Video Asylum

Posted by kotches (i) on June 18, 2000 at 16:52:12:

In Reply to: Re: Help - I have two seperate systems posted by Estes on June 18, 2000 at 06:16:03:

That solves part of the problem (getting the front channels driven
by the ARC), but not all of it (using the subwoofer for music).

You're part way there with Estes' solution.

I'm making one assumption here... that the Subwoofer has both
speaker level and line-level inputs.

If cost is a factor (and it probably is), you could connect the
Main amp speaker outputs into the Infinity subs speaker level inputs.
This uses the internal crossover of the sub to split the signal into
low-pass (for the sub) and high-pass (for the main speakers). You
then take the speaker level output into the B&W mains. You'll have
to tune the Crossover frequency by ear. Depending on your speaker
cable selection this could be under US$50 to US$1000s.

If cost isn't a factor, your other option is an external active
crossover. You'd take the line level outputs from the ARC preamp
into the crossover. The crossover breaks the line level signal
into low-pass and high-pass. You would then sum the l/r low pass
and feed it to your subwoofer. Then, you'd take the high-pass
and send that to the main amplifier. Since I've never tried to
cost out an external crossover, I'm not sure how much this will
set you back. Maybe US$500 - US$2000 depending on your selection
is my guess. Others that have greater familiarity with external
active crossovers would be better able to tell you the costs
associated. Add to the that the extra interconnects that you'll
need to implement. Again, that's from under US$50 - US$1000s
depending on what you want to use.

Sonically, the external active crossover would be best, but
you have to consider the cost factors.

Hope this helps.