Subwoofer connection method and amp advice

OverDrive

OverDrive

OverDrive

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Hi guys,

Hoping for some information.

From what I can see, for most 2.1 setups, a powered sub is hooked up to the amp via either the preamp out or speaker level outputs (if the sub supports it).

With both of the above connection methods I can understand that you would then use the sub's low pass filter to set a frequency to match the -6dB low freq. cut-off freq. of the speakers to allow harmonious roll off (this is the recommended method stated in my sub's manual anyway).

However, in the case of the following 2.1 receiver (Yamaha R-N803D) - which does not have preamp out - you could use the dedicated subwoofer RCA type output.

https://uk.yamaha.com/en/products/audio_visual/hifi_components/r-n803d/index.html

My question is - what frequencies are sent to the sub using this dedicated sub connection method and would you still need to use the sub's low pass filter?

A couple of things that I've read online state that these dedicated sub outputs are more the domain of the home theatre system rather than hi-fi, and as such are inferior to preamp or speaker level sub connections. Is this true?

I ask as I really do like the receiver I've linked to above and I now have a new B&W ASW608 - currently hooked up to my amp via the preamp out and working harmoniously - as if it were not even there.

Thanks.
 
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Lucid, thank you for the very informative reply - it was a pleasure to read.

Thank you also for explaining how the YPAO digital processing works. I've done a little more reading about this Yamaha receiver. People seem to be saying generally good things about it, although there have been some reports of difficulty applying a firmware update. It also looks like quite a bit of functionality works via a mobile app. e.g. the ability to fine tune the YPAO configuration etc. This is all well and good, however who knows if it will still be supported in 10yrs time? Whatever I get next I would like to keep for at least 10yrs.

I was wondering if I should go for a dedicated integrated amplifier instead (up to around £500) - something with a DAC, dual optical inputs and preamp out for my sub and then connect a dedicated media streamer via one optical input and my computer via the other? That way in the future I could just update the streamer if needed/as tech changes and keep the amp going.

I was looking at this Yamaha unit: MusicCast NP-S303
https://uk.yamaha.com/en/products/audio_visual/hifi_components/np-s303/index.html

Would this be a better approach?

Thanks.
 
For me the pure quality of the music is the most important thing - I feel a little uncomfortable with automatic digital processing and the risk that some lower frequencies will get thrown away. I don't mind trying different speaker/sub positions and tweaking the crossover to get the sound that I enjoy. I must admit that I am leaning more towards the integrated amplifier with separate streamer route.

My current speakers are B&W 685 S2s with an ASW608 subwoofer. I've been using a Monitor Audio A100 for the last two years now.

I quite like the Yamaha A-S801 integrated amp - available for £600
https://uk.yamaha.com/en/products/audio_visual/hifi_components/a-s801/features.html#product-tabs

It provides more power than I currently need, but as I am planning on keeping it for at least 10yrs - it's good to have the overhead in case I change speakers further down the road.

What do you guys think? Really appreciate your opinions/expertise.

Also, is the streamer I listed above okay - I would like AirPlay (I know it's crappy - but I have Apple Music) and DLNA to play FLAC files from my NAS. I would also hook up my PC to the amp directly via optical. Having internet radio on the streamer is also nice.

Thank you.

EDIT: Just noticed the A-S801 has only 1 optical input and I don't believe it has preamp out.
 
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