Passive Subwoofers?

[xneox]

I've got a sort of unorthodox subwoofer setup. I wasn't running anything at all, and I had some equipment in the basement that I wasn't using.

-a 10" Infinity DVC (4ohm ea) car audio sub in an appropriate sealed enclosure.
-a Pioneer Pro-Logic receiver (VSX-505S - runs in stereo @ 150 wpc rms)

I rewired the sub for home duty - changed from parallel @ 2ohm mono to series @ 8ohm mono. I'm using the right bank on the receiver in stereo mode - 150 watts.

I get decent bass...better than not using a sub at all. Placement is nice, as it's small & tucked behind a cheval mirror that's in just the right corner...so it can't be seen.

I like using the receiver as the amp...it's there with all of my other components, and it has at least the same control over the bass as a standard powered subwoofer.

I do have two questions - the receiver spec bottoms at 6ohm. Is it advisable to ignore this & try running the sub using one channel per coil (4ohm each), knowing that I'll never max it out? Bass would still be mono, as the signal from my main AV receiver is a mono out, and would be split before the 505...so the coils wouldn't be fighting each other.

If not, is it worth my while to source passive home subwoofers? I'd really like to be using the receiver in its full capacity (both banks). But then, depending on what those cost, would the money be better spent on one high-quality conventional sub? Any input is appreciated. These are just random thoughts at this point...

[MacDaddyOJack]

I would definitely NOT run it in 4 ohm mode. Your reciever probably won't handle it for very long, if at all. I know it's nice to double the power, but you'll more than likely burn the reciever out.

If you don't plan on buying another amp in the near future, passive subs are probably not the best way to go. 150W is decent, but not that great. You can get a very good sub with far more power for under $500 these days. My advice would be to enjoy what you have now (in 8 ohms) as long as you can, and then upgrade to a powered sub whenever that time comes.

[Steve]

I agree about not putting it in 4 Ohm mode. Theoretically this will double the output power, but in reality MOST components can't actually do this. The amplifier probably won't be able to keep up with that kind of demand and all you'll end up doing is burning up the receiver.

[xneox]

Fair enough.

MacDaddy - can you provide details on the SVS you have? I saw it in your gallery, and it looks like it would fit great behind my mirror (as long as I don't have to woory about the mirror breaking ).

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by xneox

Fair enough.

MacDaddy - can you provide details on the SVS you have? I saw it in your gallery, and it looks like it would fit great behind my mirror (as long as I don't have to woory about the mirror breaking ).

SVS makes a great sub....there are 3 different cylinder kinds they make. I have the "smallest" one at 35 inches tall and 60 lbs.....but they make awesome subs! I have pics in my gallery as well.....

[xneox]

Originally Posted by forsberg21

SVS makes a great sub....there are 3 different cylinder kinds they make. I have the "smallest" one at 35 inches tall and 60 lbs.....but they make awesome subs! I have pics in my gallery as well.....

What diameter is it?

What can I expect to pay for something like that?

Would it overpower the rest of my modest setup (see sig)?

[Steve]

Originally Posted by xneox

What diameter is it?

What can I expect to pay for something like that?

Would it overpower the rest of my modest setup (see sig)?

Here's the link to the SVS cylinder subs. Click on any particular model to see the specs and pricing. There is also a shipping estimator when you click on the different models.

http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-cyl.cfm

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by xneox

I've got a sort of unorthodox subwoofer setup. I wasn't running anything at all, and I had some equipment in the basement that I wasn't using.

-a 10" Infinity DVC (4ohm ea) car audio sub in an appropriate sealed enclosure.
-a Pioneer Pro-Logic receiver (VSX-505S - runs in stereo @ 150 wpc rms)

I rewired the sub for home duty - changed from parallel @ 2ohm mono to series @ 8ohm mono. I'm using the right bank on the receiver in stereo mode - 150 watts.

I get decent bass...better than not using a sub at all. Placement is nice, as it's small & tucked behind a cheval mirror that's in just the right corner...so it can't be seen.

I like using the receiver as the amp...it's there with all of my other components, and it has at least the same control over the bass as a standard powered subwoofer.

I do have two questions - the receiver spec bottoms at 6ohm. Is it advisable to ignore this & try running the sub using one channel per coil (4ohm each), knowing that I'll never max it out? Bass would still be mono, as the signal from my main AV receiver is a mono out, and would be split before the 505...so the coils wouldn't be fighting each other.

If not, is it worth my while to source passive home subwoofers? I'd really like to be using the receiver in its full capacity (both banks). But then, depending on what those cost, would the money be better spent on one high-quality conventional sub? Any input is appreciated. These are just random thoughts at this point...

If you are still looking for an amplifier for your passive subwoofers, I have listed some choices in the following. Another option is to buy a used regular 2-channel amplifier and bridge it to get get mono power for your subwoofer. They are pretty cheap on Ebay. I have an old Carver 2-channel amp. I use it to power one of my DIY passive 15" subwoofer. According to the manual, after bridging, it gives me between 1,500 to 2,000 watts of mono power for the 4 ohm subwoofer.

Amplifiers for Powered Subwoofers:
http://www.parts-express.com/webpage...ctGroup_ID=505
http://www.madisound.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=360
http://www.oregondv.com/Subwoofer_Amplifiers.htm
http://www.solen.ca/pub/cms_nf_catal...lvbj0yJmZ0PW5m
http://www.rythmikaudio.com/products2.html

External Amplifiers for Passive Subwoofers:
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=300-380
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=302-601
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=300-812
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/psho...TOKEN=50414889
http://www.amazon.com/AudioSource-AM...0868364&sr=8-1
http://www.amazon.com/Audiosource-AM...8465481&sr=8-5
http://www.amazon.com/Boston-Acousti...8465645&sr=8-4
http://www.amazon.com/TBI-200-su-Sub...8465645&sr=8-5
http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/p...ifiers/swa500/

[crazyBLUE]

1,500 to 2,000 watts

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by crazyBLUE

1,500 to 2,000 watts

Some people call Bob Carver to be Crazy. He is one of us.

Others think he is a genius and way ahead of his time.

[crazyBLUE]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

Some people call Bob Carver to be Crazy. He is one of us.

Others think he is a genius and way ahead of his time.

I believe There was A thread earlier that popped up about XPA-2 & the first thing I thought of is ~ Buy 2 -- Bridge for fronts , XPA-5 on center duty !!

[xneox]

I don't think I would leave the sub behind the mirror with that kind of power.