KEF X300A + Sub Advice

[Samwise.Gamgee]

Hi everyone,

I've recently picked up a pair of KEF X300A powered desktop speakers and I'm really enjoying them overall. but I do find they're lacking a bit of sub-bass, especially for electronic music and games.

I'm currently using a JDS Labs Element IV, with the DAC connected directly to my PC via USB.

Since the X300As are powered speakers, I'm a little unsure what the best way is to add a subwoofer into the chain.

Has anyone here done this with the X300As or a similar setup?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Firegod]

Maybes a WiiM Pro Plus might work here?

So go Optical from PC to the Pro Plus. The WiiM now becomes your DAC. Then from that you use the dedicated Sub Out to the LFE input on your new sub. And then the Analogue RCA out to the RCA in on the KEF X300A. The X300A still handles its own internal amplification. This gives you proper bass management which is something the X300A cannot do on its own. That'll allow for things such as adjustable crossover, adjustable sub level, time alignment, EQ and high‑pass filtering for the speakers (if you wanted). And the added bonus of streaming features!

 

[Firegod]

I might be a bit muddled but you get the idea. Might need to read that back to myself

 

[Samwise.Gamgee]

Thnaks for the reply, a few people have mentioned I could use an RCA splitter, do you think that would work?

Addtionaly any subs you can reccomend at the £50 price bracket, will be purchasing used.

 

[Andybtsn]

Have a read of these threads

KEF X300A Subwoofer Output (finally) solved

Greetings, The KEF X300A self-powered speaker system, despite its charms, seems to have been less popular than it could have been for a couple of big reasons: The electronics in many units seem to have suffered - maybe capacitors were under-specified and wore out prematurely. Some have...

www.diyaudio.com

KEF X300A - connecting a subwoofer

Hello! I'm proud owner of a pair of KEF X300A and I would like to add a subwoofer to this setup, specifically a BIC America F-12. I am aware that the KEFs don't have a sub-out. The BIC has a set of high-level (speaker-level) inputs and I was wondering, if I could tie into the KEF's internal...

www.avsforum.com

I have these Kefs too. Never thought about adding a sub as they’re so limited with connections. If you have any success let me know

 

[Samwise.Gamgee]

Have a read of these threads

KEF X300A Subwoofer Output (finally) solved

Greetings, The KEF X300A self-powered speaker system, despite its charms, seems to have been less popular than it could have been for a couple of big reasons: The electronics in many units seem to have suffered - maybe capacitors were under-specified and wore out prematurely. Some have...

www.diyaudio.com

KEF X300A - connecting a subwoofer

Hello! I'm proud owner of a pair of KEF X300A and I would like to add a subwoofer to this setup, specifically a BIC America F-12. I am aware that the KEFs don't have a sub-out. The BIC has a set of high-level (speaker-level) inputs and I was wondering, if I could tie into the KEF's internal...

www.avsforum.com

I have these Kefs too. Never thought about adding a sub as they’re so limited with connections. If you have any success let me know

How do you find the bass on them just out of curiosity? I find the sound quality very good but just a little bit lacking when it comes to bass.

 

[monkentage]

If anyone still has these lively little self-powered speakers, you can now connect to a subwoofer in direct digital glory.

Sent mine back for a warranty repair and I suspect KEF messed it up then pretended they got lost in the post

Good sound, yes bit lacking in bass like any speaker that size. A bit temperamental too.

 

[Andybtsn]

How do you find the bass on them just out of curiosity? I find the sound quality very good but just a little bit lacking when it comes to bass.

Hey, so I sorted the lack of bass. If you're still interested in these, I'll explain my setup

 

[Samwise.Gamgee]

Yes, please that would be great!

 

[Andybtsn]

Yes, please that would be great!

Ok, so via the use of AI, who configured it all pretty much.

PC > Kefs via USB.
PC > Subwoofer via RCA to 3.5mm (to your green input on your pc) Subwoofer of your choice, I went for the 'budget' Wharfedale SW50 as it gets great reviews for the price.

Once you have that plugged in, download voicemeeter and configure A to be your KEF and B to be your Sub.

More info here:


Step 2: Configure Voicemeeter Software

Now we need to tell Windows to duplicate the sound. If you haven't installed Voicemeeter yet, download it from their website, install it, and restart your PC.

1. Change Windows Default Output:
   • Right-click the Speaker Icon on your Windows 11 taskbar (bottom right) and select Sound settings.
   • Change your output device to VoiceMeeter Input (VB-Audio VoiceMeeter VAIO).
2. Open the Voicemeeter App:
   • Go to the top right corner where it says HARDWARE OUT.
   • Click A1 and select WDM: KEF X300A (this routes the pristine digital audio to your speakers) [kef.com].
   • Click A2 and select WDM: Realtek High Definition Audio (or whatever your motherboard's internal sound card is named). This sends the signal to your green port for the subwoofer.
3. Verify Duplication: Look at the middle column titled Virtual Input. Make sure both the A1 and A2 buttons are lit up green.

I can't believe the sound difference to be honest, I've listened to heavy rock/metal music on these speakers for the past decade and have been seriously missing out !!

Let me know if you go down a similar route

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