My Anthony Gallo Acoustics Reference 3.1 Speakers have a second “voice coil”, which can serve as a sort of subwoofer to increase the speakers’ low frequency extension. More on this in some old Ad copy:
The Reference 3 S.A. (subwoofer amplifier) is our 2 x 240 watt stereo amplifier which incorporates an active crossover/bass EQ option to extend the Nucleus Reference 3.1’s bass response to a room-shaking 22Hz by driving the woofers’ second voice coil directly.
I have a second-hand Reference 3 S.A. subwoofer amplifier that has developed a problem in one of the channels. When I find a local shop that can repairs such items, I’ll likely try to get it repaired.
In the interim, I am wondering if I can do better or find something comparable. (The Reference 3 S.A. is no longer in production.)
Like the topic heading states, I am looking for ideas (preferably, but not necessarily, a single-box solution) on kit with an amplifier and subwoofer controls built in FOR STEREO applications (no summing of L&R low frequencies into a mono signal).
Please let me know if you have run across or are aware of any good quality options out there. Budget is a consideration but I am willing to pay more for an effective and elegant solution. Its more about value (bang for the buck) than price for me, within reason.
Here are pictures of the front and back of the Reference 3 S.A. to get an idea of the functionality (ideally) I am looking for:
Idea 1) My SVS SB3000 subs have their own active crossover. They receive a full spectrum line level signal from the preamp and just woof below the crossover point I set.
Idea 2) My Parasond P6 preamp has an active crossover for the subs when connected to the subwoofer output, but it does lose stereo for the subs when connected that way. (I use the full-range xlr outputs to the M1200 amps, and full-range rca outputs to the subs) (the active crossover of the P6 is not used in this setup).
Idea 3) Parasound Hint6 integrated amp has same functionality as idea 2, but is an integrated amp.
Idea 4) Outboard active crossover box. @paul172 has one with his system and can hopefully chime in. I have an active crossover box with my Infinity Modulus speaker system, which is connected (when in the system)between the preamp out and amp in (rca). But the Infinity box has a specific 9-pin line level output that connects with the same 9-pin subwoofer input)
Appreciate the comments but they are, unfortunately, mostly off the mark (probably because I was not clear enough):
Idea 1) My SVS SB3000 subs have their own active crossover. They receive a full spectrum line level signal from the preamp and just woof below the crossover point I set.
The woofers I am trying to drive are passive and contained WITHIN my speakers. Running a pair of separate subwoofers would be something IN ADDITION to my main floor-standers.
Idea 2) My Parasond P6 preamp has an active crossover for the subs when connected to the subwoofer output, but it does lose stereo for the subs when connected that way. (I use the full-range xlr outputs to the M1200 amps, and full-range rca outputs to the subs) (the active crossover of the P6 is not used in this setup).
Yeah, that won’t work as the P6 sums the L&R signals. I am trying to get low frequencies to the left and right speakers as generated by the stereo recording.
Idea 3) Parasound Hint6 integrated amp has same functionality as idea 2, but is an integrated amp.
I checked out the Parasound Hint 6, started to think, “maybe”, and then determined it also sums the L&R signals before pumping a mono signal through its subwoofer outputs.
Idea 4) Outboard active crossover box. @paul172 has one with his system and can hopefully chime in.
I may have to take this route with a separate amplifier and have not ruled this out. A more expensive option, probably.
I use a JL Audio CR-1, my subs also have built in crossovers but they can be defeated when used with the external crossover. Not sure if my crossover would help your situation.
See if you can find a used Lyngdorf SDA amp. They will take digital or analog signal. Reliable and dead quiet. They don’t come up often because they are so good. But can often be had reasonable. They also auto sense signal and turn on. Truly a transparent solution. There were earlier SDA versions too sDa-2175 and SDA 2200 and 300 I believe. Bruno Putzey helped Peter earlier in his career.
Not per my understanding in what I read. I looked at adding two to my TDAI2200 system at one time before for a true Triamp solution. However I decided to stay all McIntosh amps just because I couldn’t find enough used units and bought a Mcintosh processor instead. Still kept my TDAI 2200 to utilize RoomPerfect. The PWM Lyngdorf amps are amazing and still a solution in their ultimate systems.
You could pick up one of their integrated with built in RoomPerfect that also do crossover programming. The TDAi2200 or TDAI 1870 get RoomPerfect to play with too.
Lyngdorf is great kit. I always lusted after The Steinway Lyngdorf model D systems. Simple and beautiful integrated perfection.
I second (or is it third) for the CR-1. Its a game changer in sound quality for integration of subwoofer (or two). Its pure analog domain and even comes with HT bypass which I do use. Does not matter the pre or the amp with this unit which is really nice.
The CR1 is an audiophile product designed and built by Audiophiles that love hifi! It does nothing wrong and it doesn’t get in the way of music or soundtracks! I have so many things in my system I can’t live without the CR1 is definitely top 5 in my setup.
Fwiw, I vote option 4. I’m using MiniDSP Flex digital now to do the cross over for my RELs and was able to integrate them like I have never before. Superb flexibility, and since I have the digital version, no double conversion is in the signal path. No AD needed, my source goes in the MiniDSP, out to my DAC and direct to speakers, MiniDSP acts as volume control, I can by pass the preamp too. One caveat, every thing is sample to 25/96, but a well integrated setup beats what little benefit of higher res any day of the week for me. Should of done this sooner but the stigma was holding me back.
I already had plans/visions of using a CR-1 with dual subwoofers at some point to augment the floor-standers, before my Reference 3 S.A. shut down. I would like to avoid buying two CR-1’s if possible.
