Combined amp/dab reciever

Soldato
Joined
14 Nov 2012
Posts
17,955
Location
Close to Swindon, but not Swindon
I have a Cambridge Audio X201 which I cannot shift so I'm looking to setup a smaller 2.1 and remove my Edifiers completely, for my PC. I'm after the following:

  • AMP with 2 speaker support
  • With DAB radio
  • Supports a sub
I've had a look around but cannot find anything which I'd be happy to purchase. Looking at no more than £150-£200.

Anyone have any suggestions or anything which may help?
 
All stereo amps support subwoofers. You'll either use the high level outputs, or the low level outputs.
Then adjust crossover on the subwoofer itself.

Some may have a subwoofer out but this is a downmixed L/R to single RCA, which works fine. It'll be full range.

So just make sure the subwoofer you buy has the right type of input to match the output of the amp.

If you want two sets of speaker outputs, I'd make sure you find one with switchable A & B, so you won't be overdriving the amplifier.

Quick search shows
YAMAHA
RS202D


That has no line out for sub, so you'll just pair the L/R speaker outputs, it won't use any power from the amp. So you need a subwoofer with high level inputs.

Try to get a subwoofer with high pass, on the high level inputs. That way you go from Yamaha 202D amp, speaker level output into the subwoofer high level input. High level output from subwoofer into speakers.

Because of a high pass, the speakers receive only 80hz and up, and the subwoofer only plays 80hz and lower, so speakers are not trying to reproduce frequencies they cannot handle. I do something similar myself but on a pre-power, with a high pass crossover between the pre and power amplifiers. But it's the same principle.

edit if you use the line level outputs from the amp to a sub (or indeed a power amplifier) You'll need a amplifier with pre-outs at least L & R, or if the amp has it, subwoofer pre-out.

Pre-outs are volume controlled. The standard line level outputs are fixed at 100% so will be unsuitable for subwoofers, or power amplifiers.
 
Last edited:
I won't be buying a sub as I have the X201 spare and since I cannot sell it (it seems) I'm hoping to use it for a smaller setup. Unless there is a solution where I can keep my Edifiers and still use the sub but the Eds are powered via mains so that may not work, since the amps provide power to the speakers.
 
well if your speakers are active, then you'd want something like that Yamaha minus the amplifier stages. So you want a stereo pre-amplifier receiver. Those come with L/R pre-outs so you'll be set with a regular active subwoofer.
 
"Looking at no more than £150-£200."

And that's the kicker. Somehow I doubt you'll find anything.

I'd look for a older, regular stereo pre-amplifier with two sets of L&R pre-outs, one for your sub, the other for the active speakers.
Then buy an external DAB radio

A second hand Audiolab 8000Q (I have one of these) will suffice, or 8000C just use the pre-outs, then get a DAB radio plug into one of the inputs.
 
Last edited:
hmmm...thanks for your input bud, will have a think about what to do. What about the Onkyo units?
 
This, but you'll need a DAB radio

http://www.uk.onkyo.com/en/products/p-3000r-35301.html
also this

http://www.uk.onkyo.com/en/amplifier-receiver-348.html

That has one set of pre-outs, subwoofer pre-outs, and speaker amplifiers.

Not sure of the price but it's gonna be more than £200 though.

Cheapest would be a second hand stereo pre-amplifier and maybe a android box with radio streaming or something like that, or internet radio (which probably is better for number of stations anyway) unsure of DAB versus network streaming audio quality though if that is important.
 
I'm not against buying new speakers as I'm sure I'd have more luck shifting the Edifiers. My brother may need something as he's moving to his own place so it's not impossible. My main concern is getting something which can power speakers, has a sub out and DAB.

These appear to have what I require
  • Optical In
  • Sub support
  • DAB
https://www.richersounds.com/product/mini-hi-fi/denon/dm41-dab/deno-dm41-blk
https://www.richersounds.com/product/mini-hi-fi/denon/dm41-dab/deno-dm41-blk
https://www.richersounds.com/product/mini-hi-fi/marantz/mcr611-melody-media/mara-mcr611-blk

I can find some speakers no problem
 
Back
Top Bottom