Nick-N

Sub outputs on stereo amps

I am looking into getting a stereo system, with a pair of speakers and a stereo amp. The speakers I'm considering are Magneplan MMGs, and for an amp Cambridge Audio Azur 540A/640A. However, the amp doesn't seem to have a subwoofer output - is this something to worry about? I had been thinking of getting a sub to complement the stereo speakers. I already know the amp sounds great, but should I look for an alternative that has a sub output?

Benihana

no, you can always use the speaker terminal inputs on the sub.

Danny Tse

You will be hard-pressed to find any stereo, as in 2 channel, amps that has a sub output. However, there are alternatives....the Harman Kardon stereo receivers include a sub output. Another choice would be the Panasonic SA-XR series digital receivers used in stereo mode.

The Cambridge amps should have a second set of speaker outputs for bi-wiring/bi-amping. You can use those to connect to your powered sub via speaker cables.

Nick-N

Do you know if the H/K receiver allows you to set the crossover frequency for the sub output?

I was reading that if you run two sets of speakers from the Cambridge amp, they both needed to be atleast 6 ohms speakers. In other words, you can only use 4 ohm speakers on their own. With the MMGs being 4 ohm, wouldn't this make connecting a sub as well a bad idea?

Danny Tse

That shouldn't be a problem since the Cambridge Audio amp would not be powering your sub; it's merely sending a signal to your powered sub which does the amplification for the lower frequencies. The powered sub connected to the Cambridge Audio amp will be drawing next to nothing in current.



I am not sure. The last time I checked their online owner's manual, there was no mention of adjustability.

Aaron Howell

I know the Denon models have a loop from the pre-amp out to the main-in for the amp. All you have to do is get some rca y-connectors to split them. That is what marantz(Denon) support told me.

Look at the last post in this thread I started:
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...ighlight=denon

There are pictures of the rear of the denon posted in there also that show what inputs/outputs I am talking about.