Subwoofer control with the Paradigm X-30

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Hi fellow inmates,
I recently wanted simultaneous playback of unfiltered LFE and low pass filtered L&R channels on a single subwoofer, but couldn't find an acceptable way to do it with my Classe SSP25 preamp and Velodyne F1800XR subwoofer. So, I purchased a Paradigm X-30 active subwoofer controller from World Exchange for $120, shipping included. It finally came in this weekend after a month wait.
The X-30 allows me to mix the Classe L&R channels together and tune the sum with a variable low pass filter and phase delay. I currently use 40hz low pass filter so my SF Concertos can run full bandwidth and nearly 180 degree phase delay to match the subwoofer to the left front speaker. The output of the X-30 goes into the right Velodyne F1800XR input; the output of the Classe LFE goes into the left Velodyne F1800XR input. I send both Velodyne inputs directly to the subwoofer amplifier, bypassing the internal Velodyne low pass filter.
Classe LFE out -> Velodyne L in
Classe L&R out -> Paradigm X-30 LPF -> Velodyne R in
I'm quite happy with the X-30 sound and flexibility; it is nifty to play with the phase and hear the bass align with the mains. However, at $120, the X-30 is not an audiophile grade unit, though I think the cost compromise in electronics is reasonable for subwoofer bass. The internals of the X-30 reveal Motorola 33179 and ST 33078 opamps with selected 1% resistors and 5% polyester/polypro caps. For more details and a rather complimentary review of the X-30 see Soundstage Review.
As the Classe SSP25 has both XLR and RCA outputs for L&R channels, I used the Classe XLR output through an adapter cable to the RCA input of the Paradigm X-30, leaving 5 ch RCA outputs to go to my ATI 1505 amp.
In conclusion, I enjoy the bass control of the Paradigm X-30 and find no obvious blur, noise, or low pass filter matching issues. So if you're in need of an inexpensive subwoofer controller, perhaps consider the X-30 for your HT system.

Yours,
--andy
P.S. The X-30 unit sometimes comes with the Paradigm Servo-15 subwoofer. The X-30 has
1) one stereo input (for L+R or L+LFE or R+LFE)
2) 0-180 phase control
3) 35-150hz adjustable 3rd order low pass filter
4) one mono subwoofer output with phase control
5) one mono subwoofer output without phase control
6) three sets of high pass stereo main outputs at 50hz, 80hz, and 120hz
(I ignore the high pass stereo main outputs, preferring to run my Concertos full range.)

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The Cable Cooker

Topic - Subwoofer control with the Paradigm X-30 - Andy Hung 01:02:41 02/22/00 (3)

Re: Subwoofer control with the Paradigm X-30 - mfm 22:14:09 02/23/00 (2)

Re: Subwoofer control with the Paradigm X-30 - just wanted to say HI 20:07:08 02/29/00 (0)

Re: Subwoofer control with the Paradigm X-30 - Andy Hung 14:18:31 02/24/00 (0)

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