Amp/Preamp Asylum

Looking for a new Amp or Preamp? If you're after tubes, post over here.

Return to Amp/Preamp Asylum

Message Sort: Post Order or Asylum Reverse Threaded

Recommendations for "subwoofer" amps

98.144.114.174
Posted on January 17, 2023 at 18:52:19
PaulF70
Audiophile

Posts: 1425
Location: Midwest
Joined: June 30, 2006
 "Subwoofer" is quoted because this will power subs that may cross as high as 200 Hz (I want to experiment).

Plural because I'll need two - so, monoblocks, preferably, though I could also use stereo amps with one channel driven.

I've purchased two "Dayton Audio 15" Ultimax Subwoofer and Cabinet Bundle"s and need amps for them. They will be paired to Quad 63s crossed actively (with a Marchand XM66).

The natural choice is a Dayton Audio SA1000. But I have these reservations:

- Many people report it doesnt't make rated power (950W into 4 ohms). The 15" drivers can handle 800W continuous, 1600W peak, and I don't want the amp to limit them. I want an honest 800W into 4 ohms.

- I don't think I need its various features like sub boost *and* EQ and trigger.

- I am not sure what the sound quality will be like if I do cross at or near 200 Hz - that's into the trumpet range!

My other primary choice is some kind of Class D monoblock, such as D-Sonic. These should work well but are not exactly cheap when you want 800W.

Any other ideas?

 

Hide full thread outline!
    ...
RE: Recommendations for "subwoofer" amps, posted on January 17, 2023 at 19:40:25
svisner
Audiophile

Posts: 1165
Joined: March 30, 2002
 Consider the Crown XLS Drivecore amplifiers. Two channel, but bridgeable into monoblocs. I use one to power an Ohm passive sub. Selectable crossover points, too.

 

RE: Recommendations for "subwoofer" amps, posted on January 17, 2023 at 23:59:34
morricab
Distributor or Rep

Posts: 9181
Location: switzerland
Joined: April 1, 2005
 The Dayton is 50 watts short at 4 ohms and your worried that 950 watts won't be enough?? Seriously? If you are going to 200Hz, I would be more worried about the sound quality than that 50 watts, which at those levels would be far less than 1dB shortfall. My guess is that it is not the best sounding amp out there and at 200Hz you are creeping into the lower mids where a mismatch with your normal amps will be pretty audible.

 

Why are you surprised.., posted on January 18, 2023 at 06:55:41
ABliss
Audiophile

Posts: 1482
Joined: March 16, 2001
Contributor
  Since: August 3, 2002
 He was worried that the Paradigm only weighed 92lbs.

 

RE: Recommendations for "subwoofer" amps, posted on January 18, 2023 at 11:54:24
PaulF70
Audiophile

Posts: 1425
Location: Midwest
Joined: June 30, 2006
 You misunderstood: Many report the Dayton amp does not meet rated power.

In fact, 950W is not an RMS spec.

Do some research.

 

RE: Recommendations for "subwoofer" amps, posted on January 18, 2023 at 11:57:47
PaulF70
Audiophile

Posts: 1425
Location: Midwest
Joined: June 30, 2006
 Thanks, I did forget about good 'ole Crown!

 

RE: Why are you surprised.., posted on January 18, 2023 at 12:01:28
PaulF70
Audiophile

Posts: 1425
Location: Midwest
Joined: June 30, 2006
 It took me a while to figure out what you were talking about, with so little context (Paradigm *what*?).

I see the site for the Paradigm Defiance X15 states 92 lb. That is a decent weight for a 15" sub! I had seen a different spec elsewhere, I'm sure.

That comments was weeks ago. You Internet people have a great memory when you think someone's said something dumb, eh? You should get together with my wife!

 

RE: Recommendations for "subwoofer" amps, posted on January 18, 2023 at 13:47:54
morricab
Distributor or Rep

Posts: 9181
Location: switzerland
Joined: April 1, 2005
 I think you misunderstood...-it likely produces plenty of power...- so what if it falls short of the spec?

 

RE: Why are you surprised.., posted on January 18, 2023 at 13:49:27
morricab
Distributor or Rep

Posts: 9181
Location: switzerland
Joined: April 1, 2005
 I think you have me confused with someone else...-I never made a comment about a Paradigm sub.

 

RE: Recommendations for "subwoofer" amps, posted on January 18, 2023 at 14:44:46
PaulF70
Audiophile

Posts: 1425
Location: Midwest
Joined: June 30, 2006
 Its design is quite unique (shifting PS). There are reports of it being capable of no more than ~200W RMS.

I cannot find measurements.

As I said in the OP,

"- Many people report it doesnt't make rated power (950W into 4 ohms). The 15" drivers can handle 800W continuous, 1600W peak, and I don't want the amp to limit them. I want an honest 800W into 4 ohms.

- I don't think I need its various features like sub boost *and* EQ and trigger.

- I am not sure what the sound quality will be like if I do cross at or near 200 Hz - that's into the trumpet range!"

There's more to it than power.

The post is simply for suggestions for other things to consider.

 

RE: Recommendations for "subwoofer" amps, posted on January 18, 2023 at 15:01:51
airtime
Audiophile

Posts: 11287
Location: Arizona
Joined: February 4, 2003
 Sounds like you need to search pro audio sites.

 

RE: Recommendations for "subwoofer" amps, posted on January 18, 2023 at 16:21:09
PaulF70
Audiophile

Posts: 1425
Location: Midwest
Joined: June 30, 2006
 I think whoever suggested sound quality should be paramount here has a good point. If I am crossing at 200 Hz (IDK where it'll be - I cross my REL subs now at 90 Hz cause they can't go higher comfortably) these are not really just "bass amps."

So if I need a *good-sound* honest 800W (4ohm) amp - it's gonna cost me.

Class D is probably the best option (obviously anything else would be screamingly expensive) but even then I'm looking at probably $2K or so.

(Also it has to be monos due to my setup.)

I worry a bit about loosing a handy bass-boost/EQ but then I don't have that now.

Amazon carries the Dayton amps. I can always buy them to try, and compare to something like D-Sonic Class D monos.

Am still looking at Crown though.

My Dayton sub kits & drivers came today. Man, these things are beasts.

 

RE: Why are you surprised.., posted on January 18, 2023 at 16:23:34
PaulF70
Audiophile

Posts: 1425
Location: Midwest
Joined: June 30, 2006
 He was talking about me. It took me a while to figure it out too - he was referring to an offhand comment I made a week or two ago about the Paradigm Defiance X15, looking at what must have been a bad spec (it must've been for the 12).

They are 92lb. That's quite decent for a 15" sub. My Dayton kits will be a bit under that.

 

RE: Why are you surprised.., posted on January 18, 2023 at 18:14:01
ABliss
Audiophile

Posts: 1482
Joined: March 16, 2001
Contributor
  Since: August 3, 2002
 No thanks, I am already dealing with mine:(

 

+1 (nt), posted on January 19, 2023 at 10:00:28
Barry
Audiophile

Posts: 1003
Location: PA
Joined: November 24, 1999
Contributor
  Since: January 18, 2009
 Yup

 

RE: Recommendations for "subwoofer" amps, posted on January 19, 2023 at 16:27:56
svisner
Audiophile

Posts: 1165
Joined: March 30, 2002
 I use a Crown to drive Mini-Magnepan speakers on my desktop system.

 

RE: Recommendations for "subwoofer" amps, posted on January 20, 2023 at 09:49:46
Elixir63
Audiophile

Posts: 100
Location: North Coast
Joined: April 19, 2021
 You might consider a Crown K-1 stereo to begin with.550W/4 ohm, mono'd 1100W/4.
My friend has a single unit for about $400.PM me and I will forward his phone # to you.
He had mentioned that it was the "best" of them ,when listening full-range.
Hope this helps.

 

RE: Recommendations for "subwoofer" amps, posted on January 21, 2023 at 03:33:26
cawson@onetel.com
Audiophile

Posts: 2383
Joined: September 27, 2004
 The "subs" in my Avantgarde speakers deliver frequencies up to 200 Hz but they are physically part of the integrated speaker system, so no problem regarding where sound is coming from. These subs have Class D amps and I'd 100% suggest you use this type. They are highly efficient so no unwelcome electricity bills if left on 24/7 - mine are not as they are "triggered" by my main amp and I'd suggest you consider similar so you don't need to turn them off.

Although not monos, perhaps a NAD offering. They list the C298 that offers 185 / 340 watts stereo or 1000 watts bridged. This amp can be triggered on and off and uses the best Class D technology around - Purifi Eigentakt.

I don't know what you use to power your Quads but here's another thought. Get the NAD M33 (same Purifi Class D) and use it for both the Quads and new subs. You can select an XO frequency in Settings (between 40 and 200 Hz) and it sends only bass to the subs and only the higher frequencies to main speakers. Particularly good for Quads as you'd protect them from the very low frequencies they have difficulty turning into sound - and so you can turn up the volume without worrying about damaging them!

This way you don't need multiple amps, just one M33 - or add an M23 for ridiculously powerful bridged operation!

 

RE: Recommendations for "subwoofer" amps, posted on January 26, 2023 at 14:04:27
floydandrews
Audiophile

Posts: 318
Location: Port Townsend, WA
Joined: December 29, 2003
 I use a Nady live sound amp with my subs. Any pro amp with a history of reliability will work fine with subs. They have low distortion and are rugged enough to work night after night under extreme conditions. Sitting in a hifi rack playing recorded music is a low stress situation for an amp designed to survive roadies and hours of clipping. Don't focus on "sound quality". You won't hear a difference at those frequencies between a live sound amp and the latest audio jewelry.

 

RE: Recommendations for "subwoofer" amps, posted on February 16, 2023 at 13:35:35
pictureguy
Audiophile

Posts: 22597
Location: SoCal
Joined: October 19, 2008
 Single or Dual Voice Coil?
If a double, you could use a stereo amp......and to mediate the frequencies? Some kind of DSP, maybe from the 'MiniDSP' folks.....

The chance of needing to redline the sub? Near-Zero.....You might consideer the ratio of needed power as some function of sensitivity of the main speakers V the subs?

I just looked 'em up. a Pair of 2ohm VCs.......so wiring in series makes sense. I don't know of too many high power AND stable amps capable of even a reasonable 200 watts into 2 ohms......
Too much is never enough

 

Page processed in 0.032 seconds.

[ Top Top of Page ] [ Contact Us ] [ Support/Wish List ] [ Copyright © 2024, Audio Asylum, all rights reserved ]
[ General ] [ Speakers ] [ Tubes ] [ Vinyl ] [ Digital ] [ Hi-Rez ] [ Video Asylum ] [ Cables ] [ Tweaks/DIY ] [ Music ] [ Films ]