

    Any suggestions on a stereo receiver to drive Boston Acoustics CR7's and probably this subwoofer due to no LFE?

    I would guess because "LFE" is a term used in Home Theater configurations with the emphasis on bass effects that are part of movie soundtracks and specific to a 'channel' dedicated for that - NOT a 2-channel 'stereo' capability (eg - you don't see Red Book CDs or legacy LPs mixed and labeled as 2.1 - its just 'stereo').

    Looks like to use your sub you'll have to use speaker level connections.

    If you want LFE, you've stepped over the boundary from 2-channel stereo rigs into HT and into AVR realm. :p

    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.
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  • cdn5003
    cdn5003 Posts: 144
    edited September 2008
    With the popularity of powered subwoofers these days you'd think that stereo receivers would feature a Pre out for a sub. I guess historically you would always use full range speakers with stereo receivers so it makes sense. The technology is already in AVR's so why not? If i'm the only one that has a problem with this then i'll shut up. Thanks
    HT Setup: Onkyo 706; Rotel RB-1075; Rti A3; Csi A6; Fxi3's

    2 CH: Squeezebox Touch; Dared SL-2000a; GoldenEar Triton 5 or Lsi9's; Parasound 2125; SVS SB12-NSD; Music Hall DAC 25.2
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  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited September 2008
    As mentioned above - it is because it is a stereo reciever (meant to only handle 2 channels at a time) not an AVR or Audio/Visual Reciever made to take care of multiple channels at once as well as decoding.

    One thing you can do that may make your sub and stereo reciever work a little better together (if you have A and B speaker outputs) is

    Hook your speakers to the "A" speaker outputs.
    Hook your sub to the "B" speaker outputs.

    When you want to use just your fronts turn on the "A" speakers only. When you want to use the sub as well, switch on the "B" speakers along with the "A" speakers.

    At least the only additional cables you will need to run is from the "B" terminals to your sub. (you do not have to jack with the wires running to your mains.)

    Good luck,

    Michael
    Mains.............Polk LSi15 (Cherry)
    Center............Polk LSiC (Crossover upgraded)
    Surrounds.......Polk LSi7 (Gloss Black - wood sides removed and crossovers upgraded)
    Subwoofers.....SVS 25-31 CS+ and PC+ (both 20hz tune)
    Pre\Pro...........NAD T163 (Modded with LM4562 opamps)
    Amplifier.........Cinepro 3k6 (6-channel, 500wpc@4ohms)
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  • Erik Tracy
    Erik Tracy Posts: 4,673
    edited September 2008
    cdn5003 wrote: »
    With the popularity of powered subwoofers these days you'd think that stereo receivers would feature a Pre out for a sub. I guess historically you would always use full range speakers with stereo receivers so it makes sense. The technology is already in AVR's so why not? If i'm the only one that has a problem with this then i'll shut up. Thanks


    Maybe because to add the circuitry for low-pass filtering and the LFE connectivity it would drive cost?

    You've got a point, though - it would be a nice feature for 2-channel rigs and users that supplement their speaker configurations with subs.

    But then running another set of wires is probably cheaper :rolleyes:

    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.
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  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited September 2008
    There are quite a few STEREO receivers that have sub outs. It's not called LFE (low frequency effects) but you can set the crossovers for your mains and sub for the frequencies you want them to play.

    (Click to see websites)

    Denon DRA-697

    NAD C720BEE

    Harmon Kardon HK 3390

    Harmon Kardon HK 3490

    Yamaha RX-797

    Yamaha RX-497

    Onkyo TX-8555
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited September 2008
    Harmon Kardon HK3390

    Harmon Kardon HK 3490

    I was going to recommend these also;)
    Ben
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • Erik Tracy
    Erik Tracy Posts: 4,673
    edited September 2008
    shack wrote: »
    There are quite a few STEREO receivers that have sub outs. It's not called LFE (low frequency effects) but you can set the crossovers for your mains and sub for the frequencies you want them to play.

    (Click to see websites)

    Denon DRA-697

    NAD C720BEE

    Harmon Kardon HK 3390

    Harmon Kardon HK 3490

    Yamaha RX-797

    Yamaha RX-497

    Onkyo TX-8555

    Makes sense that some manufacturer would offer that.

    And I 'larned' sumthin' new today - cool! :D

    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.
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  • schwarcw
    schwarcw Posts: 7,350
    edited September 2008
    I've used the "Tape Monitor" RCA output jacks to go to a subwoofer. They aren't variable output so you'll have to tweak the volume knob on the powered subwoofer. You also need a sub with a built in low pass crossover. This configuration can work quite nicely in the right setup and if you know how to blend them.
    Carl

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  • cdn5003
    cdn5003 Posts: 144
    edited September 2008
    Thanks for the replies everyone. The information is greatly appreciated. I am currently using a vintage Technics receiver for my basement setup. It is actually quite powerful but an upgrade is in order. It only makes sense that current stereo receivers have sub pre outs. It is 2008 isn't it?
    HT Setup: Onkyo 706; Rotel RB-1075; Rti A3; Csi A6; Fxi3's

    2 CH: Squeezebox Touch; Dared SL-2000a; GoldenEar Triton 5 or Lsi9's; Parasound 2125; SVS SB12-NSD; Music Hall DAC 25.2
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  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited September 2008
    Outlaw has one also.
    Sharp Elite 70
    Anthem D2V 3D
    Parasound 5250
    Parasound HCA 1000 A
    Parasound HCA 1000
    Oppo BDP 95
    Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
    Von Schweikert LCR 4 Center
    Totem Mask Surrounds X4
    Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
    Sony PS3
    Squeezebox Touch

    Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door.
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  • skykeys
    skykeys Posts: 102
    edited September 2008
    If your budget is tight, I recommend the Yamaha RX-V663, which has not only one, but two sub outs. I just got the RX-V863, which is a bit more expensive. I wanted HD Radio and the extra HDMI input. Otherwise, the 663 and 863 are virtually the same. I am very happy with the 863. But really, the 663 is one of the best values going right now in AVRs.
    Speakers:
    . 5.2 surround config:
    . . . In-wall L & R Fronts and Center: Polk LC265i, LCi-RTS-C. In-ceiling L & R rears: Polk LC80i
    . . . Floor Subs: Polk DSWPro 500, Paradigm PDR-10
    . Zone B: very old pair of Polk M 5's
    . In Storage but still favored: Paradigm Monitors

    AVR:
    . Yamaha RX-V863

    Universal DVD:
    . Oppo DV-980H

    TV:
    . Sony Bravia XBR LCD 40" 720P (2005 vintage)
    . Comcast Cable, Motorola box
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  • cdn5003
    cdn5003 Posts: 144
    edited September 2008
    It looks like stereo receivers are going to cost me almost as much as new avr's so I guess it would be best for me to just save up a little bit and upgrade my avr. That way I could use my onkyo for the second system.

    Are there good sales on avr's around the holidays or black friday? I'd probably be interested in the onkyo 805 or an HK, something with hdmi 1.3.
    HT Setup: Onkyo 706; Rotel RB-1075; Rti A3; Csi A6; Fxi3's

    2 CH: Squeezebox Touch; Dared SL-2000a; GoldenEar Triton 5 or Lsi9's; Parasound 2125; SVS SB12-NSD; Music Hall DAC 25.2
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  • John K.
    John K. Posts: 822
    edited September 2008
    CDN, sure, your 540 would work well with a 2.1 speaker setup and has the bass management that you need.

    As for sales, especially on the Onkyo 805, Shop Onkyo and Accessories4less have frequent very good deals on factory refurbs although that isn't any at this time. You might check those sites frequently and probably wouldn't have to wait more than a few weeks.
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