Speaker Asylum General speaker questions for audio and home theater.

---

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] Thread: [ Display  All  Email ] [ Speaker Asylum ]

---

[ Alert Moderator ]

---

Schiit Loki Mini to better match speaker/sub pairings.

Posted by tketcham (A) on May 30, 2018 at 14:01:16

Hello,

I've been enjoying the Schiit Loki Mini tone control with my small stereo system so much that I purchased another Loki Mini for the main stereo system and after experimenting a bit I discovered an unexpected benefit: The Loki mini does a pretty good job as a low frequency roll-off for my stand-mount speakers paired with powered subwoofers. The preamp has two RCA outputs so I run the subwoofers off one set and the other set through the Loki mini before connection with the power amp. By attenuating the 20 Hz tone control I can roll off the bass output of the speakers to better match the frequency roll-off of the subwoofers.

What I noticed immediately is the improved articulation of bass notes. I knew I had a room peak somewhere in that frequency range and the combination of speaker and subwoofer output was adding to it. But it wasn't bad and the DSP function of the subwoofers helped a lot. That and finding good locations for the speakers and subs so they didn't emphasize the node. But you would notice it with some recordings. Low bass notes, especially electric guitar plucks could be overemphasized and somewhat indistinct. By using the Loki Mini's 20 Hz tone control to reduce the output of the speakers at the room peak, the bass notes "popped into focus" as they say.

The 20Hz tone control isn't a true cross-over since the curve rolls off more gradually than a typical high pass filter so the benefits come with some disadvantages in that there will be some attenuation of frequencies between the subwoofers roll-off and the mains. But the Loki Mini also has a 400 Hz tone control, which I use to boost the frequencies centered around 300Hz to 500Hz (see note below) and the boost curve is a nice compliment to the 20Hz roll off. The result is that I'm better able to match the interchange of bass frequencies between the speakers and subs. I'd previously found that a 50Hz roll off with the subs worked well when the speaker ports were open and 60Hz with the ports plugged, but now I run the subs rolled off at 90Hz, speaker ports plugged.

Granted, the Loki Mini's boost/attenuation curves affect a fairly broad range of frequencies so it isn't going to be as precise as a true crossover, equalizer, or digital processor. But the results can be quite pleasing nonetheless. Every so often I take the Loki Mini out of the system and reset the subwoofers, just to compare, and I always prefer the sound using the Loki.

Using the Loki Mini is an inexpensive and relatively effective way to control speaker bass output and further refine the matchup with the subwoofers. At least with my setup. Might work with your system as well.

Regards,
Tom

Note: In Jim Smith's book, "Get Better Sound", he recommends a subtle boost in the 294Hz region and I agree, I find it adds a fullness to the music that sounds more natural, especially acoustic music. I believe the boost works especially well using the Loki Mini's 20Hz attenuation because it doesn't create an excessive boost in the mid-bass, which can make things sound boomy and bloated.

Edits: 06/10/18

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

Signature Sound

[ Signature Sound Lounge ]

---

[ Top of Page ] [ Contact Us ] [ Support/Wish List ] [ Copyright © 2025, Audio Asylum, all rights reserved ]

---

[ General ] [ Speakers ] [ Tubes ] [ Vinyl ] [ Digital ] [ Hi-Rez ] [ Video Asylum ] [ Cables ] [ Tweaks/DIY ] [ Music ] [ Films ]

---