Hi all, could someone explain the best way to connect a pb13ultra to a stereo amp thay does not have lfe inputs .

Hi all, could someone explain the best way to connect a pb13ultra to a stereo amp thay does not have lfe inputs .

Stereo amp as in separate pre-amp and power amp, integrated amp, or receiver?

Haven't seen anyone ask this before. Now I see that the PB13U does not have speaker level inputs/outputs.

Guess it's time to update your receiver.

When someone uses an outboard amp with a factory car stereo, don't they have to use a high-low converter to convert the factory stereo's speaker level output to line level so that it can be fed to the amp. I think I've seen such converters at Partsexpress for HT. Of course, whatever distortion was in the high level is still there when it's converted to low level.

I'd go with a new receiver. That sub deserves it.

The line level converter/DI box may well be a workaround. But, we don't know that until the OP clarifies what is meant by a "stereo amp".

If it's separate components, the sub could be connected between the preamp and power amp. If it's an integrated amp or receiver, there could be pre-out/main in jacks and connected in similar manner.

Thanks for reply guys sorry for not been specific. the amp is a Mf A5 integrated wich is powering the fronts in 5.1 along with a arcam avr for centre and rears and sub . but i would like to use the A5 and the fronts in 2.1also. how do i do this not having sub out on the A5.

You can use the Musical Fidelity A5's Pre-Outs connected to the sub's Line Level inputs. This is a full range output, so you will have to use the PB13's crossover for the LP filter. But read on.

Why not use the sub out on the Arcam? I assume you are taking the main L/R discreet pre outputs to the MF. Then the A5 speaker outputs to the mains. It will take some time getting all the volume controls set properly, but this will still give you a .1 channel in 2.1 and 5.1

If anyone else has any ideas, here is the A5 manual (http://www.musicalfidelity.com/manuals/a5/a5int_eng.pdf)and an Arcam manual (http://www.arcam.co.uk/archive/handbooks/avr100.pdf).

I will fix the Arcam link if you tell me the model.

Ransac you are a star, i have the arcam F&L pre outs going into HT direct in the A5 . and will be connecting the sub to the sub out on the arcam . i was wondering if i could use the A5 pre outs into the sub would this not allow me to use them indipendently from the arcam model avr 100. cheers

Ransac you are a star, i have the arcam F&L pre outs going into HT direct in the A5 . i was wondering if i could use the A5 pre outs into the sub would this not allow me to use them indipendently from the arcam.Do you have other components connected directly to the A5?

Yes i have a cd . arcam into ht direct on A5, and two front mains. i would like to avoid swopping cables over going from 2.1 to 5.1

Yes i have a cd . arcam into ht direct on A5, and two front mains.Sorry for so many questions, but I have to get this all correct. You have The L/R main output (RCA out) from the Arcam going to the HT in (which bypasses the volume control) on the A5. You also have a CD player connected to the CD in on the A5. Then you have your L/R main speakers connected to the A5 speaker binging post outputs. And you have your satellite speakers connected to the Arcam's binding post outputs for those channels and all your other components connected to the Arcam.

You want to connect the sub in such a way that it gets input from the A5 when you are playing either a DVD (connected to the Arcam) and when you are playing a CD (connected to the A5).

Right so far?

What Arcam model do you have?

Hi all, could someone explain the best way to connect a pb13ultra to a stereo amp thay does not have lfe inputs .
I know that the thread has moved on, but what you mean is "connect a stereo amp that does not have LFE outputs to a pb13ultra"?

Yes randy you are spot on, if you can help me out on this i would very much apreciate it as im getting abit confused by itall. arcam model avr100

Here are your options as I see them:

1) Keep your current connections with the surround and center channel speakers connected to the AVR and the fronts connected via the pre outs to the A5 HT in then use the A5 L/R speaker outs. The DVD and other components connected to the AVR and the CD connected to the A5. Then connect the sub's Line Level inputs to the A5's pre outs.

What I don't know is, will the A5 direct the HT input to both the speaker outs and the pre outs. Another problem with this is the sub (pre outs) use the volume control on the A5 and the HT inputs bypass this. For playing CDs, this will be fine as you can use the A5 volume control for the mains and sub. You would use the sub's gain to balance the sub to the mains.

2) Connect the CD player to the AVR. Connect either the left or right low level input on the sub to the sub out on the AVR.
Now you are using the bass management of the AVR to send low freq to the sub and all other channels will be discreet signals above the crossover. The problem here is you may have to turn off the surrounds when you want to play 2.1

3) Don't use the A5. Connect everything in the traditional manner. This won't get you the higher power to the mains.

I know this is confusing, but you are trying to set up an unusual system. So just keep asking questions and we will get through this.

Randy i cannot thankyou enough for your input on this if it wasnt for me being in yorkshire uk i would be over there to buy you a drink.however i have been in contact with Ed at svs, another very helpfull chap as now got it sorted. basicaly for anyone following this in the same boat as me is to just add a y splitter to one of the sub inputs take both rca outs from the A5 into y, then the arcam into the spare sub input. hope this works. again thanks Randy.

I still believe there is going to be something very wrong with that set up or at least extremely difficult to calibrate.

My wife is putting me to work, painting the living room, so I will explain my thoughts later.

If you read this, Ed, can you explain your thoughts on how this configuration will work?