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Def Tech 2 Channel Bedroom Setup Assistance

post #1 of 8
12/5/12 at 9:35am
Thread Starter 
Hi everyone - Happy Holidays

Haven't been on AVS in ages; seems like things are getting better and better.

I'm attempting to run a small/ budget 2 channel setup in my bedroom for occasional use. I'm re-purposing a "vintage" set of Definitive Technology Gems for this task. Being small bookshelf speakers, of course they are missing a bit of bottom-end.

My setup is as follows:

"Vintage" Def Tech Gems (on stands)
Apple TV2 (soon to be replaced by a Nettop/ HTPC)
Emotiva XDA-1 - DAC
Emotiva UPA-2 200 Watt Amplifier

I'm not a huge "bass-head" and my music taste run the gamut. Would a Supercube give me the bottom end I need without being too overwhelming? Maybe something from the ProSeries? I've been scouring E-bay and Amazon for deals around the $350 mark

Another potentially silly question, but would staying with the same speaker manufacturer (Def Tech) offer any real benefit?

Thanks everyone for your assistance... as I'm stuck!
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post #2 of 8
12/5/12 at 9:39am
No need to stick with DefTech.

What you should make sure is that you get a sub with dual RCA in-and-out and that has a high-pass filter on the OUTs. That way you can run cables from the DAC/pre to the sub and then from the HPF-outs on the sub to the amp and have proper bass management.
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post #3 of 8
12/5/12 at 9:42am
Thread Starter 
Thanks! Yes, the XDA-1 is connected to the UPA-2 with XLR to RCA cables. This leaves the other unused RCA connectors on the XDA-1 available to connect to a powered subwoofer.
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post #4 of 8
12/5/12 at 9:50am
Quote:
Originally Posted by qjones View Post

Thanks! Yes, the XDA-1 is connected to the UPA-2 with XLR to RCA cables. This leaves the other unused RCA connectors on the XDA-1 available to connect to a powered subwoofer.

You don't want to do that - that way you are sending full range to the amp.

Just connect the DAC to the sub, and then the sub to the amp - that way you get proper bass management (using the HPF in the sub).

The alternative would be to do as you suggest, but add a high-pass filer to the end of the XLR-to-RCA cables. If you go this route, look into Harrison Labs FMODs

http://store.hlabs.com/pk4/store.pl?section=9
Edited by rick240 - 12/5/12 at 10:10am
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post #5 of 8
12/5/12 at 11:37am
Thread Starter 
Thanks Rick, would a Polk PSW10 do the trick?

http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-10-Inch-Monitor-Subwoofer/dp/B0002KVQBA/ref=lh_ni_t

Obviously the price is right, but would it offer the tight, smooth bass that would best suited for music?
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post #6 of 8
12/5/12 at 8:04pm
I wouldn't get the PSW10. It's just not worth it. I would check out the budget subwoofers thread in the subwoofers forum for better options.
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post #7 of 8
12/5/12 at 9:53pm
Also, consider used:

- from craigslist LA:

Velodyne DLS-4000R for $325

Velodyne SPL-1000 for $400

- from Audiogon

Velodyne Impact 10 new for $230 plus ship from CO

PSB Subsonic 5i for $150 plus ship from NY

NHT Model 10 for $110 pickup in Roseville

Just some ideas.

Might find a demo at a local store.
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post #8 of 8
12/6/12 at 3:08pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks everyone.. now for argument sake, would it be possible to stay in my same budget ($350), purchase a nice set of full range speakers and achieve the same fullness I desire? This would not involve the Def Tech gems or a subwoofer....
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