I actually have two SVS SB13-Ultra’s that really compliment the R11’s under 40hz. I ran them with low level XLR outputs from my JC2 (split the balanced output with Y-cables) crossed over at 40hz with a 24/db slope on each sub. R11’s are run full range, and naturally roll off right around 40hz. The subs are not in the pic since I did not want to run them off of the RCAs of the BHK pre, and I also upgraded my XLRs from Morrow MA3 to MA5, and dont want to use a different Y-cable (MA3) with the new MA5s. I didn’t upgrade the Y-cable because I was thinking of driving the subs high level with a Jensen Transformer (since the SVS subs dont have a high level input) to get better blending results with the mains and subs.
I believe a couple folks on the forum have used the transformer you mentioned to good effect.
I think were I in your shoes I would stick to low level unless there are obvious issues with blending with your mains or other performance shortcomings.
I’d be interested in hearing thoughts from others. I do prefer high level when available, though I’m not sure I’d go out of my way to add high level to a sub that does not include it.
SVS back in…running low level via RCAs. Now I guess my only remaining question is, do I split the XLR out and run balanced low level to subs, or just use the available RCAs and continue going unbalanced low level to subs. Sounds pretty damn good to me with the RCAs…the subs blend in very nice and really take over nicely on only the lowest of lows (think rumble more than anything).
I really like it. I found it “on the cheap” locally and freshend up the look to my taste.
It was originally the pewter colored faceplate with brown metal-work.
I had it powder-coated deep black with a gloss finish, black maple “side cheeks” had engraved and in filled with silver lettering and had a smoked, tempered glass top cover made.
I don’t muck much with the room correction or anything like that. Mainly just phase, crossover and volume level…which once set are not really adjusted after the fact. I am not a huge fan of DSP, save for maybe upsampling.
Maggie 3.6s supplemented by Maggie 3A bass panels (90 Hz) — the 3As are the first and only speaker system I ever bought new (1997 I think). The combo is driven by a pair of Parasound JC 1s
The Entire system runs off a dedicated 20A breaker, with the front end components on a P5 driving two balanced iso transformers — one transformer is dedicated to the Cary pre, the other to everything else (digital analog isolation). The JC-1s are plugged straight into the wall (Power Ports, MC 0.5s).
I keep the working Revox’s — as well as the Integrex Dolby decoder around for the rare times I feel like playing my old Barclay Crocker RR tapes. The second Revox, a half track machine, and the Tascam were used to copy my vinyl (an abandoned project. I just play the records!).
I use a MC stepup transformer In front of the Sutherland phono pre — transformed a modest sounding phono pre into an amazing sounding phono pre
Bryston BDP2 (internal SSD) feeding a DS Senior thru a USB hub does the digital dirty work
Nice set up. I am waiting for a new 3.7i pair to ship from Magnepan. But I was looking to maybe add the Maggie bass panels to help support more mid bass 90-65 hz. I thought maybe a pair of 1.7i and remove the tweeter jumpers and just run the mid drivers?
I was thinking if I added extra bass panels, maybe add a pair of Stellar monos and quad amp my system. Stellar for the bass panels and my BHK 300’s for the mains
Stonefree1911. Remember to keep things in perspective… Your set up is probably in the top 5% relative to the rest of our “Best buy/Amazon” audio as background culture.
I know what you mean. There have been photos of some very impressive systems. In most cases I feel no envy. They are still just boxes in a room, even if they are very good boxes in some pretty tasteful rooms. The exceptions are the few examples where people have built ‘audio temples’. Here I feel some awe. It is a bit like seeing pictures of the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles. Out of this world. Nothing I would want to have at home, my listening is an adjunct to a humdrum life, but insprational all the same.
Thanks for the perspective. And you’re right. I lived in that culture for too long, thinking what I was buying would “suffice”. It never did.
It may be a lil Sprout, but man, does it sound good.
