Subwoofer usage for stereo or movies selectively

[DB1989]

Why tedious? It's just 1 cable set and forget. Just a button press on the AVR remote is needed to toggle.

This, IMO, is much more tedious and OP may not even have a PC in his AV rig, also it relies on having a DAC too, OP may or may not have one.

DAC being the one inside the IA and not necessarily an external one.

For example, the DAC inside my IA i.e. the Cambridge Audio CXA81 is better than my AVR for music. Therefore, i connect directly to it directly from my PC than use the AVR's DAC for stereo. Similar is the case while listening to stereo tracks from my PS3, PS5 (CDs/Spotify/Youtube) or Television (spotify/youtube).

Since I have a number of video sources, switching to the analogue output on the AVR results in the video output also changing.

Also, even assuming I have the latest AVR which has video output from one source and analogue to another (marantz enabled it through an update in mine and then took it away ), depending on use case scenario, I like to upscale my music playing from the streamer to surround from all 11 channels. Can't do it if I use an RCA splitter since the audio output on the AVR would be employed/occupied only for the sub out fed from the IA.

 

[sl4y3r]

Also, this would not for two reasons/scenarios:

1. If you are using the AVR, you will be missing the LFE soundtrack completely (its a separate channel from the bass contained in the front channels while playing a surround track).

I am saying the sub should be on the LFE of the AVR itself. So no chance of missing anything.

2. You will be consuming plenty of electricity by keeping the AVR on at all times

Agree. Whether it will be 'plenty', I am not sure. But yes, additional power and heat, for sure.

3. If you have all your video sources such as a PC/laptop connected to the AVR>>TV but want to use an external DAC for music through the IA, selecting the Analogue source will result in AVR switching moving away from the video source i.e. the PC. However, some newer AVRs have the option of outputting video from one source and audio from another so it depends on @Nitin K 's AVR.

I highly doubt this is the case. Also, if OP wants video while using the IA, AVR video out would not matter to him. So, no real loss if video out from the AVR is missing.

 

[DB1989]

I am saying the sub should be on the LFE of the AVR itself. So no chance of missing anything.

Missed some crucial words in your earlier post i.e. AVR will still be connected to sub's LFE. My mistake.

Agree. Whether it will be 'plenty', I am not sure. But yes, additional power and heat, for sure.

I can confirm that it is plenty. But depending on how deep one's pockets are, it may be inconsequential though not necessarily environmentally friendly

I highly doubt this is the case. Also, if OP wants video while using the IA, AVR video out would not matter to him. So, no real loss if video out from the AVR is missing.

But if you do introduce more video sources, like i have, you'll be in a quandry.

 

[Nitin K]

Just to clarify, you're using the IA for Fronts, and the AVR for satellites?

So far have not purchased an IA. But yes the IA would be connected to the fronts and the Avr for center and surrounds.

 

[Nitin K]

BTW, if you don't mind sharing on forum, what are your components?
AVR, IA, Sub? It would help FMs get some bright ideas

Cheers,
Raghu

The gear comprises of Marantz SR 7011, Marantz CDP 6006, Pioneer bdp 180 Bluray player , Dali Oberon 1 as fronts and rear, Oberon Vokal center and Rel HT 1508 Predator.

Planning for an IA sometime in the future after understanding the connectivity options.

 

[ssf]

Connect the "LFE in" of the REL to the AVR's sub out and "low level in" of the sub to the IA's sub out.

Seeing that the REL has both the LFE in and low level in, I think this is the best option too.

 

[Nitin K]

I am saying the sub should be on the LFE of the AVR itself. So no chance of missing anything.


Agree. Whether it will be 'plenty', I am not sure. But yes, additional power and heat, for sure.


I highly doubt this is the case. Also, if OP wants video while using the IA, AVR video out would not matter to him. So, no real loss if video out from the AVR is missing.

I would prefer the avr to be off if listening to the IA for stereo.

Also no point in having video while using IA.

 

[sl4y3r]

I would prefer the avr to be off if listening to the IA for stereo.

It would be a glorified but good quality switch. You will save money on the switch but may have an additional electricity bill to pay. The switch that you buy will have to be a good quality one else you might loose the quality of bass.

And yes, I had a feeling video would not be a requirement while using the IA.

 

[aeroash]

So far have not purchased an IA. But yes the IA would be connected to the fronts and the Avr for center and surrounds.

How are you going to balance/control volume of the fronts while using the AVR?

 

[Nitin K]

How are you going to balance/control volume of the fronts while using the AVR?

For movies, the volume should be ideally controlled by avr and for stereo through the IA.

 

[raghupb]

Ah. So you don't have an IA yet.
Then I would suggest a component that can do HT bypass for L/R/Sub.
Parasound is one that I know of (NC200INT, NC200Pre) that allows for L/R/Sub bypass.
Audiolab has HT bypass but only for L/R, if I understand correctly. So is Parasound Zpre.

If you want to go full kung-fu, think about this:
BDP + AVR (L/R/Sub) to Parasound NC200Pre
CDP + to Parasound NC200Pre (choose what DAC you want to use, CDP or Parasound)
Parasound L/R + (a power amp) to Dali, Sub to REL
Will need to plan for a preamp and a 2 channel power amp. If you get a 3 channel power amp, use it for AVR center too.
Take a look at this configuration for example (PDFattachment), maybe you will get some ideas yourself.

Soekris R-2R DAC Exploration: User opinions, impressions and DIY experience

After listening to two builds of this DAC, I am convinced it is worth a try to acquire and build one. Now starts the parts hunt phase. Cheers, Raghu

www.hifivision.com

Cheers,
Raghu

 

[DB1989]

For movies, the volume should be ideally controlled by avr and for stereo through the IA.

If you connect the IA (sub out to low level in) and the AVR (LFE out to LFE in)directly to the REL HT1508, mission accomplished. AVR will act as the preamp during movies.

AVR will remain off during IA playback for music.

 

[Nitin K]

Ah. So you don't have an IA yet.
Then I would suggest a component that can do HT bypass for L/R/Sub.
Parasound is one that I know of (NC200INT, NC200Pre) that allows for L/R/Sub bypass.
Audiolab has HT bypass but only for L/R, if I understand correctly. So is Parasound Zpre.

If you want to go full kung-fu, think about this:
BDP + AVR (L/R/Sub) to Parasound NC200Pre
CDP + to Parasound NC200Pre (choose what DAC you want to use, CDP or Parasound)
Parasound L/R + (a power amp) to Dali, Sub to REL
Will need to plan for a preamp and a 2 channel power amp. If you get a 3 channel power amp, use it for AVR center too.
Take a look at this configuration for example (PDFattachment), maybe you will get some ideas yourself.

Soekris R-2R DAC Exploration: User opinions, impressions and DIY experience

After listening to two builds of this DAC, I am convinced it is worth a try to acquire and build one. Now starts the parts hunt phase. Cheers, Raghu

www.hifivision.com

Cheers,
Raghu

Thanks Raghu, not purchased IA yet but I do have an old unused Kenwood KA 5050 lying with me which does not have preouts nor HT bypass.
Looks like if the HT bypass option works then makes sense for going out for an IA with these connections and to keep the chain simple and effective.

The full Kungfu option is out for me

 

[Nitin K]

If you connect the IA (sub out to low level in) and the AVR (LFE out to LFE in)directly to the REL HT1508, mission accomplished. AVR will act as the preamp during movies.

AVR will remain off during IA playback for music

Thanks DB, that is a good option too.

 

[raghupb]

I understand. That's why I qualified the "full kung fu" option with the big "if"
Cheers,
Raghu

 

[Nitin K]

Thanks a lot friends for all the inputs, got a fair idea of going about it. I guess the thread can be closed.

 

[raghupb]

Before you go away here is a link for reference

Amplifiers with HT-bypass - update 14. april 2025

Audiophile.no has made a list of stereo preamps and integrated amps that have one sort of HT-bypass. This list is updated 3. Mars 2025 with preamplifiers from SPL, and will be will be continuously updated. Written by Karl Erik Sylthe, at 15.02.07 Translated to English in june 2008Latest update...

www.audiophile.no

Cheers,
Raghu

 

[Nitin K]

Before you go away here is a link for reference

Amplifiers with HT-bypass - update 14. april 2025

Audiophile.no has made a list of stereo preamps and integrated amps that have one sort of HT-bypass. This list is updated 3. Mars 2025 with preamplifiers from SPL, and will be will be continuously updated. Written by Karl Erik Sylthe, at 15.02.07 Translated to English in june 2008Latest update...

www.audiophile.no

Cheers,
Raghu

Thanks again Raghu, that's a very comprehensive list with good choices to choose from.

 

[Nitin K]

Sorry guys, just one last thought came to my mind. If the fronts are connected to the IA & the center + rears to the AVR then does Audyssey have control & execute the room corrections for the fronts too for movies ?

 

[MaSh]

Sorry guys, just one last thought came to my mind. If the fronts are connected to the IA & the center + rears to the AVR then does Audyssey have control & execute the room corrections for the fronts too for movies ?

Yes it will. Set your IA to say 12'o clock position and run the setup. Audyssey will level the speakers accordingly. Each time you use the AVR , set IA to this volume position. When using just the IA use it normally.

I used my setup this way for a couple of years and had no issues. I would Not recommend switches as no matter how convenient, they do affect the sound quality.

MaSh